Origin Stories

In Origin Stories, Corinna Vallianatos explores the intricate dynamics of love, marriage, motherhood, and friendship through a series of compelling narratives. Set against the backdrop of Southern California and Virginia, the characters grapple with their desires and relational complexities, from a woman's conflict over friendship and ambition in "This Isn't the Actual Sea" to the poignant reflections on family and beauty in "Dogwood." Through humor, longing, and a deep sense of place, Vallianatos captures the multifaceted nature of human connections and the quests for understanding and belonging.