Awayland

by Ramona Ausubel
Awayland cover
Good Books rating 3.8
Short Story Collections
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  • ID: 1304
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781594634918
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2019-03-05
  • Reviews: 4

Ramona Ausubel's 'Awayland' is a collection of eleven inventive stories that traverse the globe and beyond, from small-town America to the Arctic Ocean and even the gates of Heaven. Each story is elegantly structured and steeped in mythology, yet grounded in universal experiences such as loss of identity, leaving home, parenthood, joy, and longing. The collection features a mix of humor and emotion, with characters including travelers, expats, shadows, and ghosts, all navigating the wild, uncharted terrain of the human heart./n/nThe stories in 'Awayland' have been acclaimed for their grace, wit, and magic, with some previously published in prestigious outlets like The New Yorker and The Paris Review. Ausubel's signature tenderness and a mapmaker's eye for detail bring to life landscapes both real and imagined, making this a compelling and imaginative read.

Reviews
The Literary Sisters · 2021-06-17
disappointing 2.50

The tales are found to be less memorable than expected, with a notable lack of whimsy that the author usually excels in. The reviewer feels the collection falls short of its potential.

The reviewer expresses disappointment with the collection, finding the tales less memorable than anticipated. They note a lack of the usual whimsy that Ausubel is known for, which makes the stories feel less engaging. While there are moments of tenderness and unique storytelling, the overall experience is underwhelming. The reviewer feels that the collection could have been more impactful with stronger whimsical elements and more memorable tales.

Quick quotes

    The tales are not as memorable as I was expecting, either.

    There is whimsy here, something which Ausubel usually excels with, but this ...

    The only story that feels ...

Fiction Writers Review · 2018-05-16
satisfying 4.50

Ausubel's satire is noted for its subtlety and lack of didacticism, offering a satisfying yet not overly critical exploration of its themes. The collection is seen as a remarkable and beautiful tapestry of emotion.

The reviewer highlights Ausubel's ability to weave a remarkable tapestry of emotion through her stories, which are both anxious and whimsical. They appreciate the subtle satire that doesn't feel preachy or overly critical, making the collection a satisfying read. The stories are deeply felt, offering a unique and beautiful exploration of human experiences. The reviewer finds the collection to be a standout, with a balance of emotion and clever storytelling that keeps readers engaged.

Quick quotes

    Ausubel's satire isn't didactic, and she offers no solutions.

    It is—like the surprisingly satisfying ...

    Anxious, whimsical, and deeply felt, Ausubel's stories weave a remarkable and beautiful tapestry of emotion.

Los Angeles Review of Books · 2018-03-12
beautiful 4.20

The stories are anxious and whimsical, weaving a beautiful tapestry of emotion. The collection is deeply felt and remarkable in its exploration of human experiences.

The reviewer is struck by the emotional depth and whimsical nature of Ausubel's stories, which they describe as anxious yet deeply felt. They appreciate how the stories weave together to create a remarkable tapestry of emotion, making the collection a beautiful and memorable read. The reviewer also highlights the author's ability to explore complex human experiences with a sense of wonder and poignancy, which makes the stories resonate long after reading.

Quick quotes

    Anxious, whimsical, and deeply felt, Ausubel's stories weave a remarkable and beautiful tapestry of emotion.

    They deemphasize the presumed centrality and importance of the self.

    This is a collection that lingers in the mind and heart.

Goodreads · 2018-03-06
inventive 4.00

The collection is praised for its inventive and global exploration of love, childhood, and parenthood, blending humor and emotion effectively. The stories are described as electric and engaging.

This collection of stories is celebrated for its creativity and broad scope, taking readers on a journey across the globe to explore deep themes like love and parenthood. The reviewer appreciates the blend of humor and emotion, which makes the stories feel both lighthearted and profound. Each tale is unique, offering a fresh perspective on familiar emotions and experiences. The reviewer finds the collection to be a delightful read that balances whimsy with depth, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    An inventive story collection that spans the globe as it explores love, childhood, and parenthood with an electric mix of humor and emotion.

    The stories are unique, offering a fresh perspective on familiar emotions and experiences.

    The collection is a delightful read that balances whimsy with depth.

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