Fiction – Short Stories
Released May 5, 2015
271 Pages
Bottom Line: Read it.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Source: eGalley provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Headline
Beneath the Bonfire is the first short story collection I’ve ever liked, let alone loved. It’s reminiscent of Shotgun Lovesongs, Butler’s debut novel (and one of my favorite books of last year), and is one of my favorite books of the year so far.
Plot Summary
A collection of short stories set in rural Wisconsin, many of which focus on the bond of old friends.
Major Themes
Life in the rural Midwest, the bond of old friends, male friendship, somewhat innocent trouble making, real life hardship (i.e. alcoholism, infidelity, PTSD, etc)
What I Liked Loved
- The stories all had a similar feel, which enabled them to hang together without an obvious central theme. They were comforting with a layer of darkness running through them and clever elements of surprise.
- If you read Shotgun Lovesongs, you know that Butler treats Wisconsin as a character and this was on display again here. As Rory from Fourth Street Review eloquently put it, “what Stephen King does for Maine, Nickolas Butler does for Wisconsin.” And, I’d add what Pat Conroy does for South Carolina. Butler included quirky Wisconsin activities (i.e. night scuba diving in a frozen lake and foraging for morel mushrooms) that gave Beneath the Bonfire charm and a particular personality.
- When I’ve tried short story collections in the past, I generally had trouble getting invested in the characters…maybe because they just don’t stick around long enough. But, I had no problem with that here. The majority of Butler’s stories felt complete and were just the right length to allow me to get emotionally invested.
- Beneath the Bonfire showcases the same gorgeous writing that carried Shotgun Lovesongs. Butler very well might be on his way to becoming one of my “I’ll read anything he/she writes” authors.
What I Didn’t Like
- The second story, Rainwater, was somewhat blah for me. It was much shorter than the others and nothing much happened. It also focused on a grandfather and his grandson, which was a bit of a departure from the feel of the other stories.
A Defining Quote
They didn’t talk much to each other, too much time between them to bother filling, and it was okay because it was enough simply not to be alone.
Fascinating Fact
According to www.morelmushroomhunting.com, Midwest yellow and grey morels sell for $15 a pound. No wonder the guys in Butler’s “Morels” story were spending their time in the woods looking for these things!
Good for People Who Like…
Short stories OR want to try short stories for the first time, gorgeous writing, places as characters, stories about friendship
Other Books You May Like
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Wise Men by Stuart Nadler
My only question is whether to read Shotgun Lovesongs first or jump right in here…
Hmmm….It was nice to have the deep background about Wisconsin from Shotgun Lovesongs, but I definitely don’t think it’s necessary. Regardless, both books do have very similar feels. I would say there is a bit more action in Beneath the Bonfire…Shotgun Lovesongs was a quieter book.
I’m going to pick this one up. I don’t read a lot of short storries, and since I liked Shotgun Lovesongs, looks like this might work for me.
I was in the exact spot you’re in before I picked this up, so I maybe it’ll work for you too 🙂
I loved Shotgun Lovesongs to AND I’m a short story junkie (always have one going simultaneously with a novel) so this is a must read for me. If you’re ever in the mood for more short stories, one of my hands down favorites is the not well known Stay Up With Me by Tom Barbash. Outstanding! Very good character development. Also loved Runaway and Hateship, Loveship, Friendship, Marriage both by Alice Munro! It’s great to be a reader!!!
Oooh – this is definitely the book for you then! Thanks for the recs – I’m adding them to my list!
I’m definitely going to have to read this one; I’ve had some really good experiences with short stories lately, so I’ll have no problem jumping right in! I’m so glad that “interesting” authors are exploring this writing genre, not just the novel, and I hope this trend continues. Thanks for a great review and recommendation, Sarah!
Definitely give this one a shot! And, now that I’ve had a good short story experience, I might give The Wonder Garden a try!
This one sounds like a must read. I’m glad you loved it, Sarah.
I’m glad you really liked this one Sarah. 🙂 it seems like a good read. 🙂
I loved, loved, loved Shotgun Lovesongs and am a big fan of Butler. I can’t wait to read this one and you’re right – the location is as much a character as the characters themselves!
I feel like he hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves! Can’t wait to see what he does next!
I’m not a fan of short stories either but this one sounds interesting. I love the setting and I always appreciate books that deal with real issues.