The Dogs of Detroit

Brad Felver’s interesting collection of 14 short stories, “The Dogs of Detroit,” expresses the complex terrain of bereavement. Every story examines the various manifestations of mourning, ranging from aggression to quiet, seclusion to complete seclusion. While some stories show grief as a strong, instantaneous force, others show how it gradually changes over time. Set against both urban and rural landscapes, these pieces deftly weave the relationships inside families as well. Felver, the 2018 Drue Heinz Literature Prize winner, uses moving storytelling to encourage readers to consider the intricacies of life.