The Baby Can Sing and Other Stories

This collection of stories explores the lives of ordinary individuals seeking passion and connection, showcasing Judith Slater's unique storytelling style in The Baby Can Sing and Other Stories.

Selected by Stuart Dybek as the 1998 Winner of the Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction, The Baby Can Sing and Other Stories presents a unique perspective on everyday life. Judith Slater's writing captures the essence of ordinary people grappling with the complexities of passion and loneliness. Through her prose, she invites readers into the intimate moments of her characters' lives, revealing their desires and struggles in a world that often feels mundane.

In The Baby Can Sing and Other Stories, readers meet a diverse array of characters, each navigating their own challenges. From a floral clerk dreaming of ballet stardom to a photographer grappling with his feelings at an ex-girlfriend's wedding, Slater's characters are relatable and vivid. They are all searching for connection and meaning, highlighting the subtle beauty that can be found in the simplest of moments.

Slater's storytelling is both poignant and lyrical, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. The stories explore themes of possibility, transcendence, and the magic that lies beneath the surface of everyday experiences. With each tale, The Baby Can Sing and Other Stories encourages us to look closer at our own lives and recognize the extraordinary within the ordinary.