The novel I’m writing now begins with an uncanny display described in my short story “Shoot the Chute” (Saranac Review, Fall 2017). From 1903 to the 1940s, premature babies in incubators were part of the carnival show at Coney Island, next to Violetta the Armless Legless Wonder, Princess WeeWee, and Ajax the Sword-Swallower. Entry cost a quarter and people flocked to see them. Read more about “Shoot the Shoot” in SHORT STORIES and about incubator babies (including the smallest one who lived) in BEHIND THE STORY.
