Tom Spanbauer is a novelist who explores themes of race, sexual identity, and how we forge families to overcome the limitations of those into which we are born. His distinctive style marries fresh, lyrical prose with solid storytelling. As a teacher, his innovative approach blends close attention to language with a generous openness to the 'sore place' within each of us—the source for stories only we can tell. The writing community that has formed around him champions the idea that "Fiction is the lie that tells the truth truer."
Completely multilingual internationally focused magazine of fiction, poems, essays, reasoned rants, journalism, cartoons/comics, & photography. Of course, Portland, Oregon based. Each piece appears in 2 to 5 languages, incl. cartoons/comics. This issue features work from US, Danish, Morrocan, Spanish, Albanian, Lithuanian, Iranian, Russian, Austrian & Argentine writers.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s New York, the narrative follows Will Parker, a shy young man grappling with his stutter and sexuality. As he escapes his small-town roots, Will discovers a community that embraces his uniqueness and embarks on a passionate relationship with Rose, a striking drag queen. Amidst the burgeoning AIDS crisis and a violent park riot, Will's journey of self-discovery culminates in a powerful climax that profoundly impacts both him and the reader, exploring themes of love, identity, and resilience.
The story follows Shed, a half-Indian bisexual boy living in Excellent, Idaho, at the turn of the century, where he works at the town's brothel, the Indian Head Hotel. As he navigates life with his eccentric coworkers, Shed grapples with his identity and the meaning of his Indian name, Duivichi-un-Dua, given by his murdered mother. His journey across the plains leads to encounters with remarkable characters and a deeper understanding of his heritage, culminating in a return home that brings painful revelations and wisdom.