Fly Already

Etgar Keret author Jessica Cohen translator Sondra Silverston translator Miriam Shlesinger translator Nathan Englander translator Yardenne Greenspan translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Granta Books

Published:1st Oct '20

Should be back in stock very soon

Fly Already cover

This collection features 22 short stories that blend absurdity with emotional depth, exploring themes of loneliness, desire, and despair through sharp humor and insightful commentary on life's peculiarities. Fly Already captures the essence of the human experience.

Fly Already, the winner of the 2018 Sapir Prize, is a captivating collection of 22 short stories that delve into the absurdities and emotional depths of modern life. Through a blend of humor and poignancy, the author explores the lengths to which people will go to fulfill their desires, whether it’s bribing someone for drugs, purchasing friendships, or seeking solace in the company of others. Each story presents a unique scenario that reflects the complexities of human experience, often revealing painful truths beneath the surface of absurdity.

The narratives are marked by a sharp wit and an insightful commentary on the human condition. The characters, often flawed and searching for meaning, engage in bizarre yet relatable situations that highlight their struggles and aspirations. The author masterfully balances humor with gravity, allowing readers to laugh while also contemplating the deeper implications of the characters’ actions. This juxtaposition creates a rich tapestry of emotions, making the stories both entertaining and thought-provoking.

With its blend of the familiar and the fantastical, Fly Already resonates with readers who appreciate a nuanced exploration of life’s challenges. The author’s ability to capture the essence of despair, love, and the absurdity of existence has drawn comparisons to literary giants like Kafka and Seinfeld. This collection is not only a testament to the complexities of human relationships but also a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life’s chaos.

I am in awe of Keret's ability to simultaneously make me laugh while crying, explore the joy and horror of every day life with precision, brevity and great psychological depth. His recognition of and engagement with the absurd is profound and he never loses his humanity, his heart long the way -- AM Homes
Brilliantly edgy, unsettling, Kafkaesque and often very funny -- Joyce Carol Oates
A reminder that writing can be accessible, creative, intelligent, transgressive, challenging, funny - and popular - all at the same -- Graeme Simsion
Reading Fly Already is like settling down for a ride in a luxurious car with a world-class driver who has an extremely crazy worldview that doesn't interfere with his amazing driving. Is there any better way to see the world? -- Elif Batuman

ISBN: 9781783780518

Dimensions: 197mm x 127mm x 10mm

Weight: 158g

224 pages