Kerry Langan's stories capture those fleeting moments when a
child experiences a revelation about the adult world, often a disturbing
portent. She is equally fascinated with childhood experiences that haunt adults
and become more significant with the passing of time. Although her characters
and settings are highly realistic and often humorous, Langan reveals how pain
distorts one's world, how lives can be tenuously held together by secrets and
memories. Her characters are not allowed to suffer delusions; they learn hard,
undeniable truths about themselves. Where others would look away, Langan does
not flinch.
These
are wonderful, heartfelt stories - clear-eyed, masterful, and engaging in every
detail. Kerry Langan knows the magic of empathy and of smart storytelling, and
I know she will fill you with gratitude, as she did me, for the care and grace
she has brought to this beautiful work.
Joe David
Bellamy, former
member of National Book Critic Circle Board of Directors, author of Suzie
Sinzinnati.
With delicate brushstrokes,
Kerry Langan paints fine miniaturist portraits of a variety of young, likeable
protagonists, all of whom yearn to be seen, heard, and understood as they
experience the revelations of maturity and the joy and fragility of life. Kerry
Langan's Only Beautiful is sometimes humorous, sometimes bittersweet, and
always seductive in the best sense of the word. Hers is a new and original
voice, and Wising Up Press has done us all a great favor by publishing her
lovely and insightful debut collection. Janice Eidus, author of The War of the
Rosens, Urban Bliss, The Celibacy Club, and
Vito Loves Geraldine.
