The Quick-Change Artist

"As for the actual characters in The Quick-Change Artist, they are some of the most unique and surprising in contemporary American short fiction. Ultimately, the most intriguing of all these characters is (the town of) Glen Ellen itself, with its 'low locomotive thunder,' its 'singing rails' luring us into a world we will not soon forget." "There are writers who have a gift for the short story the way Coltrane had a gift for making music with a saxophone: Cary Holladay is one of those. She is a poet of the unlikely screwball tale of possibility, quick changes of connection and view that startle and delight. Holladay is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary fiction." "These stories succeed wonderfully, flashing with insight and lingering in the mind long after they're over." "These stories are strung together like pearls. They're delightful and engaging and heartfelt, with quirky characters and wonderful phrasings, such as 'supper club grief treatment.' A triumph!" "Add my voice to the chorus of those hailing this brave new talent on the American scene. The short story is alive and well. Just open this book and see." "The sense of history weaves these stories together, creating a satisfying collection that tells the larger narrative of an ever-changing South and an always-transforming small-town America."