Zach Powers’s collection of nineteen stories, Gravity Changes, explores a wide range of topics, from mundane childhood experiences to extraordinary scenarios like a man marrying a light bulb. The characters in these stories are diverse, including the devil, coworkers obsessed with numbers, and an ancient haruspex who reads omens in animal entrails, making for a unique and inventive read.
Some of the story titles are works of art in themselves, such as “a tinkle is the sound of two things meeting but failing to merge,” reminiscent of a Zen koan, and “Joan Plays Power Ballads with Slightly Revised Lyrics,” with a Borges-like quality. There are also titles like “One Has Hugs the Other Punches,” narrated by a grandmother about her marriage to the devil, and the straightforwardly titled “Cockpuncher.” While some stories may not live up to the brilliance of their titles, Powers’ writing is undeniably skillful. Several stories stand out for their engaging narratives.
In the title story, “Gravity Changes,” a young boy recounts his childhood adventures of defying gravity with his friends. They walk on walls and engage in gravity-bending activities until the weight of routine eventually grounds them. The narrative cleverly juxtaposes the innocence of childhood with the constraints of reality.
In “The Tunnels They Dig,” an astronaut contemplates falling toward the sky and toward himself in the vastness of space. The story explores profound themes of consciousness and mortality, balanced by the scientist companion studying worms in zero gravity. The juxtaposition of deep introspection with scientific curiosity adds richness to the narrative.
“Sleeping Bears” delves into the consequences of inner thoughts being displayed for all to see, highlighting the importance of self-perception and societal expectations. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the power of one’s thoughts and the impact of revealing them to others, echoing themes of self-awareness and mindfulness.
Each story in Gravity Changes offers a contemplative and thought-provoking exploration of human experiences and perceptions. Powers’ narrative style encourages readers to reexamine their own thought patterns and assumptions, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes and ideas.
