Girl Country: and Other Stories

Girl Country is a collection of short stories that explore the intersection of the mundane and the magical, featuring women with teeth who are wild and alive. The stories range from medieval Belgium to the near-future of the American Midwest.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Dzanc Books

Winner of the prestigious Dzanc Short Story Collection Prize, Girl Country is a captivating collection of stories that explore the lives of women in a variety of settings and circumstances. The stories are set in different time periods, from medieval Belgium to the near-future of the American Midwest, and feature a diverse range of characters, including mothers, monsters, mermaids, milkmaids, nuns, and bus drivers.

The central theme of the collection is the intersection of the mundane and the magical, and how women navigate this space in their lives. The stories are filled with vivid imagery and rich descriptions, and the characters are complex and relatable, with their own struggles and triumphs.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "Girl Country," which tells the story of a near-future farmer battling environmental crises who takes in a mysterious girl he finds on the roadside. The girl is a powerful and enigmatic figure, with a tragic past that haunts her. As the farmer struggles to care for the girl and protect her from the dangers of the outside world, he begins to question his own beliefs and values.

Another notable story is "Bus Driver," which follows a bus driver as she navigates through treacherous weather and memories of her tragic past as she races to save children from the end of the world. The driver is a strong and determined woman, who has faced many challenges in her life but never gives up. She is determined to do whatever it takes to protect the children she drives, even if it means risking her own life.

"Birth Mother" is a story that explores the theme of motherhood and family. The main character is a woman who keeps giving birth to children from different time periods, each with their own unique challenges and struggles. The woman struggles with her own identity and sense of purpose as she tries to navigate the complexities of her relationships with her children and her own past.

"Wild Child" is a story that confronts the theme of motherhood and family in a more unconventional way. The main character is a woman who struggles with her young daughter mysteriously transforming into something wild and unruly, confronting themes of motherhood and family in a way that is both dark and humorous.

Overall, Girl Country is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of stories that showcase the strength and resilience of women in a variety of settings and circumstances. The stories are filled with vivid imagery, rich descriptions, and complex characters, and offer a unique perspective on the intersection of the mundane and the magical. Whether you are a fan of short fiction or are simply looking for a compelling and engaging read, Girl Country is a must-read.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781950539765