Lorrie Moore Summary

Lorrie Moore's artful short fiction plays upon hauntingly familiar pangs in its depiction of the pitfalls of modern existence. Throughout, a darkly witty sense of humor pervades the often desperate ... Read more

In the following essay, Phelan discusses theoretical aspects of second-person narration, derived from narratological and rhetorical analysis, and the application of second-person narration in Moore&#x... Read more

In the following review, Barnes praises the stories in Birds of America, noting the serious edge underlying Moore's trademark humor and wit which adds depth and power to the collection. Lorr... Read more

In the following review, Fleming comments on the stories in Birds of America, faulting Moore for “curiously unhoned” writing and the abundance of meaningless jokes, puns, and wordplay in... Read more

In the following excerpt, McGraw discusses the use of humor in contemporary American fiction and offers a positive review of Birds of America. A young comic says to his friend, “Ask me what&... Read more

In the following review, Malin offers praise for Birds of America, complimenting the style and descriptions in the stories. Perhaps the titles of Moore's first two books offer a clue to her ... Read more

In the following excerpt, Passaro discusses the development of twentieth-century American short fiction, particularly as defined by the terse realism of Hemingway, and praises the work of talented you... Read more

In the following essay, Brockway praises Moore's effective use of humor, incongruity, and linguistic play in her fiction. Before discovering Lorrie Moore, I could appreciate just about any f... Read more

In the following review, Shone offers a positive assessment of Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?, commending Moore's characterizations and serious themes. Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? begin... Read more

In the following excerpt, Griffith offers a positive review of Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?, commending Moore's deft characterization and comic wit. In a way, all of us dislike the laws o... Read more

In the following review, Stabile praises the poignancy and power in Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?, lauding Moore's ability to depict the sense of nostalgia and wistfulness that adults feel wh... Read more

In the following interview, Blades provides an overview of Moore's personal background, literary career, and fiction upon the publication of Birds of America, and reports Moore's own com... Read more