Gods of Want: Stories

Chang follows her dazzling debut, Bestiary, with an uncanny and otherworldly collection of 16 short stories. These stories are visceral and strange, but feel utterly real, even when elements are fantastical. The surreality ought to obscure the explorations of humanity, of culture, and of queerness, but it somehow makes everything hit harder. The stories are divided up among five narrators—Catherine Ho, Natalie Naudus, Elaine Wang, Nancy Wu, and Annie Q—who are venomous about passive-aggressive family members, disgusted with society, and matter-of-fact about, if a bit exasperated by, interfering ghosts. The narrators are well balanced, providing listeners with an even audio experience. It is by no means a comfortable experience, however, as Chang explores pain and frustration in vivid and sometimes disturbing imagery. While each story stands on its own, aspects may resurface in later tales. Despite a certain amount of grotesquerie, these tales are often whimsical and strangely beautiful as well.