Contrary: Stories and a Play by Laury A Egan
Blurb:
An eclectic mix of twenty-one stories and a two-act play, the collection includes comedic tales as well as some dark dives into human psychology. The settings span America, Britain, and Greece, and the characters range from young/old, rich/poor, and straight/gay, with a contrary beagle making a star turn as does a ghost or two. The conclusion, Duet, is an intimate drama featuring a therapist and a woman who is dealing with the aftermath of a plane crash and ensuing disability. Stylistically diverse, the work spans literary and genre fiction.
“I have long considered Laury A. Egan a master of the short story. This collection sets that view in concrete. Bravo!”—T.D. Johnston, author of Reciprocity and Friday Afternoon and Other Stories
Contrary is a vivid portrayal of the human condition in its many varied forms. Through a series of short stories and one play, author Laury A. Egan provides empathetic, thought-provoking commentary on class, gender, sexuality, age, abuse, and disability. At the heart of each difference, an Other-ing from the mainstream. By spotlighting the diversity of the Other, Contrary contradictorily leaves the reader with a feeling of togetherness and the hope for a brighter future.”—Jennica Dotson, author of “A Reaper’s Folly”
“I have long considered Laury A. Egan a master of the short story. This collection sets that view in concrete. Bravo!”—T.D. Johnston, author of Reciprocity and Friday Afternoon and Other Stories
Contrary is a vivid portrayal of the human condition in its many varied forms. Through a series of short stories and one play, author Laury A. Egan provides empathetic, thought-provoking commentary on class, gender, sexuality, age, abuse, and disability. At the heart of each difference, an Other-ing from the mainstream. By spotlighting the diversity of the Other, Contrary contradictorily leaves the reader with a feeling of togetherness and the hope for a brighter future.”—Jennica Dotson, author of “A Reaper’s Folly”
Meet the Author:
Photo by Vicki DeVico
Laury A. Egan is the author of fourteen books of fiction: Jack & I; The Black Leopard’s Kiss & The Writer Remembers; The Psychologist’s Shadow; The Firefly; Once, Upon an Island; Wave in D Minor; Doublecrossed; Turnabout; The Swimmer; The Ungodly Hour; A Bittersweet Tale; Fabulous! An Opera Buffa; The Outcast Oracle; and Jenny Kidd, with two titles forthcoming in 2025: Fair Haven and a new story/play collection, Contrary. Her stories have been collected in Fog and Other Stories, and her short fiction and poems have appeared in 85 literary journals and in multiple anthologies. Two full-length poetry volumes, Snow, Shadow, a Stranger and Beneath the Lion’s Paw, were issued in limited edition, as were two chapbooks, Presence & Absence and The Sea & Beyond. Laury is also a fine arts photographer, a former book designer, and a reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey.
Connect with the Author:
My Review:
Contrary is a collection of diverse short stories from author, Laury A. Egan. There are over twenty stories and a play in this collection. With the exception of the play, the stories are no more than eight, nine pages long, which I found easy to read the whole book on a busy schedule. Within this thought provoking collection, I found drama, curiosity, emotions, and intrigue. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Five stars is what I believe Contrary deserves. I believe fans of short stories, dramas, and plays will enjoy it, as well. I would love to read more collections like this one from Laury A. Egan in the future. I thought her talent really shines through in this one.
I received a digital copy of Laury A Egan's Contrary from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Five stars is what I believe Contrary deserves. I believe fans of short stories, dramas, and plays will enjoy it, as well. I would love to read more collections like this one from Laury A. Egan in the future. I thought her talent really shines through in this one.
I received a digital copy of Laury A Egan's Contrary from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
This does sound like an interesting read. I definitely appreciate the inclusion of all types of characters. As a disabled person, in a wheelchair, the inclusion of characters who are different is nice to see.
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