We have been following Eilish Quin articles for a while. When her debut novel was delivered we fought over who would read it first. Quin does not disappoint. Her version of mythology’s MADEA is highly technical writing, almost academic in the early pages, but Quin warms up to her story and it binds you to the page. Madea herself is one of the most polarizing figures in literature. She dismembers her brother and puts him back together through sorcery, although not without some complications. She then attempts to do the same with her children with disastrous results. Quin takes this horrific story and is able to give Madea a human voice. You do not exactly cheer for her, but she is not so hated anymore either. It is a delicate dance of storytelling and Eilish Quin wins the day. We eagerly away her follow-up novel: ALL THE BEASTLY AND HOLY THINGS, available Fall of 2025.

Jess Donoho does not profess to be an educated writer, but he does claim, with mock arrogance, to be a brilliant storyteller. We must agree. Each of his three previous titles are randomly different in their approach and execuition. From horror to science fiction, he unloads his imagination on the page with terrific results.

The Sorciére is a work of semi-historical fiction involving a young girl growing up in 1700’s Louisiana. Daughter to naturopathic healers, and student of an escaped Haitian slave and priest of Vodou, she invokes the Iwa spirits of Vodou to assist in her healing work. As spirits are won’t to do, they eventually possess her fully and she walks the line between healer and malevolent spirit. She embodies both benevolence and fierce retribution. As a self-published title with no editor, proof reader, agent or publisher, Donoho spins a yarn that is completely entertaining, and almost humorous in his typos and grammatical errors, but you forgive them all because the story is enthralling and entertaining. Sorciére is Donohos fourth self-published title. We await his fifth in the Fall “THE EXECUTIONER”.

How do you follow up your Pulitzer Prize for fiction? This collection of literary fiction essays on authority dig deep into issues that must be discussed, in a context that is easily digested and profoundly readable. To say Long Chu has a sense of wit and irony is an understatement. To be on the receiving end of her words is a lesson in polite punishment. She attacks authority with their own words, actions and deeds. She fillets open the belly of authority with the experienced hand of an aged fishmonger, spilling the guts without wasting the meat. Raise a glass to Andrea Long Chu and this masterwork of fiction essays.