5 out of 5 stars

Anxiety in the Wilderness by Kathleen Patrick is a collection of 17 short stories bookended by a pair of poems. The stories vary in length from six to 14 pages and are written from various points of view. While all the stories can be read independently and in the order they are presented in the book, a few tie together with common characters at various times throughout their lives. The poetic language of the stories lends a warmth to the storytelling that helps to bring the characters to life. Each story describes a different human worry or anxiety that we all may have experienced at some point in our lives; therefore, each story is relatable in its own way. Since this book is a collection of worries and anxieties, it may not be for everyone. There are mentions of death, dying, and possible abuse.

Short stories are a disappearing art form, and Patrick demonstrates why we should keep them around. There is no grandiosity of language that detracts from the storyline or from the artful character descriptions. Characters navigate their way through their predicaments one day at a time. The poignant vignettes showcase the rawness of various human emotions, much like a snapshot of an expert photographer.

My favorite story, Madam Heart, describes the distinct seasons of life through the eyes of the main character, Maddie Heart. The reader travels with Mrs. Heart as she finds love, marries, supports her restauranteur husband, moves with him to a small town in Iowa, and takes over caring for the lovely Victorian home they shared. While worry and anxiety are the two main emotions demonstrated, the reader connects with Mrs. Heart as she lives, learns, and loves. At the end of the story, I wanted to hug the main character and tell her to keep being the amazing and strong woman that she is.

I recommend this collection of heartfelt stories for the readers who might need to take a story at a time, taking breaks in their days to discover a fascinating collection of characters and settings. Though you might find yourself so pulled into the descriptions, you keep on reading.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.