Description
Contemporary West Coast Stories brings together the work of twenty distinguished American fiction writers: Joyce Carol Oates, Tobias Wolff, Robert Stone, Amy Tan, and many others. Set predominantly in California, these stories present a series of cinematic images that collectively frame the western fringe of our nation-its vistas, voices, and values.
Written by authors either born in, educated in, or transplanted to the West Coast, many reflect the impact of uniquely West Coast phenomena. The influence of Hollywood, for example, and obsession with stardom can be seen in John L'Heureux's "Brief Lives in California" and, with a poignant twist, in Amy Tan's "Two Kinds."
The events and culture of the sixties make their way into others, such as Richard Ford's "Fireworks," Marly Swick's "Camelot," and Robert Stone's "Aquarius Obscured."
Still others, such as Tobias Wolff's "The Other Miller," study universal themes within a West Coast context. Throughout them all the West Coast landscape becomes not only a stunning backdrop but often an extension of the inner lives of the characters.
Haunting and memorable, Contemporary West Coast Stories will charm all lovers of fine contemporary fiction and offer a glimpse into the heart and mind of America's West Coast.
