Tense, dark, and thought-provoking; a gripping exploration of blurred realities and fractured identities.
In his latest collection, Perone plunges readers into disquieting worlds where the lines between reality, identity, and absurdity blur in unexpected ways. The collection opens with “The Electric God,” in which a small town becomes increasingly obsessed with television, leading to societal decline. “How to Save a Drowning Butterfly” presents a person facing the fragility of life in a bleak, hostile world. In “Paper Language,” a writer spirals into obsession over a cryptic note, exploring the maddening depths of creative inspiration. “Investigating the Future’s End” is a chilling sci-fi tale that delves into the twisted psyche of a man haunted by a gunshot wound and forced to navigate a fractured and dangerous world. “The Shovel” centers on an isolated character finding hope in an unlikely bond with an inanimate object, while “School Spirit” takes readers through a surreal, darkly humorous high school experience, confronting alienation and identity crises. Perone’s characters grasp for meaning in chaotic worlds. His use of stream-of-consciousness heightens their disorienting journeys, while dark humor provides a balance of levity and gravity. This collection confronts the madness of modern existence with wit and heart, leaving readers unsettled—and hungry for more.
Pub date October 14, 2024
Wheatmark
ISBN 979-8887472232
Price $12.95 (USD)