Michael Perry is one of my favorite writers. He consistently charms and challenges me by writing about small town life. He does a fine job telling how people live together and how that lights up American life.
Not news. If you like his other work, you’ll like this. If you don’t know, have a look at Mr. Perry’s tale-spinning neighbor and tribulations with traffic laws.
Recommended.
I hadn’t noticed that Robin Sloan also wrote Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Book Store as well. Sourdough feels very much of the same world. Like Penumbra, it’s steeped in Silicon Valley culture and somewhat more enamored of it than I am. Sloan also puts an almost magical realism patina over it as well. The story is as much a fable or fairy tale about fitting in and finding yourself as anything else.
The crotchety part of me wants to dismiss Sourdough as half-baked and unbelievable, but honestly Sloan’s writing is so charming that my crotchety self just gave up fighting about it. I’ll resist any bread and baking metaphors and leave you to enjoy.
Recommended.