Lorrie Moore: ‘I identify with Beth in Little Women, who dies’

Lorrie Moore: ‘I identify with Beth in Little Women, who dies’

The acclaimed American author on the humour, horror and anger in her latest novel, what she would have as her epitaph and the writers she most admires

Lorrie Moore, 67, is one of America’s most original, agile and diverting authors – a short story writer, novelist, critic and essayist. I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home, her fourth novel, is possessed of a feral magic and is a fantastic provocation. Sad, funny and teasingly gothic, it introduces Finn, who is a lovable oddball, along with his mentally vulnerable, wildly charming and recently deceased ex-partner, Lily, who comes back into his life – and her own – in the most unexpected way.

Are you as good at amusing yourself as you are at amusing us? Your novel made me laugh aloud…
Like the author, a narrative has to breathe. Moments that are amusing within the story are like moments in life itself: a bit of oxygen in case the rest is getting too glassy or overheated. I discover moments at my desk as I go along and, sometimes, I do amuse myself. I’m glad you laughed because a lot of the story is full of despair.

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