Loving Wanda Beaver: Novella and Stories

by Alison Baker

Three-time O. Henry Award-winner Alison Baker offers six dazzling, quirky stories and a novella in this highly acclaimed collection, now available in paperback. Hilarious, poignant, and wise, Loving Wanda Beaver is an entertaining and satisfying read from a tremendously talented writer.

Genres: Short Stories

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Leigh Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sublime novella and wonderful short stories. Alison Baker's book is one of my favourites this year and one I'll be going back to whenever I need a reminder of how to write short form.

Her descriptions of nature, relationships (between people, animals, the land) and the quiet, important minutiae of everyday life are spectacular.

Highly recommended.

[Jordan Dozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming little slices of life. For a book published in the mid-nineties I was surprised to find how well it handled issues like queerness, mental health, active shooters, and lack of connection. Just a tender, open hearted book. I will say I found the final novella to be well written and structured but so so boring.

[Ilze · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm. It is silly to read a book because of the title. "Wanda" eaten by an eager "Beaver" is a metaphor not many readers of this review will understand. I ended up reading merely the first story of this anthology, after which I lost interest. Trying to find out what Wanda loved was enough for me because I could identify with that unanswered longing.

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as energetic as How I Came West and Why I Stayed. Convocation is a fantastic story with a strong ending, and Almost Home carries the necessary authoritative voice for a novella, and great turn in character. Get your hands on those two.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A carpet of birdsong covered the dark desert floor, and a thin rim of light showed at the horizon."

This woman sure knows in what order to put words. This is probably the most lyrical example, but her sharp eye and emotional sensitivity draw us immediately into these off beat stories.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whereas it says right on the front that it is a novella and stories I just couldn't get into it. Which was the novella, which were just stories? Whereas I could see some really vague and minor themes throughout it was a challenge and it felt like a mish-mash. Couldn't wait to be done. :/

[Shanley · Rating 1 out of 5]

You want to like it... can't beat the title... but just disappointing.