Russell Banks' American Spirits Short-Story Collection

SOURCE npr.org
American Spirits is a new short-story collection by Russell Banks, inspired by gossip he heard living in Keene, New York. The stories are set in a fictional small town in upstate New York, focusing on the struggles of the locals and their interactions with developers and summer visitors. The characters find some solace in politics, and the collection explores themes of frustration, powerlessness, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

Key Points

  • Stories set in a fictional small town in upstate New York
  • Focus on struggles of locals and their interactions with developers and summer visitors
  • Themes of frustration, powerlessness, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor
  • Exploration of how politics provide some comfort to the characters

Pros

  • Intimate portrayal of small-town life and struggles
  • Exploration of political themes and human values
  • Inspired by real-life stories and gossip

Cons

  • May not appeal to readers looking for light or uplifting content