Brad Watson Book order

This collection showcases Brad Watson's remarkable storytelling, blending humor with poignant realism. The selection features both published and unpublished works that reveal the complexity of human experience. Readers will encounter a range of emotions through Watson's unique style, characterized by a "freakish flair" and a deep sense of melancholy. Each story offers surprising insights into life, awakening a sense of connection and reflection. Joy Williams highlights the author's ability to capture the essence of our existence in a compelling and profound way.

The acclaimed author of Last Days of the Dog-Men and The Heaven of Mercury brings to life a forgotten woman and a lost world in a strange and bittersweet pastoral; a life of quiet nobility and dignity lived against the background of the American century. For readers of Lori Lansens' The Girls, Fannie Flagg's Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café and Robert Seethaler's A Whole Life.

Set in Mercury, Mississippi, the narrative follows Finus Bates, whose lifelong love for Birdie Wells is marked by a series of tumultuous events, including poker games and a mysterious poisoning. As Finus navigates his feelings, the story explores the town's transformation and the eccentric characters that inhabit it, such as the enigmatic medicine woman Vish and the undertaker Parnell. Brad Watson's writing combines humor and insight, capturing both the complexities of love and the evolution of a small town.