Knockemstiff (2008) is a short story collection by Donald Ray Pollock, based on his own experiences in the small town of Knockemstiff, Ohio. The linked stories explore a community plagued by violence, addiction, and abuse, portraying a bleak, decaying town where hope is scarce. The stories, set between the 1960s and 1990s, delve into the lives of its troubled residents, including a boy who craves violence, a burglar slipping into addiction, and a father fighting to protect his disabled son. Central to the collection is Bobby Lowe, a character featured in multiple stories as he struggles with his past and attempts to overcome personal demons. Knockemstiff is hailed for its unsettling, darkly humorous portrayal of small-town despair and the difficulty of escape.
0