The History of Sound

"The stories in The History of Sound deal in intimate histories, linger on the immediacy of a moment felt before it is lost. Preservation is considered from many angles, whether music preserved on wax cylinders, self-preservation in the face of grief, preservation of a relationship or a historical record. Ben Shattuck’s writing is so sure; he is so thoughtful, so reverent of life and its messes, and so very, very good at connecting his stories in unexpected ways. As a collection, The History of Sound sings; Shattuck’s voice is superb — I am definitely now a fan."