Emperor of the Air (1985) is a debut short story collection by Ethan Canin, featuring nine narratives that explore themes of memory, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. The title story revolves around a 69-year-old high school science teacher recovering from a heart attack. As he grapples with the loss of vitality in his life and the impending threat to an old elm tree on his property, he reflects on his past and the significant events that shaped him, including a childhood fire. In "The Year of Getting to Know Us," Lenny, despite facing personal losses, insists on his happiness, which others doubt. "Lies" follows Jack, an 18-year-old about to marry due to an unplanned pregnancy, revealing his internal conflict between love and obligation. "Where We Are Now" depicts an elderly couple reigniting their relationship while house hunting, and "We Are Nighttime Travelers" showcases a woman discovering her husband's secret life while rekindling their romance through poetry. Other stories like "Pitch Memory" explore familial expectations and personal fulfillment, while "American Beauty" examines societal perceptions of deformity through the eyes of a brother. "The Carnival Dog, the Buyer of Diamonds" focuses on the strained relationship between a father and son in a competitive environment, and "Star Food" tells of a boy who, after witnessing a shoplifting incident, contemplates his moral choices. Together, these stories paint a poignant picture of life’s challenges and the moments that define us.
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