Impossible Owls: Essays

This eclectic collection of essays from journalist Phillips combines in-depth reporting with personal histories to explore broadly the contemporary human condition. As the author chases tigers in India, follows the Iditarod in Alaska, watches sumo wrestlers in Japan, and drives to Area 51, his fascination with things loosely defined as the fringe is often set in contrast with his role as an outsider. In personal essays and character profiles of animator Yuri Norstein, socialite Lydie Marland, and members of the British royal family, Phillips showcases a penchant for subtlety highlighting individual eccentricities within their respectively distinct historical contexts. Common themes throughout touch on aspects of everyday life, such as self-exploration, a sense of belonging or lack thereof, and the amorphous borders between modern dualisms. The subjects have broad appeal and would be enjoyed by anyone interested in New Journalism as a literary genre.