The Barnum Museum - Steve Millhauser
I was in the bookstore yesterday enjoying my last day before work, when I happened upon several books by Steven Millhauser, A name that had popped up on a friend's TBR list and intrigued me since his stories often have fantastical elements. He has won numerous awards including a Pulitzer, although sadly from the availability of his work on Amazon, I take it that he is not as widely read as he should be.
While in the bookstore, I managed to read a short story of his from his collection titled: The Barnum Museum. The story takes place around a game table in the midst of a game of Clue. Somehow within the breadth of a few pages, Steven Millhauser manages to take you into the people that surround the table exploring fears and desires, and the definitions of a family. At the same time, Millhauser breathes life into the game of Clue, which itself becomes populated with real characters and their own individual sets of motivations and desires. As the game progresses, and the the characters of Clue wander through the mansion trying to find a murderer or maybe themselves, so does our understanding of those who sit around the table.
I was so enchanted with the story that I have ordered The Barnum Museum online, and will be going to the bookstore after work to pick up another collection titled, Little Kingdoms. If you're a fan of Kelly Link, be sure to check him out!
(*Update* - Just found out that The Illusionist was based on a short story of his.)
7 comments:
You are so right about Millhauser, woefully under-read -- and he's such a delight. Once you make your way through The Barnum Museum, do check out Martin Dressler...excellent.
Definitely Callie, thanks for the recommendation!
If you haven't checked out Kelly Link, I'd highly recommend it. When I first picked up Steven Millhauser's work, I was reminded of hers.
Thanks for the great recommendation! I look forward to finding some of his books (hopefully at the library).
Also, enjoy the Poe. I was surprised at which stories stayed with me...
Definitely Carrie, the book makes me feel as if I'm rediscovering Poe--- so many stories that I've missed in high school, and others that now make a much deeper impression.
I love your blog btw, I see you've read a lot of authors that I've been meaning to try, so I can't wait to peruse your site and get recommendations =).
Same goes for yours Callie, beautiful blog!
Hello I'd like to congratulate you for such a terrific made site!
Just thought this would be a nice way to make my first post!
Sincerely,
Johnie Maverick
if you're ever bored check out my site!
[url=http://www.partyopedia.com/articles/tinkerbell-party-supplies.html]tinkerbell Party Supplies[/url].
Hey I'd like to thank you for such a great quality site!
Just thought this would be a perfect way to introduce myself!
We believe the only way compile capital it is usually a sensible plan to start a savings or investing procedure as early in life as achievable. But don't fear if you have not thought of saving your assets until later on in life. With hard work, that is consulting the best investment vehicles for your assets you can slowly but surely increase your growth so that it amounts to a sizable sum by the time you hope to retire. Review all of the achievable asset classes from stocks to real estate as investments for your money. A knowledgeable and diversified portfolio of investments in a wide range of asset classes will make your money increase throughout the years.
-Ashlee Markgraf
[url=http://urwealthy.com]currency exchange rates[/url]
top [url=http://www.001casino.com/]online casino[/url] hinder the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]casino bonus[/url] free no store reward at the leading [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]casino
[/url].
Post a Comment