by Stephanie Harper (Engl'09)
(Propertius Press, 184 pages; 2020)
Wesley Yorstead Goes Outside explores the life of Wesley Yorstead, a 33-year-old graphic novelist who suffers from a severe case of agoraphobia that has kept him shut inside for over five years. When he meets Happy Lafferty for the first time, delivering groceries on behalf of her father’s neighborhood market, Wesley can’t shake the inherent magnetism between them and seeks to get to know this young woman who invades his space - both physical and mental. As their relationship grows more intimate, the restrictions of his situation become an even greater obstacle. When Happy’s past life catches up to her, Wesley must decide if he can finally leave his apartment to help.Â
A meditation on anxiety, fear, and human connection, Wesley Yorstead Goes Outside asks the listener to consider what our fears take away from our lives, and how we might overcome them.