The Washington Post wrote in their 2023 review of Shannon Sanders' book, 'Short stories for anyone who has felt prodded by well-meaning relatives.' I could not agree more.
Short story collections are some of my favorite choices when I am pressed for time but still want to read a full story. In Company, Sanders weaves together a collection of stories about one family. Each story reflects on how the family interacts with and reacts to people who appear in their homes or even in the grocery store parking lot.
One of the protagonists whom the reader follows through several stories is Janet. She holds a high level position at a university and clearly works hard to maintain the status she has there. Like many women, she faces numerous hurdles to maintain her position in a male dominated field. As I read, I could feel her frustration, embarrassment, and anger.
When she attends a university work function meant to celebrate her, she has to scrounge to find nieces who will stand in as her family because she knows that having a family present is expected. Her nieces do not always show up wearing appropriate clothing, which throws poor Janet into a tailspin while she maintains a smile on her face. I have not been in that exact situation, but I know all too well the importance of keeping a smile on even when I felt like pulling out my hair.
Sanders, an emerging writer, deserves your attention. Her book is available anywhere you purchase books and is likely also in your local library.
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