Like You’d Understand, Anyway, a collection of short stories by Jim Shepard, published in 2007, is a masterclass in historical fiction, weaving together intensely personal narratives against the backdrop of significant moments in human history. Shepard, known for his meticulous research and ability to inhabit diverse perspectives, offers a series of stories that explore the profound impact of world events on the individual. His choice to focus on lesser-known figures, or the everyday people caught in extraordinary circumstances, sets this collection apart and makes it deeply resonant even today. The publication of this book came at a time when there was a growing interest in narratives that explored history from the ground up, moving away from solely focusing on the grand sweep of events.

Shepard’s collection does not follow a single plotline, instead, each story stands alone, creating a mosaic of human experience. From the chilling account of a Soviet bureaucrat tasked with managing the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster to the heartbreaking tale of a young woman struggling to survive the Rwandan genocide, each story is a study in resilience and vulnerability. The settings are not mere backdrops; they are characters in themselves, shaping the actions and thoughts of those who inhabit them. In the “The Right Hand of Solomon,” we are transported to pre-modern times in a vivid display of societal norms and beliefs, the atmospheric details are used to amplify the emotional stakes for the protagonist. The book’s pacing is intentionally varied; some stories move swiftly, while others unfold with a slow, deliberate tension, mirroring the experiences of the characters.

The characters in Like You’d Understand, Anyway are not heroes or villains, but complex individuals grappling with their own limitations and the overwhelming forces around them. In “Love and Hydrogen,” a young scientist working on the Hindenburg faces a moral dilemma, while in “The Girl from the Great War,” we encounter a young woman trying to reconcile with her trauma after the war, her relationships are portrayed with a sensitive eye. Shepard’s strength lies in his ability to make these characters feel real and flawed, their motivations are deeply human. The relationships in his stories are often strained, reflecting the pressures of the times, and it’s in these moments of tension and vulnerability that the characters truly come to life. The author avoids easy answers, instead choosing to let his characters navigate their complex realities.

The collection explores themes of survival, loss, and the nature of human connection in the face of adversity. One recurring theme is the way in which history is made up of countless individual stories, each deserving of attention. The book examines how the grand narrative of history often overshadows the individual’s struggle. For example, in “Eustace,” the story of a man involved in a less known moment in early 20th century aviation, Shepard subtly portrays the impact of a society constantly trying to move forward, on the people who lived through it. This book, to me, was an eye-opening journey, especially since history has always been something taught in general terms, and the ability to connect with these individual experiences was very powerful. It made me wonder what stories are out there, hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be told.

Shepard’s writing style is characterized by its precision and restraint. He avoids sentimentality, instead, allowing the emotional impact to arise from the events themselves. The dialogue is realistic, reflecting the speech patterns and cultural backgrounds of the characters. The narrative techniques are varied, some stories are told from a first-person perspective, while others use a third-person omniscient narrator. This allows the reader to have different insights into the characters’ minds and the situations they’re in. The author’s voice is both authoritative and compassionate, he doesn’t impose his own opinions but rather invites the reader to witness these experiences and draw their own conclusions. You can get your copy and explore these stories here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9780307265210&tag=verified0ea-20.

Like You’d Understand, Anyway is more than just a collection of short stories, it’s an exploration of human nature in all its complexity. Shepard’s ability to bring historical moments to life through the eyes of ordinary people is remarkable. The book leaves a lasting impact by reminding us that history is not just a series of dates and events, but a tapestry of human lives, each with its own unique story. This collection is not just worth reading, it’s worth experiencing. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. If you are looking for a book that can give you a different perspective of history and the people who lived it, then this is the one for you. If you enjoy short story collections that weave historical moments with deeply personal narratives, you may also appreciate Tenth of December by George Saunders or Pastoralia by George Saunders as well. You can find Like You’d Understand, Anyway on Amazon via this link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9780307265210&tag=verified0ea-20, so grab a copy today.

The level of detail Shepard uses when creating the world for each of the stories is very impressive, this is not only limited to historical accuracy, but also in the way he creates the characters and how they interact with each other. In “The Netherlands”, for example, the cultural norms and social pressures are portrayed in an extremely realistic way. There are also some very thought-provoking concepts that can be extracted from each of the stories, making this a perfect book for those who like to think about their reading experiences. You can see for yourself here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9780307265210&tag=verified0ea-20. This book is not an easy read, but the effort to read it is well worth it for the rewards that come with it.

In summary, Like You’d Understand, Anyway is a powerful and moving collection of stories that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Jim Shepard’s ability to write with historical precision and emotional depth is truly remarkable. It is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, short stories, or simply stories that explore the human condition. This book is recommended for anyone who enjoys reading about the lives of people affected by world events, and it will be particularly appreciated by readers who enjoy meticulously researched historical fiction. Here’s the link again: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9780307265210&tag=verified0ea-20. Enjoy!