First published 2021
In this debut collection, vulnerable characters wander through moments where ordinary life overwhelms them. A man faces the weight of his deceptions. A woman confronts unexpected violence. Another character struggles with indecision that paralyzes his relationships. Each story captures people at their breaking points, where small joys and deep sorrows collide. The characters share a common fragility as they search within themselves for meaning. When discouragement and fear take hold, their inner journeys become more urgent. Dubus presents both delicate and harsh realities, showing how everyday experiences can devastate or uplift. These individuals carry their vulnerabilities like wounds, yet they continue moving forward. The stories reveal how shadows and light coexist in human experience, suggesting that despite life's darkness, the possibility of illumination remains. Through their struggles with love, betrayal, and survival, these characters embody the universal human condition of seeking connection while battling isolation.
Genres: short-stories, literary-fiction, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: character-driven, slice-of-life
304 pages · Paperback · Gallo Nero
Content warnings: depression