Editor's Note
Issue 73: Spring is special as it marks the revival of our annual competition. After a brief hiatus since the pandemic, our poetry and prose prizes have returned, along with a brand-new art prize. The winners of these awards are published within. Sammi LaBue’s “Talking to my imaginary friend about feeling sad” conveys grief with vivid images and unflinching emotion. “Lonely Houses” displays Joseph Ray York’s unique twist on portraiture. In Zoe Mize’s “Little Reed, Bending,” we find a story so intentional and well-crafted that its ending feels inevitable.
In this issue, you will find the submissions that left the strongest impact on our editorial staff. We found pieces that delighted our senses, expressed visceral feelings, and showed us the rewarding, complicated task of human connection.
The work of many individuals went into the making of this issue. I would be remiss not to thank our devoted staff and readers. Of course, The Penn Review would be nothing without the incredible writers and artists we publish. The wonderful, surprising discussions prompted by their work sustain our corner of the literary world. We hope that you enjoy these pieces as much as we do.