Justine McNulty: A first collection of stories, Battleborn presents us with a compelling new voice, and over the course of the book, its author, Clare Vaye Watkins, displays a deft handling and understanding of, not only prose, but narrative. I appreciated the way the first story plays with the idea of “beginnings,” the way it nods to “truth” yet fictionalizes it, manipulates it into something literarily dazzling. This story and others break down the conventions to make each piece seem innovative and story itself, in some way, limitless. Although often the frames Watkins chooses are not novel in themselves, the way she positions and pulls narrative from these structures feels fresh.
When I read, I enjoy picking out an author’s obsessions. For Watkins, Las Vegas, pregnancy, depression, suicide, sisters, sex, and parents are all very prevalent, albeit reimagined in captivating ways.
What’s more, the prose is deft and engaging. Watkins does not shy away from the sentimental, tackling of big issues again and again. There is much one can take from these stories, including the notion that you can do what you want with your narratives—as long as you can get away with it.
