Eley Williams’ latest collection of short stories, “Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good,” delves into the intricacies of human perception and the power of language. In each story, characters are drawn into strange and puzzling situations that force them to confront the limitations of their own understanding.
From a courtroom artist who sees her date’s features in a defendant, to a woman who becomes obsessed with a doppelganger reflected in a restaurant window, Williams presents a series of vignettes that explore the ways in which individuals interact with their surroundings and the people around them.
Through a focus on subjective experiences and the power of words and symbols, Williams creates a discombobulating and thought-provoking reading experience. Characters grapple with esoteric words, regional sayings, and legal phrases as they seek to bring order to a chaotic world. Yet, certainty remains elusive, with each story ending on a note of ambiguity and mystery.
In the titular story, Williams meditates on the inadequacy of language to express emotional truths, using the shipping forecast as a metaphor for the ways in which words can both connect and fail to capture the depths of human experience.
“Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good” is a collection that challenges readers to question their assumptions and embrace the ambiguities of life. Williams’ lyrical writing style and intricate storytelling make this book a compelling and thought-provoking read for fans of literary fiction.
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