Jayne Anne Phillips, a prominent American author known for her impactful literature, is drawing on her upbringing for her latest work, *Small Town Girls*. This memoir, presented as a series of essays, delves into her experiences growing up in small-town Appalachia while exploring broader themes that resonate universally. Phillips first gained acclaim with her collection *Black Tickets*, which was noted for its vivid and sometimes harrowing stories. Her literary stature rose further with her trilogy of war novels: *Machine Dreams* (about Vietnam), *Lark and Termite* (set during the Korean War), and *Night Watch*, which won a Pulitzer Prize and garnered a National Book Critics Circle fiction award for its portrayal of the Civil War.
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In *Small Town Girls*, Phillips articulates her journey through various decades, remarking on the cultural atmosphere surrounding her formative years. She emphasizes that her memoir captures not only her personal history but also the collective memories of those who lived during those times. “Every thing is every thing,” she states, indicating how past, present, and future intersect in our lives. The book addresses themes of tragedy, love, and resilience, while also touching on contemporary issues like gun violence, reflected in two referenced shootings.
In a conversation, Phillips explained that she has never centered her writing on her personal life, making *Small Town Girls* a unique endeavor. She attributed the structure of her memoir to her agent, who encouraged her to select specific essays from a larger manuscript. Each piece builds a thematic connection, weaving in the experiences of women from small towns who often face choices and challenges tied to their roots.
The memoir's essays are rich in detail, drawing on her memories rather than diaries or journals. Phillips describes writing as a series of intense moments that lead to essential truths, rather than a record of events. Although she didn't maintain traditional journals, she considers the craft of writing as a way to recover and present memories, illuminating shared truths across different lives.
In discussing her hometown of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Phillips reflects on its history and her family's connection to the land. The research for these insights emerged more organically from her lived experience rather than extensive academic study. This personal history ties into her earlier works, including a trilogy that engages with various American conflicts, linking her own life to the historical narratives she explores.
Her reflections extend to significant themes such as the complexities of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, drawing comparisons to contemporary tribal conflicts. Phillips suggests that the feud is a representation of broader societal issues surrounding land and power, revealing deeper connections within American history.
As she recounts her evolution as a writer, Phillips notes the significance of her early work and the inspiration derived from her surroundings, connecting her memories to her creative process. She has a particular admiration for fellow writers such as Stephen Crane and Breece D’J Pancake, acknowledging how their stories influenced her own.
The memoir culminates in poignant reflections on her relationship with her mother during her final days, solidifying a narrative that intertwines family, loss, and the passage of time. Phillips conveyed the complexities of caregiving and the profound shifts that come with loss, emphasizing how remembrance becomes a vital part of her writing.
*Small Town Girls* is described not just as a collection of personal essays but as a tribute to all women who have navigated the challenges of life in small towns, providing a sense of shared identity and memory. With a dedication, “For all the small town girls: those who left, and those who stayed,” Phillips encapsulates her reflections on belonging and the inescapable connections to one’s roots. Currently, she is also working on a screenplay adaptation of her novel *Quiet Dell*, which continues her exploration of themes around death and remembrance.