Write Like This: Barry Hannah

Write Like This will be a recurring feature where I quote a passage that I love from a great author. Just to give you a little fix of great prose. First up will be a modern master of sentences, Barry Hannah. If you are not familiar with the mad-cap genius of Mr. Hannah, do yourself a favor and buy “Airships” pronto. The following is from the story “Ride, Fly, Penetrate, Loiter” in “Captain Maximus.”

I was among the dwarves over in Alabama at the school, where almost everybody dies early. There is a poison in Tuscaloosa that draws souls towards the low middle. Hardly anybody has honest work. Queers full of backbiting and rumors set the tone. Nobody has ever missed a meal. Everybody has about exactly enough courage to jaywalk or cheat a wife or friend with a quote from Nietzsche on his lips.

Photo by chelseagirl