IN SUNLIGHT OR IN SHADOW Stories Inspired by the Paintings of Edward Hopper

Each of the 17 authors anthologized here took on a different Hopper painting from which to create a compelling, noir-laced story. A delightful range of works emerges, from the ironically funny tale of the ganja-smoking retired minister to the revenge story in which an abusive stalker falls into the perfect setup and the magic realism of a Basque family whose members need the ocean in order to live—and die. Many of the narrations are artful, deepening the poignancy and terror the authors invest in their characters and plots. Art historian Gail Levine’s first fiction appears here, beautifully realized by George Newbern, while Carrington MacDuffie wrings every bit of twisted American culture from “Still Life, 1931,” by Kris Nelscott. A fine crossover listen for short story fans, Hopper fans, and noir enthusiasts. F.M.R.G. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2016]