A History of Existing Life (Paperback or Softback)

“The language in Shelagh Powers Johnson's debut collection strikes the rare and perfect

balance between understated and surprising. The characters in these stories span time periods and

geographic location but are united by Johnson's astute observation of brutality and heartbreak—

but also the beauty and redemption—of the every day.”

—Amanda Parrish Morgan, author of Stroller,

named one of The New Yorker’s Best Books of 2022

“A History of Existing Life is filled with lush, dark, haunting, and intricate prose and piercing

observations. Old lovers briefly reunite. A woman’s paintings transform into a living

dreamscape. Everyone reckons with their past. Johnson’s exquisite stories probe into the inner

workings of relationships, of parents who love and who betray and disappoint. Let this collection

surprise and envelop you.”

—Lauren D. Woods, author of The Great Grown-Up Game of Make-Believe,

winner of the Autumn House Press 2024 Fiction Prize