Celebrating Five Decades of Unapologetically Subversive Queer Fiction

NEW YORK - Jan. 27, 2024 - PRLog -- Renowned novelist, essayist, and translator Bruce Benderson has left an indelible mark on the world of queer literature, captivating readers with his relentless candor, biting wit, and striking imagery. Now, in a groundbreaking release, his complete short stories, including 21 never-before-published works, come together in Urban Gothic: The Complete Stories.

For over five decades Benderson's fiction has illuminated the warped beauty of our megalopolises, exploring the clashes between classes, and delving into the subcultures of sex and drugs with unmatched courage. Through his writing, the oppressed yet flamboyant voices from these subterranean worlds have become impossible to ignore.

The collection solidifies the author's position in the queer literary canon, featuring one of the first post-Stonewall coming-out stories, written in 1970, decades before the genre took shape. This anthology stands as the complete and definitive Bruce Benderson reader, offering a comprehensive journey through the author's literary evolution.

Benderson, widely recognized for his acclaimed work The Romanian: Story of an Obsession, which received the prestigious Prix de Flore in its French edition, has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. His diverse body of work includes the essay collection Sex and Isolation, the short story compilation Pretending to Say No, and the novels Pacific Agony and User. In addition to his contributions to the world of literature, Benderson has been a prolific writer for notable publications such as The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Libération. His dedication to bridging cultural gaps is further demonstrated by his regular translation work, bringing French literature to English-speaking audiences.

Urban Gothic promises readers a captivating journey through Benderson's unparalleled storytelling, and showcases the multifaceted aspects of queer life in the city. The collection invites literary enthusiasts to explore the author's extensive repertoire, providing a rare glimpse into the evolution of his craft. Bruce Benderson's Urban Gothic: The Complete Stories redefines the boundaries of contemporary fiction.

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Urban Gothic: The Complete Stories by Bruce Benderson
Itna Press; Sept. 2022; $27.99; 682pp
ISBN: 978-0991219636; Distributed by Ingram

For more information or to request a review copy, please visit itnapress.com or contact: Griffin DeNigris, PR & Marketing Lead, Itna Press.