The Best American Short Stories 2003

 

This anthology of stories was edited by Walter Moseley who wrote the introduction.  The lineup is full of well known authors.  Contributors include Nicole Krauss, Adam Haslett, Louise Erdrich, Anthony Doerr, E. L. Doctorow, Edwidge Danticat, Dan Chaon, Kevin Brockemeier and Dorothy Allison.  Lesser known authors include Rand Richards Cooper, Ryan Harty, Mary Yukari Waters, Susan Straight, Mona Simpson, Jess Row, Emily Ishem Roboteau, Sharon Pomerantz, Marilene Phipps, Dean Paschal and ZZ Packer.

The story that struck me the most was 'Compassion' by Dorothy Allison.  It is the story of a woman dying and her two daughters who are with her in the hospital.  Also there is the woman's husband, who spent the girl's childhood abusing them and the mother while drinking.  Now he is sober but the girls can't forgive him.  They also need to get him to sign the Do Not Resuscitate order but can barely bring themselves to speak to him.  It is a real slice of life story and one that many families face daily.

I love these anthologies.  The stories are chosen from those printed in American and Canadian magazines.  It's interesting to see what those who are authors consider the best stories and each is different enough that the readers' interest never flags.  This book is recommended for literary fiction readers.