In the Mouth: Stories and Novellas (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Eileen Pollack, Milt Rothstein, Grand Marquis (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Delicate webs of family relationships, intimacies, and secrets are spun in this impressive, forthright collection of four stories and two novellas. In the poignant "The Bris" (included in *The Best American Short Stories,*2007), Marcus is conflicted yet nonetheless determined to fulfill his dying father's startling request while struggling with religious and personal repercussions. In "The Safe," earnest Sharon assists her father with his final yard sale as she attempts to accept his vacancy as opposed to her intense fervor for her infant son. "Milt and Moose" follows dentist Milt Rothstein on his last day at work before he and his beloved wife move to a Florida retirement community. Milt returns in the striking novella "Beached in Boca," which delves into the unwieldy relationship with his restless daughter, Wendy, who comes to care for her now-widowed father at the onset of his unexpected illness, as both address the ramifications of their life choices. Pollack's unabashedly honest narratives bravely reveal the resolve of individuals that is hidden beneath the cloak of familial myth and mortality. -- Leah Strauss Booklist (April 1, 2008)--

Product Description

"...an American talent..."--Stephen King

Pollack writes about times of tragedy and transition insightfully, aware of their everyday quality and of their gravity. In the Mouth is a window onto the amazing tenderness and irrationality of human life.

One story, "The Bris," has been selected for The Best American Short-Stories 2008 (Edited by Stephen King and Heidi Pitlor).

"Eileen Pollock writes with great acuity, humor, and intelligent resign-ation about the various ways family love is called upon and revealed. This book is terrific company."--Lorrie Moore

"These are funny, rueful, wise stories, steeped in absurdity, pain, possibility --the work of a writer who has lived."--Gish Jen

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 275 pages
• Publisher: Four Way (April 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884800823
• ISBN-13: 978-1884800825
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #760,403 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic collection of stories, April 20, 2008

By	D'Anne Witkowski (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

Eileen Pollack's newest collection of stories is very good. She's an excellent story-teller and a fine writer to boot. In the Mouth includes "The Bris" which was included in the Best American Short Stories 2007 collection edited by Stephen King. It's a fantastic story. My other favorite here is "Milk." This book is recommended if you are interested in dentists, fathers, penises, retirees, hospitals, Florida, Jews, Yiddish, babies, tortoiseshell glasses, motherhood, or just really good, well-crafted prose.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After reading THE BRIS...., June 24, 2008

By	J. KNIGHT "discerning reader" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

God bless Stephen King for including THE BRIS in the Best American Short Stories. Pollack writes with the precision of Hemingway and the wisdom of Chekhov, and she mixes the honey of humor with the bitter herbs of experience. This is a major talent waiting to be discovered.