Dawn Raffel Knihy

Dawn Raffel's Boundless as the Sky is a book of the invisible histories that repose beneath the cities we inhabit, and the worlds we try to build out of words. The first of its two parts, stories of real and invented cities, some ancient, some dystopian, is a response to Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities. The second part comes together into one narrative, taking place in a single city-Chicago-on a single day in 1933. It is based closely on a true event, the arrival of a "roaring armada of goodwill" in the form of twenty-four seaplanes flown in a display of fascist power by Mussolini's wingman Italo Balbo to Chicago's "Century of Progress" World's Fair. The 7000-mile flight from Rome to Chicago was lauded by both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Hitler, at a time when aviation made banner headlines across the US, and news of the Nazis was often in a side column. The novella follows a few of the many thousands of Chicagoans there to witness the planes' arrival. These two panels of Raffel's poetic diptych call out to each other with a mysterious and disquieting harmony, and from history and fantasy to the dangers and dark realities of the current moment with startling insight and urgency.

The story revolves around Elise, who returns to her dilapidated childhood home to search for a hidden object while grappling with her son's mysterious illness. Her frail father drifts in and out of dreams, and her older sister, burdened by alcohol and resentment, tries to maintain order amidst chaos. As she recounts the increasingly twisted tale of the Three Little Pigs to soothe the child, tensions rise, leading to profound consequences for both sisters. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, regret, and the impact of past choices.

Describes how Martin Couney, a European immigrant with a colourful history, introduced incubators to America by displaying premature infants he had saved through use of the device at carnivals and sideshows

The stories showcase a masterful execution of post-modernism, captivating readers with their intricate narratives and playful style. Each page offers a unique blend of creativity and depth, inviting readers to engage with the text in a delightful manner. Raffel's work stands out for its innovative approach and ability to inspire thought and enjoyment simultaneously.

Through the lens of everyday objects, this memoir explores the intricate connections between memory, relationships, and personal history. Dawn Raffel artfully weaves stories from her past, revealing how seemingly ordinary possessions evoke profound emotions and experiences. The narrative captures the essence of loss, love, and the fleeting nature of time, presenting a striking portrait of the author's life. With clear and beautiful prose, Raffel transforms objects into sacred symbols, offering readers a delicate and resonant journey through her memories.