Lorrie Moore, 67, is one of America’s most original, agile and diverting authors – a short story writer, novelist, critic and essayist. I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home, her fourth novel, is possessed of a feral magic and is a fantastic provocation. Sad, funny and teasingly gothic, it introduces Finn, who is a lovable oddball, along with his mentally vulnerable, wildly charming and recently deceased ex-partner, Lily, who comes back into his life – and her own – in the most unexpected way.
Are you as good at amusing yourself as you are at amusing us? Your novel made me laugh aloud…
Like the author, a narrative has to breathe. Moments that are amusing within the story are like moments in life itself: a bit of oxygen in case the rest is getting too glassy or overheated. I discover moments at my desk as I go along and, sometimes, I do amuse myself. I’m glad you laughed because a lot of the story is full of despair.
