Intimacies

Kevin Barry's Intimacies is a collection of short stories that explore the lives of young women trying to find their place in the world, including the winner of the 2021 BBC National Short Story Award. The stories are precise and beautifully controlled, but with strange, wild energies pulsing beneath the surface. They offer keenly felt and subtly revealing insights into the heartbreak and hope of modern life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Kevin Barry's collection of short stories, "Intimacies," is a masterful exploration of the lives of young women navigating their way through the complexities of modern life. With precise and beautifully controlled prose, Barry delves into the depths of their emotions, desires, and struggles, revealing the strange, wild energies pulsing just beneath the surface.

The stories in "Intimacies" are a tapestry of experiences, ranging from a Belfast student ordering illegal drugs online to end an unwanted pregnancy to a young mother's brush with mortality. Each story is carefully crafted, with intricate details and vivid characters that bring the reader into the heart of the protagonist's world.

What sets "Intimacies" apart is Barry's ability to capture the nuances of human relationships. He explores the complexities of love, loss, and exile, as well as the challenges of starting over and living away from home. Through his characters, Barry offers keenly felt and subtly revealing insights into the heartbreak and hope of modern life.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "Night Boat to Tangier," which follows a young woman named Sarah as she embarks on a journey to escape her troubled past. The story is filled with suspense and tension, as Sarah navigates the dangerous waters of illegal drug trade and the emotional toll it takes on her. Barry's portrayal of Sarah's character is nuanced and complex, showing her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Another notable story is "The Lost Girl," which explores the relationship between a young mother and her daughter. The story is tender and heartbreaking, as the mother struggles to find her place in the world after the loss of her husband. Barry's portrayal of the mother's emotional journey is deeply moving, and the reader is left with a sense of empathy and understanding for her struggles.

"Intimacies" also includes a series of vignettes that offer glimpses into the lives of other women who could be considered guiding lights for the protagonists. These women include Monica Lewinsky, Caroline Norton, and Sinead O Connor, each of whom has faced their own challenges and triumphs in the public eye. Barry's portrayal of these women is nuanced and respectful, showing their complexity and humanity.

Overall, "Intimacies" is a tremendous collection of short stories that showcases Kevin Barry's exceptional talent as a writer. With its precise and beautifully controlled prose, vivid characters, and keen insights into the human experience, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves fiction that delves into the depths of the human heart.

In conclusion, "Intimacies" by Kevin Barry is a masterful exploration of the lives of young women navigating their way through the complexities of modern life. With precise and beautifully controlled prose, Barry delves into the depths of their emotions, desires, and struggles, revealing the strange, wild energies pulsing just beneath the surface. Through his characters, Barry offers keenly felt and subtly revealing insights into the heartbreak and hope of modern life. "Night Boat to Tangier," "The Lost Girl," and the vignettes featuring other women who could be guiding lights for the protagonists are standout stories that showcase Barry's exceptional talent as a writer. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves fiction that delves into the depths of the human heart.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 137 x 216 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571353743
Edition number: Main