Johnny Townsend
has done it again. He’s delivered more deliciously subversive Mormon fiction in
his delightful new collection, Selling
the City of Enoch.
As in his
previous works, Townsend’s well-drawn characters are too complex to fit into
the Mormon cookie-cutter mold. For example, the overly curious Sister Covino
who can’t look the other way when her mission president’s wife appears to have
been murdered. Or Lucy, a recent convert who, lacking the human connections she’d
hoped to form in her new ward, resorts to renting a family for the Christmas
holiday. Similarly disenfranchised, an ambitious Wiccan politician lamely aspires
to be the mayor of Salt Lake City—that is, until he has an alien encounter while
hiking Bryce Canyon. And then there is the charming Mrs. Mariposa, the title
character of my favorite story in the collection, who marries the love of her
life in the Mormon temple and then surprises him with the news that she isn’t
technically a woman.
Selling the City of Enoch exists at that awkward intersection where
the LDS ideal meets the real world, and Townsend navigates his terrain with
humor, insight and pathos.
Posts
It sounds intriguing and addicting. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteIt's deliciously subversive!
DeletePoor Lucy. Apparently the church's promise of brotherhood and love aren't what they're cracked up to be.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding. With the church charging 10% it's cheaper to rent.
DeleteAliens? Hmmm, might have to check this out!
ReplyDeleteHe's a wonderful writer.
DeleteIt sounds delightful. Once I can read print smaller than what is found on stop signs, I'll order it. My cousin read this entry to me. I thought it would be good for him because he's still technically a member of the One True Church.
ReplyDeleteGet better soon Alexis!
Delete