Burner: And Other Stories

by Katrina Denza

172 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina Denza’s debut collection, Burner and Other Stories, is a powerful and moving portrait of relationships—warts, harsh words, divorce, and all. You’ll probably recognize these characters as your neighbors, friends, or family, going through the challenges of estrangement, loss, and disappointment. As we all must, they find ways to cope and learn that life goes on. In a spare, compact style that has a knife’s edge, Denza has given us a wonderful assemblage of stories that expose the complex underbelly of daily life.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denza's compelling short stories delve into the messy relationships between lovers, parents, and exes. From using burner phones to taking selfies and making art, the characters strive to be truly seen in a world where women--particularly older women--are often invisible, and too often abused. The protagonists are haunted by mistakes and broken relationships, but are determined to move forward with clarity and on their own terms. Each story is beautifully written and satisfying, with insights into power, control, and connection, both online and off. Denza is a compassionate and skillful writer. Burner is moving and hard to put down. Highly recommend!

[Joanna Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a smart, wonderful story collection