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We Keep Flowing
Whirl of Birds is a collection of short stories that are each distinct yet interconnected by threads of surrealism, deep introspection, and the intricacies of human experience. What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection of short stories?
Every story in this collection was based on something that preoccupied me around the time when I wrote it, such as time and aging, betrayal and forgiveness, misuses of religion, judgment and prejudice, love and relationships, escapism through art, lies and truth, dream logic. Some of them were written while I was going through various personal crises, so the shadows that haunt the stories reflect my own struggles or those of people close to me. After moving to the US, I struggled for a long time not to feel or act like a stranger, and the slight alienated feeling sometimes returns; I had a health scare that, interestingly, made me more prolific, so I poured my heart out into stories; more than anything, I still struggle on a human level to “pass” for a well-adjusted individual, but I’m not always that great at it, so readers may glimpse at some of my less than stellar moments through my characters. But each story contains triumphs as well: if not a triumph of the story’s character, they are triumphs of the human spirit. I hope, in the end, whether they are happy or sad, the stories uplift or inspire in their own way.
What things do you find interesting about the human condition that makes for great fiction?
I see humans like the water of a river: you put an obstacle in front of a river, and it finds ways around it. You put a dam there, and the water finds cracks, or creates little streams, like branches, to sneak out and keep going. Water always wants to go somewhere—even lakes and seas have their inner currents, inner movement. For us, humans, our greatest instinct is to keep moving. We may carry the debris of the past with us, sometimes floating like garbage and sometimes like precious garlands that we treat with reverence. But we keep flowing. The best fictional stories are the ones that capture that flow. If something limits us or darkens us, we make ourselves smaller and our river trickles sideways and around the stones and keeps going. That’s what humans do: a tragedy is just a way to learn to bend and twist, and find another way forward, or another way to be free. Great fiction is what captures the movement, the struggle, and the moment when something is overcome and put in the past. It’s all in the movement forward.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am working on a novel set in Romania and in the United States. This will take me at least a year to finish, and probably another to edit and finalize. In the meantime, I have also been working on a middle grade fantasy book, which is closer to being done. It may become a series.
Author Links: FinishingLinePress
Whirl of Birds
Whirl of Birds, by Liana Vrăjitoru Andreasen, captivates with its rich tapestry of short stories, each distinct yet interconnected by threads of surrealism, deep introspection, and the intricacies of human experience. This anthology bursts with emotional intensity, taking readers on a journey through diverse landscapes—some familiar, others utterly alien—yet all striking a chord with universal truths. The narratives sweep from the raw, untamed instincts of ancient humanity to the subdued, reflective nuances of contemporary life. In every story, there’s an exploration of the human condition that lingers, rendered with an elegance that’s haunting and unforgettable.
The imagery that Andreasen conjures is immediate, almost visceral, pulling you into the world she crafts with an undeniable force. Take “My Big Man,” for instance—a story drenched in the primal essence of prehistoric life. The bond between the narrator and her “big man” pulses with an intensity that is both raw and poetic. The wilderness surrounding them feels alive as if every word is an echo of ancient rhythms. The language is sparse yet profound, each sentence a brushstroke that paints a vivid picture of survival’s harsh realities. Andreasen’s ability to evoke such deep emotions with so few words is a testament to her skill, transporting the reader to a time when life was governed by the primal laws of nature.
In “The Puppet Show,” Andreasen blends the bleakness of post-communist life with a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The story centers on a puppeteer whose life, drowned in alcohol and lost dreams, serves as a metaphor for a generation’s disillusionment. It’s a narrative that haunts long after the last word, as the puppeteer’s fading reality mirrors the crumbling of his own creations and stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of both dreams and reality.
Then there’s the titular “Whirl of Birds,” a story that strikes with particular force. Bianca, the protagonist, becomes entranced by a flock of birds swirling overhead, leading to a catastrophic car crash. This moment of distraction becomes a powerful metaphor for her life’s disarray. The story speaks to the ways in which we all occasionally lose our grip on reality, caught up in fleeting obsessions that can have devastating consequences. Andreasen juxtaposes the ordinary with the profound, making us question what truly holds value in our lives. The result is a story that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking.
Whirl of Birds is a book I highly recommend to those who seek narratives that challenge the mind and touch the heart. Andreasen’s writing is layered with emotion and insight, crafting stories that resonate long after the final page. This collection is perfect for those who love to immerse themselves in literature, where each story is not just a tale but a journey into a different world. Every story is a reflection of life’s complexities, told with a sensitivity and depth that is both refreshing and profoundly moving.
Pages: 180 | ISBN : 979-8-88838-732-0
LITERARY TITAN 