Warnings From the Future: Stories

by Ethan Chatagnier

In ten provocative stories, Ethan Chatagnier presents us with characters in crisis, people grappling with their own and others’ darkness as they search for glimmers to carry them through difficult times, untenable tasks, uncertain futures. The collection explores with unflinching eloquence the quandaries of conscience posed by the present, but also plunges us into a startlingly prescient “what if?” world, exploring in both realms questions concerning the value of perseverance, art, hope, and heart.

Genres: Short Stories

152 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2018

Reviews

[Jeatherhane Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Short Stories

Warnings From the Future by Ethan Chatagnier
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I have been trying to read more short stories. I really love the form, and most of the collections and anthologies I have been reading lately have been excellent.

This collection is no exception. First of all, I knew going in that I loved Ethan Chatagnier’s writing style. His novel, Singer Distance, is one of my favourite books. The title had me expecting futuristic fiction, but most of the stories and characters are grounded in troubling reality. In these stories, I found the enticing characters I love, dealing with personal predicaments in unexpected ways. I love being surprised.

I love how varied these stories are. They are urgent and unsettling, each one presenting completely different characters and situations. I was sorry to reach the end. I hope we get more stories from Chatagnier soon.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable collection..I dare you to read just one. I was more than halfway through this book of stories before I realized the time. There is an addictive quality to Chatagnier’s work; the strong narrative pull, the accuracy of the match of character and voice, and the suspense inherent in the varying circumstances are a combination hard to resist. And as someone born and raised in California I admire not only the way the landscapes were portrayed (which was spot on) but the skill
with which they became a pivotal part of the story. I highly recommend this collection.

[Tory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow. Sedate. Each character is calmly, pensively moving through their story, and the reader slows down to match the speed of unfolding. Thoughtful; introspective; solemnly observant.
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The last paragraph of the last story absolutely killed me. Five fucking stars. "But now I could see that he was so defeated because he had seen the future. He had seen the future long ago, and now it was here."

[Micah Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep, heartfelt, and complicated stories about art, work, and wishing you were better than you are. Chatagnier's characters feel well-worn, wise, and heavy with regret. Standouts include "Every Face in the Crowd," "Coyote," and "Smaller Tragedies." Full review to come in MayDay Magazine.