Youth and the Bright Medusa

'Youth and the Bright Medusa' is a collection of short stories by acclaimed American author Willa Cather. Beautifully written, the stories in this book all deal with artists and/or the arts. Unlike some stories which seem to be a slice of life with no plot or resolution, these stories all have an interesting story line and a clever or interesting resolution. All of the stories are entertaining enough to hold the reader's attention to the end. Readers who enjoy 20th century American literature will love Willa Cather. She is right up there with the likes of Edith Wharton, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Henry James. In the most spare, concise style, she wrings hearts as she digs into emotions and dreams. Among this stunning collection: "Paul's Case" - a Midwestern youth plans an escape with No Exit; "A Wagner Matinee" - an elderly aunt meets her nephew in Boston for a naked musical moment; "Coming Aphrodite!" - a young painter falls in love with an aspiring opera singer. However, in the words of Cather, "A big career takes its toll, even with the best of luck." Cather is an American great!