Ellen Gilchrist Knihy

With the publication of 1983's The Annunciation, Ellen Gilchrist established herself as a teller of charming, bittersweet tales of the modern South.

IN THE LAND OF DREAMY DREAMS, Ellen Gilchrist's first book, is a collection of 14 short stories. She wrote them after being selected for a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Clearly she put her time to good use.

Home for the summer in Alabama, Rhoda Manning seems her daddy is very rich, she is newly slim, and all of her friends adore her. But the passionate, independent Rhoda begins to realize that life is more than her comfortable, secure existence would suggest. As Rhoda strains against the confinements of home and family, she becomes reckless, flinging herself on a rebellious course toward destruction.

This collection of 14 short stories won the American Book Award for fiction when it was published and confirmed the author's reputation as one of the preeminent literary talents of her generation. She enjoys both critical acclaim and great popularity with readers. "The stories are wonderful to tell aloud...Gilchrist once again demonstrates not only her willingness to take risks, but her generosity as a writer as well." (The New York Times) "To say that Ellen Gilchrist can write is to say that Placido Domingo can sing. All you need to do is listen....No kidding! VICTORY OVER JAPAN is an absolute knockout!" (Washington Post)

A New York City magazine editor and novelist returns home to the South when her closest childhood friend falls ill--and finds herself forced to choose between pursuing her career and rekindling her relationship with the man she has long considered the love of her life. NPR sponsorship.