Nightwork

April 29, 1996
Unsettling insights and beautifully stylized prose propel Schutt's impressive first book, a story collection. The writing is spare and the stories brief, creating an effect more akin to the compression of prose poetry than to conventional minimalist fiction. Many of Schutt's tales, such as "You Drive," focus on family relationships, interactions that are either latently or overtly erotic. In some stories--notably "Stephen, Michael, Patrick, John" and "Good Night, Sweetheart"--Schutt's obliqueness of manner is needlessly obscure. But for the most part, edgy atmosphere and descriptive beauty compensate for a lack of clear plot and conventional characterization. In the most powerful story, "Religion," Schutt writes of a group of children who have been rescued from an abusive cult. Also noteworthy is "Metropolis," about a conversation between a teacher and a student's mother. The author excels at painting corrosive images of corrupted innocence and at evoking a seething, sexualized violence that looms underneath the often mundane surface of her stories. Though some may find Schutt's style impenetrable and her subject matter uncomfortable, those looking for fine writing and acute observation will find much to admire here.

May 1, 1996
In Schutt's first collection of short stories, complex relationships between husband and wife, father and daughter are sensually and sometimes shockingly depicted. For instance, in one story a mother teaches her son how to kiss. These stories take a haunting look at what relationships work and do not work and what men and women are striving to obtain. The landscapes may be familiar, but the unthinkable sometimes happens. Recommended for sophisticated readers.--Vicki J. Cecil, Hartford City P.L., Ind.

May 1, 1996
%% This is a multi-book review. SEE the title "The Stupefaction" for next imprint and review text. %% ((Reviewed May 1, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)