The Vol. 76, No. 4 issue of New Letters – the University of Missouri-Kansas City‘s (UMKC) international magazine of writing and art – focuses on themes of flight. In “The King of the Losers,” Brian Doyle writes about a minor who kidnaps his nieces to save them from their father. In poems translated by Carolyne Wright, Chilean writer Eugenia Toledo writes about returning to Chile after 33 years.

The 163-page issue also features an essay on the love of language by B.H. Fairchild; art by Fabian Debora and Juan Carlos Munoz Hernandez, whose paintings and sculpture are informed by the gangs of Los Angeles; and photography by Tim Hauf, who illustrates the majesty of nature in Zion National Park. Lisa D. Stewart’s defiant sunflower graces the cover.

“Our spirits soar; our imaginations take flight; our dreams travel to the four corners of the universe,” Robert Stewart, editor, said of the issues poems, essays, stories and art.

The issue also features poetry by Native American poet and novelist Ray Young Bear, of the Meskwaki tribe; an interview with renowned author Ethan Canin; Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum’s review of “The Diminishing House;” and many others.

Subscriptions to New Letters are $22 per year (four issues), with discounts for longer subscriptions. Call (816) 235-1168 or visit www.newletters.org to order.

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