Unspeakable Home

Prcic’s second novel (after the award-winning Shards) is a work of autofiction that discloses the experiences of a self-reflective and self-styled narrator, Izzy, who shares many of the author’s real-life biographical details. This nontraditional narrative structure boldly and beautifully depicts the dynamic, poignant, and sometimes grimly humorous pathos of Izzy’s existence. The book’s narrative is framed through letters to comedian Bill Burr (Izzy’s a fan) and stories told by multiple narrators, whom Izzy asserts are versions of himself. A middle-aged writer, Izzy pens his letters and stories while attempting to recover from a substance abuse disorder in Salem, OR. These stories reveal a traumatic childhood in war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina and a young adulthood when Izzy, a recent refugee in Southern California, is challenged to assimilate.