If I Die in Ohio

by Seth Borgen

"If I Die in Ohio" is a collection of short stories from the mind and pen of Seth Borgen, a New American Fiction prize winner.
Lori Ostlund, a New American Fiction Prize judge states: "The stories in 'If I Die in Ohio' are, as the title suggests, about desire and its strange bedfellow, regret. Seth Borgen's gift is his ability to deliver surprise, both through his impressive range of premises...from a restless man who falls for his ice sculptor neighbor to a religious woman discovering the pleasures of sex and smoking pot...and through the depth and nuance with which he taps emotion. This collection is every single thing I hope for in stories: expansive yet incisive, compassionate, and beautifully written. Seth Borgen is an exceptional storyteller."

Genres: Short Stories

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this collection of twelve short stories is the first glimpse of an up-and-coming young author, Seth Borgen, and what promises to be the first of many works reminiscent (to me anyway) of James Joyce. In Borgen's densely packed prose he examines what it means to be human. Oh, not your everyday, 'everything-ends-well' type human, but the somewhat darker side of human frailty and regret.

In 'I Really Can't Say' an overly quirky, insecure Dick Bettencourt befriends (in an odd sort of way) an unhappy neighbor, Turvy (as in Topsy Turvy), who is dealing with an unhappy marriage by ice sculpting. In a telling exchange she says: "You said I like blocks of ice more than people. That's not true. I try to make them more than what they are, but that's never enough. Each time the living world pulls me back, it's not enough all over again."

In 'The Old Man, The Man, and The Young Man' and 'Peter in Chains' Borgen examines the sacrifices and priorities of life that often cause pain and regret...choices have consequences. Hope lies with recognition and empathy for others' experiences and priorities.

Relationships, failed and otherwise are beautifully laid bare in 'Where Are You in Relation to Me' and 'Astro Pig', with the former examining a man's memories of past loves while silently suffering in a failed life and marriage. The latter, looking at the trials of commitment.

Finally, with 'Such Beautiful Places' we read an all-too-familiar story of a sadly dysfunctional family, living in the desperate times in the Akron of 1919. We all know too well how the story will end, but the 'getting there' is what Borgen does best.

Recommended. I look forward to more extended works from this talented author.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this collection! Here is the intro to my interview with author Seth Borgen: "The stories of Seth Borgen’s debut collection "If I Die in Ohio" (New American Press, 2019), winner of the 2017 New American Press Fiction Prize, are stretched with strands of humor and sadness that surprise, that leap about, leaving the reader laughing, sighing, nearly crying, and then laughing all over again. One moment J.D. Salinger—humor edged with something quirky, unsettling, even tragic—and the next moment Eudora Welty—precision and sleight of hand balanced with a situation of unease, all lakeside on a summer’s day—the writing calls out and creates compassion and understanding. It becomes clear that no one else but this author could’ve written these characters, assigned their different measures of vulnerability and daring and kindness and confusion, as well as their circumstances. There are stylistic notes here that might recall previous writers, but in the writing they have shifted into a new narrative approach, one that is distinctive and bold. Endings become beginnings; men who have nothing in common have everything in common; borders crossed lead to a love that was there all along; the realization that what is feared lost was lost long ago. With this collection come stories that beckon and tease, that persuade and enlighten. To read them is to be astonished." - from "Love, Word Games, The Danger of the Flame: An Interview with Seth Borgen," by Karin Cecile Davidson. Spring 2019 Issue, Newfound Journal. https://newfound.org/current-issue/in...

[Robert Morgan Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Seth beat my collection, Cabaret Nation, out for the New America Fiction Prize. He deserved it. This book is nothing less than a stunning debut. I highly recommend.

[Christina Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark realism. I am fascinated by how each short story so fully captures so many emotions and so much of the characters. Excellent writing.

[Tom Bennitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection: these stories are compelling, honest, and original. (And so is the author.) Go get this book!

[Ehmbee Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I Die in Ohio has the feel of a book that literary students will be studying a hundred years from now. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves short stories.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm an Ohio native, so anytime I see a book referencing Ohio I immediately pick it up. This sometimes makes for a poor reading experience, but that was not the case here!

Seth Borgen's writing grabs you immediately and does not let go. It's easy but complex, and I didn't have to go back to reread a sentence because I was lost. Each story was unique and didn't make an attempt to piggy-back off the other. Likewise I felt like the characters were unique; I hate when short stories have the same character structure.

Looks like this is his first published work. I would definitely read more from him.

[Peter Trivelas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a fun and easy read, it's on my list to read again. I'll be able to give a deeper review once I do.

The stories seem ordinary on the surface, but Seth's attitude and choice of words walk the reader through situations uncommon.