'I’m fascinated by the passage of time,’ says Curtis Sittenfeld, speaking of the theme at the heart of Show Don’t Tell, her new short story collection. Over 12 stories, the best-selling author of American Wife and Prep explores situations both politically on point and relatably banal, primarily from the perspective of midlife female protagonists.
‘I feel the collection as a whole is engaging with the current cultural and political moment and grappling with questions about friendship, marriage, human connection and ageing – and how we talk about women and ageing,’ says Sittenfeld.
In The Patron Saints Of Middle Age, three friends reconnect after a funeral and contemplate their past and present relationships; in White Women LOL, a white, middle class mother goes viral after challenging a group of Black guests at her friend’s birthday party, incorrectly believing them to be gatecrashers; and Lost But Not Forgotten is a sequel, revisiting Lee from coming-of-age novel Prep at her 30-year school reunion.
The latter was something Sittenfeld approached carefully, due to the fandom around her 2005 debut. ‘Years ago, I floated the idea with my editor of writing an entire sequel and she said, “You might want to leave it alone because people have a veryparticular relationship with that book.”’
However, public demand and her own interest led Sittenfeld to write the followup as a short story. (An entire novel holds greater risk of displeasing people, she says.) ‘The central question people ask is: Lee was so insecure and neurotic when she was at boarding school, was she that way because that’s who she is as a person forever, or was she that way because she was a teenager? I have always said, “You get to decide!” but I decided to tip the scales and say she’s probably more angsty and insecure than average but she does grow up into a stable, productive adult.’
Elsewhere in the collection, there are references to Mike Pence and a Jeff Bezos figure, but it’s the meditations on getting older that shine through: women looking back on their life choices at the point where the consequences have played out.
Take Follow Up. Ostensibly it’s about a mammogram, but while waiting for her appointment, Janie reminisces about the week she slept with two different men, one of whom became her husband. ‘In the moment, she thinks, “Do these men have an equal role in my life?”’ says Sittenfeld. ‘But there’s so much you don’t know in the moment that time later reveals to you.’
Grazia's Book Club gives its verdict
‘Exquisitely written and a joy to read – Sittenfeld’s talent for observing everyday interactions is truly beautiful.’ Aisha
‘The way Sittenfeld can draw a full character in just a few lines is amazing.’ Kate
‘I'm not usually one for short stories but the power of her writing drew me in. I was completely absorbed by the many different lives and relationships she depicted.’ Lauren
By Curtis Sittenfeld
