Tunneling to the center of the earth : stories

Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, published in 2009 by Harper Perennial, represents the debut short story collection by American author Kevin Wilson. Emerging from the contemporary landscape of quirky, speculative literary fiction, the stories were developed during Wilson’s time honing his craft, often exploring the intersection of domestic realism and surreal, often absurd, circumstances. The collection was released as part of the Harper Perennial line, which sought to bring fresh, idiosyncratic voices to a broader audience.

The design and thematic intent behind the collection focus on the awkwardness of human connection, characterized by a tone that is simultaneously melancholy and humorous. Wilson’s writing draws inspiration from the tradition of postmodern fabulism, intentionally placing mundane characters into impossible scenarios to examine their emotional interiority. Upon its release, the book was well-received by critics for its original, deadpan narrative voice, establishing Wilson as a distinct talent in modern American literature.