Morphologies: Short Story Writers on Short Story Writers
Edited by Ra Page
[Comma Press]
Ra Page introduces this collection of essays by suggesting a number of hypothetical models and functions explaining the short story, before effectively dismissing his analysis as all ‘a bit of fun.’ The essays that follow generally focus less on technical analysis of the story form and more on the fun, making for a truly enjoyable read. Written by short story writers about short story writers, these essays are subjective and often personal, and convey the genuine admiration of the contributors for their respective subjects. Indeed, literary theory is rarely as inviting to read as Morphologies. If theory regularly applies a scientific approach to an art, the contributors here, by contrast, carefully consider and celebrate the works that inspire them.
Ali Smith writes eloquently of James Joyce, and Toby Litt of Franz Kafka, while Jane Rogers reflects on the “surprisingly little-known” stories of Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Frank Cottrell Boyce’s piece on Chekhov, in particular, is a treat, almost equal parts essay and story. The book’s greatest achievement lies in encouraging readers to explore the consistently underappreciated genre of the short story. Usefully, each essay ends with a list of ten essential stories by the writer in question, an excellent introduction for readers unfamiliar with any of the writers. Morphologies showcases an array of classic and contemporary writers who warrant further reading.
Words: Anna-Grace Scullion
