In Teardown, Clea Young navigates the whitewater of relationships – familial and romantic, between friends new and old. Her stories seize on instances that, at the outset, appear benign – a woman encountering an old boyfriend on a BC ferry, a father chaperoning his daughter’s class on a field trip, a young waitress’ burgeoning friendship with a co-worker – but are in fact fraught, often pivotal times in her characters’ lives. The stories in this arresting debut collection are populated with people you know and people you’ve been. They’re arguing about lamps in IKEA, drinking gin and tonics on a dock in summer, unemployed and without prospects. But under Young’s astute gaze they are anything but ordinary. With sharp, invigorated prose she guides us through shoals and rapids alike, along the way paying homage to our missteps, our foibles, and ultimately to the complicated hearts that comprise a life.

Clea Young's stories have appeared in Event, Grain, The Fiddlehead, The Malahat Review, Prairie Fire and Room. Her work has been included in The Journey Prize Stories three times, and she has twice been shortlisted for the prize. In 2014, a selection of Clea's stories was featured in Coming Attractions 13 (Oberon Press). Originally from Victoria, BC, Clea moved to Vancouver to complete an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia. She is currently Artistic Associate at the Vancouver Writers Fest. Clea lives in False Creek, BC, with her husband and son.

Clea Young's profile page

“Clea Young's intelligent stories sparkle with life... clever and imaginative, an absolutely addictive read.”

Zoe Whittall

“Clea Young writes vivid, whip-smart stories about people coping with the perils and pitfalls of modern life. I was bowled over by her talent as a storyteller and a stylist. Fans of Ann Beattie and Jennifer Egan will rejoice. A huge thumbs-up for Teardown.”

Neil Smith