Lauren Groff’s ‘Brawler’ Delivers Raw Emotional Power
Lauren Groff’s latest short story collection, Brawler, released February 24, 2026, delves into the crisis points of human lives, exploring the enduring battle between our darker and lighter impulses. The collection, already garnering critical acclaim, showcases Groff’s versatility and cements her position as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
A Master of Short Fiction
Groff, a three-time National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author, has previously published novels including The Monsters of Templeton, Arcadia, Fates and Furies, Matrix, and The Vaster Wilds, as well as the short story collection Florida. Brawler is her first collection since the award-winning Florida.
Themes of Crisis and Social Narrative
The nine stories within Brawler span time periods from the 1950s to the present day, and diverse settings from New England to Florida and California. They center on characters grappling with difficult circumstances – abusive relationships, natural disasters, relapse, and loss. The Los Angeles Times notes that the stories “largely feature people who’ve hit crisis points in their lives.”
Groff masterfully blends historical context with immediate drama. She doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, and her work explores how social narratives and past relationships shape individual experiences. The collection examines how assumptions about wealth, privilege, and social class can be challenged and overturned.
Notable Stories: ‘What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf?’ and ‘Birdie’
Two stories in particular stand out. “What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf?” follows Chip, a member of a wealthy New Hampshire banking family, as he attempts to detox and repair a family cottage. His journey is complicated by a connection with a woman who challenges his preconceived notions. The Los Angeles Times describes the story as neatly symbolic, but ultimately disruptive to expectations.
“Birdie” explores a fractured friendship between women as one friend faces a terminal illness. The story delves into the complexities of long-term relationships and the ways in which past experiences can impact present understanding. The review highlights how the story moves beyond simple trauma narratives to examine the influence of social expectations.
Exploring Violence and Resilience
The collection doesn’t shy away from depictions of violence, particularly against women. Stories like “The Wind” and “Annunciation” confront the realities of abuse, but Groff avoids simplistic portrayals of resilience. Instead, she focuses on the emotional strength of her characters and the lasting consequences of their experiences. As Groff writes, “I look around and can see it in so many other women, passed down from a time beyond history, this wind that is dark and ceaseless and raging within.”
Availability
Brawler is available in hardcover ($29.00), large print ($31.00), ebook, and audiobook formats. More information and purchasing options can be found on Lauren Groff’s website and through major booksellers like Penguin Random House, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Amazon.