English Language and Literature ETDs
Publication Date
Spring 4-15-2022
Abstract
The past is never gone in The Buried Train, a collection of three stories that engages with memory, memoir and postmodernism. “A Patchwork Person” melds fiction and nonfiction across a novella-length metaphysical detective story as an alter ego of the writer goes on a cross-country search for her missing, Pynchon-obsessed stepfather. “The Nature of Love is Lingering” uses the personal essay as an exploration of the writer’s alcoholic father and his legacy in her life. “The Buried Train,” a short fiction story, investigates childhood trauma reemerging in the relationship between the writer and her brother as they seek out a flood-ravaged New Mexico ghost town. Themes of family, the search for the self and (of course) trains unite this trio of tales.
Degree Name
MFA Creative Writing
Level of Degree
Masters
Department Name
English
First Committee Member (Chair)
Daniel Mueller
Second Committee Member
Justin Bendell
Third Committee Member
Scarlett Higgins
Fourth Committee Member
Gregory Martin
Fifth Committee Member
Rennie Sparks
Language
English
Keywords
creative writing, memoir, fiction, postmodernism, mystery
Document Type
Dissertation
Recommended Citation
Kooser, Amanda. "The Buried Train." (2022). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/engl_etds/316
