"Atavists"

I wasn’t wholly positive what to expect from this book by merely looking at its cover art. Even now, while I find it to be an interesting cover, but I’m not exactly sure what it has to do with the short stories or vignettes presented in this book. This factor, however, was the original point that lead me to look further into this book and piqued my curiosity just enough to want to check it out. I won’t lie, I’m glad I did because I thought this collection of stories was really intriguing. A multitude of issues and themes are tackled throughout the book hitting on what I would consider to be relevant and contemporary.

Not only are all the chapters and the characters themselves some form of “ists”, they are also bonded by their need, yearning, and search of “what’s next?”. It was interesting, to read about various generations of characters in the post-Covid environment all attempting to figure out their ways forward while also trying to have an understanding of one another. I feel like the stories in some way or another, will touch home with readers in the respect that many of us were struggling with how to move forward and felt like, where do we go from here following the peak of the “Covid-era”. Not only does author, Lydia Millet include humor and emotion in these stories, but she also provides some much needed reflection and food for thought following what was a major life event for people around the world. As her characters change and grow, ebb and flow, so did those of us in the real world just trying to figuring out our what’s next.

The Review

“Atavists”, was a collection of short stories focusing on a group of people mostly connected through a singular neighborhood they live in. Through the stories we see multiple generations navigating life post-Covid and how their thoughts, feeling, and lives have changed since. In the stories readers have a chance to see interconnectedness through familial bonds, relationships, friendships, and neighbor ships. The author tackles contemporary issues like mental health, technology reliance, and politics among others. I really enjoyed this book as the stories felt complete even told in short form. There were stories that I was laughing out loud to certain things said or done, some stories felt relatable, and other stories took on darker themes but still managed to show raw humanity in them. Author, Lydia Millet, really wrote an overall very good collection of stories that felt seamlessly complementary as well as compelling.

Finished Reading On:  April 16, 2025

Book Information

Author Name: Lydia Millet

Publisher Name: W. W. Norton & Company

Published Date: April 22, 2025

Final Thoughts

   Have you read Atavists: Stories? Drop a comment, a rating, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading! If you're interested in purchasing this book for yourself, feel free to check out the link below.

Disclosure: This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it, at no cost to you.