Richard Bausch Book order

From the prize-winning fiction writer Richard Bausch ("A master of the novel as well as the story . . . Effortlessly engaging" --Sven Birkerts, The New York Times), a sharp, affecting, masterly new novel about a close-knit theater community in Memphis and one turbulent, transformative production of King Lear. As renovations begin at the Shakespeare Theater of Memphis, life for the core members of the company seems to be falling into disarray. Their trusted director has just retired, and theater manager Thaddeus Deerforth--staring down forty and sensing a rift growing slowly between himself and his wife, Gina--dreads the arrival of an imperious, inscrutable visiting director. Claudette, struggling to make ends meet as an actor and destabilized by family troubles, is getting frequent calls from her ex-boyfriend--and also the narcissistic, lecherous television actor who has been recruited to play King Lear in their fall production. Also invited to the cast is Malcolm Ruark, a disgraced TV anchor muddling through the fallout of a scandal involving his underaged niece--and suddenly in an even more precarious situation when the same niece, now eighteen, is cast to play Cordelia. As tensions onstage and off build toward a breaking point, the bonds among the intimately drawn characters are put to extraordinary tests--and the fate of the theater itself may even be on the line. Deftly weaving together the points of view of Thaddeus, Claudette, and Malcolm, and utterly original in its incorporation of Shakespeare's timeless drama, Playhouse is an unforgettable story of men and women, human frailty, art, and redemption--a work of inimitable imaginative prowess by one of our most renowned storytellers

In stories by turns suspenseful, comic, subtle, and profound, Richard Bausch probes the fault lines of daily life. At three in the morning a man tries not to wake his sleeping wife while fielding calls from his suicidal mistress. A successful real estate agent with two grown sons tries an online dating service on a whim and is surprised by the complicated result. And after being held up at gunpoint, a police officer commiserates with his assailant about their unhappy marriages. Wherever he casts his gaze, Bausch illuminates shades of human experience that defy understanding.

When Natasha meets Michael Faulk, an Episcopalian priest struggling with his faith, the stars seem to align. A month before their wedding, Natasha is vacationing in Jamaica and Faulk is in New York when the terrorist attacks of September 11 shatter the innocence of the nation. Alone in a state of abject terror and convinced that Faulk is dead, Natasha endures a private trauma of her own: she is raped by a young man on the shores of the Caribbean. A few days later, she and Faulk are reunited, but the horror of that day, and Natasha's inability to speak of it, irrevocably create a schism in their relationship, between 'before' and 'after'.

Lily Austin's journey into the life of 19th-century explorer Mary Kingsley reveals a shared adventurous spirit. Initially aware of Kingsley's groundbreaking travels as the first white woman in central Africa, Lily's fascination deepens as she uncovers the complexities of Mary’s character and experiences. This exploration not only highlights Kingsley’s historical significance but also resonates with Lily's own aspirations and identity.

Celebrating the artistry of Richard Bausch, this collection features forty-two short stories that showcase his remarkable range and versatility. The narratives, which blend tenderness with raw emotion and humor, include seven stories published for the first time. Bausch's ability to capture diverse voices and experiences places him alongside literary greats like John Cheever and Flannery O'Connor, affirming his status as a master of the short story.

Exploring themes of estrangement and the complexities of relationships, this collection of eleven stories delves into the fragile nature of love among family, friends, and lovers. Richard Bausch's masterful storytelling combines grace and wit, revealing unexpected glimmers of hope amidst the challenges of human connections. His acclaimed style and insightful observations affirm his reputation as a prominent figure in contemporary literature.

Three American soldiers set out on the gruelling ascent of a perilous Italian mountainside in the murky closing days of the Second World War. Haunted by their sergeant's cold-blooded murder of a young girl, and with only an old man of uncertain loyalties as their guide, they truge on in a state of barely suppressed terror and confusion.

Exploring themes of family and memory, Richard Bausch's debut collection showcases his poetic prowess alongside prose reflections. The poems touch on various subjects, particularly his relationships, with a poignant tribute to his sister in "Barbara (1943--1974)." Complementing the poetry are two prose pieces that offer candid, affectionate insights into his childhood and family dynamics. Through these works, Bausch contemplates the enduring sense of belonging he derives from his family, aiming to impart these values to his own children amidst a turbulent world.

The story revolves around Will Butterfield, who faces a shocking crisis when his 75-year-old mother, Holly, drunkenly threatens to jump off the roof. This dramatic scenario highlights the complexities of their relationship and the challenges of dealing with an aging parent struggling with alcoholism. As Will navigates this alarming situation, themes of family dynamics, love, and the struggles of caring for a parent emerge, creating a poignant exploration of responsibility and resilience.

This collection of novellas masterfully intertwines themes of heartbreak and hope, offering readers a poignant exploration of the human experience. Each story delves into emotional depths, presenting characters and situations that resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impact. The narrative style is engaging, ensuring that readers are both moved and uplifted by the compelling tales within.