Mannequin and Wife: Stories

The debut story collection by Jen Fawkes, "Mannequin and Wife," explores borderlands, comedy, tragedy, psychological realism, magical realism, and the mundane and marvelous, featuring a flock of stenographers, a strong woman, a taxidermist, an Elephant Girl, a fairy, and a married couple. The stories examine the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of entanglements with those we love and loathe.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 210 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2020
\n Publisher: Louisiana State University Press
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In her debut story collection, Mannequin and Wife, Jen Fawkes weaves a tapestry of sharp and imaginative tales that effortlessly traverse the borderlands, navigating comedy and tragedy, psychological and magical realism, the mundane and the marvelous. Within these captivating narratives, readers will encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a flock of stenographers, the strongest woman alive, a taxidermist with anger issues, an Elephant Girl, a fairy on her lunch break, and a married couple who reside with a department store mannequin. Meanwhile, in another realm, an American actor assumes the identity of a code-breaking Britisher during World War II. A mother awaiting her son's return uncovers his personal ad seeking the services of a cannibal, causing her to fear the worst. A criminal mastermind's protégé plots the destruction of Mount Rushmore from within an extinct volcano. A man purchases a drive-in theater and transforms it into a carnival sideshow. And an attorney grapples with the ethical dilemma of leaving someone his deceased client's heart.

Fawkes' award-winning stories delve into the complexities of human relationships, exploring the startling complications that arise from our entanglements with those we loathe and those we love. Through her vivid prose and intricate storytelling, Fawkes invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the familiar transforms into something entirely new. Mannequin and Wife is a testament to Fawkes' talent as a writer, showcasing her ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots that leave a lasting impact.

\n Weight: 280g\n
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780807173916\n \n