Contemporary American Short-Story Cycle

Focusing on the short story cycle genre in contemporary American fiction, James Nagel analyzes eight critically acclaimed works often misclassified as novels. He highlights how this format resonates with various ethnic groups, allowing for a unique exploration of themes like ethnic assimilation. By examining titles such as Love Medicine and The Joy Luck Club, Nagel argues that the concentric plot structure of story cycles effectively addresses significant societal issues, making it a vital form in understanding the complexities of American identity.