Story collection from award-winning author William Burtch.
From northern Appalachia to deserts of the West. Authentic rural noir. Gritty short stories dealing with addiction, family dysfunction and the animal world with authenticity, and even glimpses of humor. Works that strive to narrow the culture gulf in a country needing bridges and deeper understanding. The work of William Burtch is very much in the vein of writers such as Breece DJ Pancake, Denis Johnson, Brad Watson, William Gay, Ron Rash and David Joy.
Publisher: Catamount Press (Sunbury Press imprint) ISBN: 979-8-88819-306-8
Distributor: Ingram
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How important is the rural setting of these short stories as the backdrop for the kinds of lives the characters live?
- Is there a story where you sensed the setting determined the character’s life path?
- What was a challenging part of the book for you to read?
- What character, human or animal, elicited an emotional response from you? And, why?
- Reviewers have labeled this collection as “strongly emotional, nostalgic, heartbreaking, and oftentimes hilarious.” Did you find hilarity?
- Do certain stories reflect upon social issues we see today?
- What surprised you most about these stories?
- Why do you think the author named his collection, Otherwise Wretched?
- Do you believe there is hope for a better life in any of the characters?
- What hard truths about aging emerge in the story Seasons of Chico?
- Why do you think Helena left Jakesy and her life to take off with Ludek?
- What do you think the stories show about alcohol and chemical dependency?
- If you could ask the author one question, what would you ask?
- What deficits of character do you see in J.B. that were not present in his son, Axel?
- Do you have a favorite story?
- If you were casting a movie, who would you choose to play which characters?
- Do you have a favorite poem or short story from the collection?
- If you have read other books rooted in rural or isolated settings how does this collection contrast in its characters?
