What an unexpected pleasure this collection turned out to be. I hadn’t read Mattison before (or heard of her, that I recall), and chose this book for the cover. I was hoping to find a story or two that held my attention, but In Case We’re Separated turned out to be a collection of fiction where the sum feels greater than the parts. Each one of these stories is a gem, with characters that come to life on the page and details that turn our attention toward the humane moments of life. With little fanfare, these stories dive deep into the everyday and bring back a refreshing take on the timelessness of family. And even more, the connections don’t feel easily coincidental (one of my frequent gripes with linked stories), but rather like hard-won victories. A collection to be savored and enjoyed.