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Reverse-Gentrification of the Literary World

Akashic Books

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August 2016 News & Features

Tom Franklin’s Introduction to Mississippi Noir

To celebrate the release of Mississippi Noir, the latest from Akashic’s Noir Series, we’re pleased to share a glimpse at this state in conflict with itself with editor Tom Franklin’s introduction, “Welcome to the Bottom.”

“Dismal Holy Night” by Nicole Yurcaba

He’s defunct again. Lying on the floor, screaming about helicopters and LSD experiments. The man-child in his underwear, spread-eagled, crying to the ceiling, maybe even to the outside woods if they’re listening . . .

“On the Bus” by Nathan Ward

New York was scruffier then; everywhere you saw signs of its humbling in its bald park lawns and strobe-popping Broadway head shops . . .

“Night Class” by Andre Bagoo

The Mayfair was over, the lights turned off, the bran tub emptied, the decorations taken down and locked in cupboards safely. The bouncy castle stood still, awaiting the workmen who would remove it tomorrow. The gates to the schoolyard were shut, and the sentry assumed duty. No one saw the boy in black . . .