Book Review: The Path of Totality by Marie Zhuikov

I'm fortunate that Marie is a member of my writer's group, because I can learn SO MUCH about the short story form from her. Although I read earlier versions of these stories while they were in-process, I very much enjoyed reading the collection as a whole. These stories, with their unifying themes of "the power of appearances to deceive and captivate," are in lovely conversation with one another. And although each story can stand alone, the reader is rewarded for reading the complete collection by seeing various threads come together in the final story, "Invisible Connections."

Although the stories are short, they are multilayered. Zhuikov makes every word count in creating instantly relatable characters who find the mundane moments of their lives infused with mysticism. And if that sounds a little too woo-woo to you, don't worry -- Zhuikov is a science writer who shows her rigorous understanding of her subject matter in detailed dialogue about research studies and descriptions of quarantine protocol written years before COVID. Like the best speculative fiction, Zhuikov uses reality as a jumping off point for the magic that makes life worth living.

I would be remiss in reviewing a short story collection if I didn't mention my personal favorites. "The Path of Totality," the title story and the collection's opener, is a beautiful exploration of a couple's journey through grief and healing, revealing how our pain can make the whole world look different. "The House" is a cautionary tale with just the right amount of "dark" for me, flipping the "savior" narrative on its head. And the closing novella, "Invisible Connections," drew me deep into its beautifully described nature scenes, tying the collection's themes together in a deeply satisfying way (and if you like dogs, there are SO MANY sweet doggy moments in this one).

I'm so excited that these stories are out in the world now, and also on my shelves to revisit and share as many times as I'd like.