Updated Review 02/28/19

3.5/5

Before delving into Lost in the City, I had never perused any works by Edward P. Jones. However, as per GoodReads, his literary contributions are rather renowned. Eager to be astounded by a "new" author, I procured a copy of his most lauded collection from the library.

Lost in the City is a compilation of short stories, all set within Washington D.C.'s historically black neighborhoods. The preponderance of the stories spotlight the voices of women and frequently delve into themes such as faith, domestic abuse, drugs, and the cadence of the city itself.

Among the collection, my favorite stories were "The Store," "Young Lions," "Lost in the City," and "His Mother's House." Although I relished the collection, I couldn't help but feel that most, if not all, of the stories had disappointingly lackluster endings that left me yearning for more.

3.5 rounded up. Full review forthcoming soon to www.exploring-self.com

I'd read a few Edward P. Jones stories before, for various classes. However, this was the first full book of his that I delved into.

It consists of 14 stories, all set in D.C. Interestingly, the stories unfold more or less chronologically, starting from the youngest character in the book to the oldest. Some characters even make reappearances, and this trend continues in his most recent story collection, All Aunt Hagar's Children.

Jones is indeed widely renowned for his novel, The Known World, and All Aunt Hagar's Children. But I, for one, found Lost in the City to be truly exceptional. In a remarkable feat, Jones manages to compress what feels like the essence of full-length novels into stories that are just 20 or 10 pages long.

If I had to single out a favorite, it would be The Store. But if you're looking for just a brief taste of his masterful writing, I highly recommend checking out The First Day, which, I believe, is available online and is only 5 pages. The opening line, \\"...long before I learned to be ashamed of my mother,\\" is one of my all-time favorites. The way he commences and concludes each story is not only unique but also executed with such finesse that it gives the impression that he holds a secret that short story writers have been tirelessly pursuing for ages.

This is truly a wonderful work, and I'm eagerly anticipating reading more of his creations.

These stories are truly remarkable, as good as contemporary short fiction can be.

Jones has an extraordinary talent for delving into the lives of his displaced tragic characters with an unmatched depth of feeling.

It is truly a breath of fresh air to encounter a narrative that doesn't distance itself from its characters, unlike much of today's postmodern literature.

His plots are so engaging that you can't help but be drawn in. He never overpowers the story with heavy-handed themes, allowing the narrative to flow naturally.

His stories, on their own, offer unique insights into the human condition. In my opinion, they do so in a way that narratives disguised as theory simply cannot.

Jones' work is a testament to the power of storytelling and his ability to create characters and plots that resonate with readers on a deep level.

It is a pleasure to read his stories and discover the hidden truths and emotions that lie within.

Overall, his work is a valuable addition to the world of contemporary short fiction.

A Terrific Collection of Short Stories

This is a truly remarkable collection of short stories that delves into the lives of ordinary citizens residing in our nation's capital. As Jones vividly describes in his introduction, the book draws inspiration from James Joyce's renowned "Dubliners," which incidentally is one of my all-time favorite literary works. The characters presented here are almost entirely African American and are fictional. However, Jones's astute attention to detail and his perfect ear for dialogue make each and every one of them feel completely real and alive. This is the Washington, DC that remains hidden from the news headlines. In fact, it is a far more captivating and engaging place than the Washington we are accustomed to hearing about. It offers a unique perspective on the city, uncovering the hidden stories and experiences of its diverse inhabitants.