Wild Failure: Stories By Zoe Whittall

Wild Failure is a stunning debut collection of ten compelling short stories from bestselling author Zoe Whittall, celebrated for her feminist and queer perspectives. Each story is a vivid exploration of complex human emotions, examining the intricate web of shame, desire, attachment, and disconnection that binds Whittall's characters as they navigate life’s many challenges.

In “Oh, El,” a dominant woman struggles with the urge to manipulate the tender affections of her co-worker, leading to a tense and emotionally charged dynamic. The title story, “Wild Failure,” delves into the doomed romance between an agoraphobic individual and a wilderness hiker, a relationship fraught with the tension between isolation and connection. “Half-Pipe” captures the chaotic aftermath of a teen girl’s ambivalence toward her heterosexuality, culminating in turmoil at a skate park. In the darkly humorous “Murder at the Elm Street Collective House,” a group of idealistic roommates unwittingly become the focus of a true crime podcast, while “The Sex Castle Lunch Buffet” sees a woman reflecting on her brief time working at a nineties strip club after learning of the death of a former client.

Whittall’s Wild Failure is marked by her sharp wit, perceptive humor, and deep understanding of human nature. These stories are both dynamic and poetic, offering a powerful commentary on the meaning of desire in a world that often devalues femininity and queerness. Each tale is a testament to Whittall’s talent for crafting intimate, thought-provoking narratives that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. 📚❤️