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Bryant Literary Review
The Bryant Literary Review is an international journal of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction housed in the English and Cultural Studies Department at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. Since our first issue in 2000, we have published original and thought-provoking creative work from a wide array of established authors and emerging voices. We see our purpose to be the cultivation of an active and growing connection between the Bryant University campus community and the larger literary culture.

Current Volume: Volume 24 (2023)

Editor's Note

“Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.” – Malorie Blackman
Thank you for taking the time to read the 24th edition of the Bryant Literary Review. As Student Editors, we have enjoyed reading fiction and creative nonfiction from around the world. The stories featured in this year’s BLR provide windows into the experiences of people, both fictional and real, navigating unique challenges and finding ways to survive. Engaging with these stories is a form of connecting with people and understanding different perspectives. The world has been changing dramatically over the past few years and we have shared collective struggles. While many prominent voices seek to divide us, we believe it is most important, especially now, to empathize with others. Reading these stories is a practice in that essential skill of empathy as readers confront subject matter that deals with our connectedness as humans. We would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to those who submitted their work, as our publication would not be possible without this year’s group of talented writers. We would like to thank Professor Thomas Roach who has been one of our biggest supporters throughout our college careers. His energy and passion will continue to motivate and inspire us after we say goodbye to Bryant University. In addition, we send thanks to Poetry Editor Eric Paul and Student Poetry Editors Daniel Mann and Madalyn Richardson. They too have committed significant time and effort to this edition, and we have enjoyed working alongside them. This year’s BLR is the last edition the four Student Editors will work on because we will graduate in May 2023. We sincerely appreciate that you, the reader, are taking the time to engage with the stories and poems we have chosen to share. We hope that reading this selection is, for you, the “exercise in empathy” that it was for us.
Megan Polun, Student Fiction Editor, Bryant University ‘23 Grace O’Donnell, Student Fiction Editor, Bryant University ‘23

Title Page

Editors' Note

Contributors

Fiction

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Exuvia
Andie Tursi

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Attics
Mark Brazaitis

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We Must Not Disturb the Peace
Nicole Cifani Lehmann-Haupt

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Heart of a Monster
Gabriella King

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Youth in Asia
E.H. Jacobs

Poetry

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Ash Spring
Heather Lang-Cassera

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Dream No. 1538
David Konitzer

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Scattering
David Konitzer

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Waking to an Ocean on Fire
Heather Lang-Cassera

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Bell's Vireo
Heather Lang-Cassera

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Clinical
Christopher Stewart

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Hunger of Kites
Daniel Edward Moore

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Cousin J.
Pamela Wax

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Seasonal Economy
Zachary Lipez

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Waterproof
Elizabeth Taryn Mason

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Thieving
Janet Banks

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River Ran
Rosalynde Vas Dias

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Shallows
Rosalynde Vas Dias

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Gin Rummies
E.M. Schorb

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Tarantula Season
Eric DePriester

Creative Nonfiction

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Postcards from the Stage
Michael Cannistraci

Editors

Editor
Tom Roach
Poetry Editor
Eric Paul
Fiction/Creative Nonfiction Editor
Tom Roach
Student Fiction Editors
Grace O'Donnell, Megan Polun
Student Poetry Editors
Daniel Mann, Madalyn Richardson
Managing Editors
Rebecca Marcus, Adrianna Minacapilli

Additional Information

Design & Layout
Rebecca Chandler
beccachandler67@gmail.com
Cover Art
Alex Fluegel