Lydia Steptoe Stories: Faber Stories

Faber Stories is a landmark series of individual volumes that presents masters of the short story form at work in a range of genres and styles. Djuna Barnes' stories explore gender and desire, making the fictional Lydia Steptoe seem like a writer for our time. The collection brings together past, present, and future in its ninetieth year, celebrating collectable work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2019
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Faber Stories is a landmark series of individual volumes that showcases the mastery of the short story form across a diverse range of genres and styles. These captivating tales, penned by Djuna Barnes under the pseudonym Lydia Steptoe, delve into the realms of sexuality and awakening, accompanied by a blend of suspense, violence, and worldly innuendo.

In the first story, titled "A Virago," a fourteen-year-old girl embarks on a journey to become a self-sufficient and independent woman, driven by her desire to break free from societal expectations. However, her plans are intercepted when her mother disguises herself as her male lover to thwart her first tryst. This unexpected twist adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the narrative.

Similarly, in the second story, "A Boy in the Forest," a boy of the same age is lured into a secluded forest by his father's mistress. The encounter sets off a series of events that challenge his perception of gender roles and sexuality. The boy's journey of self-discovery is fraught with tension and suspense, as he grapples with his newfound desires and the consequences of his actions.

In the third story, "A Woman of Forty," a woman of forty falls deeply in love with a young man, reigniting her passion and desire. However, her overwhelming longing for the youth she once thought she wanted becomes unbearable when he returns. The woman's internal conflict and her struggle to reconcile her past and present are vividly portrayed, as she confronts the complexities of gender, desire, and self-identity.

Through her character of Lydia Steptoe, Barnes explores the fluidity of gender and desire, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. She creates a fictional persona that feels contemporary and relevant, resonating with readers of our time. Faber Stories brings together past, present, and future in its ninetieth year, serving as a celebratory compendium of collectable work. Each story in this series is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of human experiences.

Weight: 46g
Dimension: 114 x 159 x 4 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571352470
Edition number: Main