{"product_id":"ideas-of-heaven-9781838956639","title":"Ideas of Heaven","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eIdeas of Heaven is a collection of short stories by Joan Silber that explore longings, sex, and religion, and how they can be parallel forms of dedication and comfort. Set in modern-day America, France, Renaissance Italy, and Boxer Rebellion China, the stories are about the ways in which sex and religion can become parallel forms of dedication and comfort. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 256 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 01 September 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Atlantic Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIdeas of Heaven is a collection of short stories set in modern-day America, France, Renaissance Italy, and Boxer Rebellion China. The stories span entire lifetimes, reminiscent of the works of Alice Munro and William Trevor. Joan Silber skillfully weaves one story into the next, as a minor element in one story becomes a significant element in the next, until the final story is convincingly linked to the first. The stories are intense in subject matter yet restrained in tone, exploring longings that often persist for years and the ways in which sex and religion can serve as parallel forms of dedication and comfort.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe collection showcases Joan Silber's extraordinary deftness as she delves into the themes of love, faith, and sex with great originality and depth. The stories take readers on a journey through different cultures and time periods, offering a nuanced and captivating perspective on human experiences.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom a wannabe dancer in contemporary New York City to missionaries in China, the characters in Ideas of Heaven are diverse and relatable. Silber's portrayal of their struggles, hopes, and desires is authentic and heartfelt, allowing readers to connect with them on a personal level.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stories also explore the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial. Silber examines the power of love, the challenges of faith, and the role of sex in shaping individuals and societies. She raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of happiness, the meaning of life, and the search for fulfillment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIdeas of Heaven is a testament to Joan Silber's talent as a writer. Her prose is elegant and evocative, and her storytelling is masterful. The collection offers a rich and rewarding reading experience, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the human condition and the complexities of the world we live in.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, Ideas of Heaven is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted short stories that explore the depths of the human experience. Joan Silber's exceptional writing and insightful storytelling make this collection a treasure that will captivate readers for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 228g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 273 x 167 x 21 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781838956639\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEdition number\u003c\/strong\u003e: Main\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joan Silber","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44093712302330,"sku":"9781838956639","price":7.31,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1662159801390_book.jpg?v=1662313722","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/ideas-of-heaven-9781838956639","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}