Objects of Desire

Objects of Desire is a collection of short stories that examines the lives of contemporary women navigating relationships, identity, and belonging. The eleven stories follow characters at different life stages as they confront both major turning points and quiet moments of realization. The narratives focus on educated, urban women dealing with family expectations, romantic encounters, professional demands, and personal yearnings. Settings range from college campuses to city apartments to suburban homes across America. The stories explore disconnection in modern life, desire in its many forms, and the gap between expectations and reality. Through precise observation and psychological insight, Sestanovich considers how people attempt to find meaning and connection in an increasingly fragmented world.

Readers highlight Sestanovich's precise observations of modern relationships and subtle character dynamics. Many note the stories capture small moments that reveal larger truths about intimacy, loneliness, and connection. Positive feedback focuses on: - Clear, economical prose style - Complex female characters - Realistic depiction of millennial life - Sharp dialogue Common criticisms: - Stories feel detached and cold - Characters come across as privileged and self-absorbed - Endings leave too much unresolved - Similarity between stories makes them blur together One reader described it as "brilliantly observant but emotionally distant." Another noted "these characters live in a very specific Brooklyn bubble." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (280+ ratings) NPR Books Year-End List 2021 New York Times Editors' Choice Readers frequently compare the style to Sally Rooney and Lorrie Moore, though some find Sestanovich's voice less distinctive.

Apt by Sarah Baume A collection of linked stories follows millennial characters through the quiet moments of modern life as they navigate relationships, identity, and urban solitude.

All the Houses by Karen Olsson Stories explore the interior worlds of women at crossroads, revealing their observations about family, love, and personal transformation.

How to Order the Universe by María José Ferrada Connected narratives trace the lives of characters in different stages of life as they confront expectations and search for meaning in ordinary moments.

A Pure Heart by Rajia Hassib Two sisters' parallel lives unfold through interlinked stories that examine cultural identity, relationships, and the bonds between family members.

Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey Women's conversations across time and place reveal intimate thoughts about desire, power dynamics, and personal choices.

🔖 Clare Sestanovich's "Objects of Desire" is her debut short story collection, published in 2021 at age 32. 📚 The author worked as a fact-checker at The New Yorker before becoming one of the magazine's editorial staff. 💫 Each story in the collection explores different stages of women's lives, from college students to retirees, connected by themes of longing and self-discovery. 🌟 The book received widespread critical acclaim, with The New York Times comparing Sestanovich's writing style to that of Grace Paley and Alice Munro. ✍️ Sestanovich wrote many of the stories while pursuing her MFA at New York University, where she studied under celebrated authors like Zadie Smith.