Reflective collection of mostly short stories, with a couple of essays. The sense of place, and perspectives on that, are where this worked strongest for me. Recurring themes of relation to institutions persist - education and the military loom large. Individual moments of invention, but there’s a studied flatness which is self-conscious and constrained at times, which left me feeling there was a tone of how to write and exercise. The Ghosts of Nagasaki is an exceedingly enjoyable book which escapes this impression entirely, and I encourage anyone to read it and see what Clausen is capable of. This collection whilst it wrestles with the expectations, frustrations and wants thrown up in subject, simultaneously debates with form itself. If this is the point then fair enough, and I’m not against doing that but there’s just too much competency for me! I think this is maybe just a result of my taste not fitting, which surprised me as I’ve liked Clausen’s work in the past. In summary, a few standouts but overall interested rather than moved. ( )