Not much for me to say but WOW. How the ending is structure and how it reads is dazzling, just dazzling. I feel more than ever that Modus Perfectus is a book that will find its place in the canon of literary fantasy. What is unique about your style is its weave of minutiae and extraordinary events; it is exactly what fans of contemporary fantasy LOVE (including me). — Wilton Barnhardt
Elisabeth Hegmann writes quirky, funny, serious, and highly original fantasy. – John Kessel
Modus Perfectus by Elisabeth Hegmann is an interrelated collection of stories for those of us who have passionately longed to be accepted into the “gifted and talented” programs of life, but we were just not quite good enough. Hegmann’s main characters are often mocked—or they themselves are doing the mocking—frustrated because they don’t fit into the everyday world nor into the world of the true artist. Some of them are selfish, angry, and jealous—but they eventually redeem themselves. They have vision—they can imagine Modus Perfectus, a place of art and love and acceptance, of truth and beauty—they passionately long for it, but they don’t have the genius to reach it. Their redemption comes from their vision to recognize, and identify with, those who do have the gift—and to selflessly and heroically help those chosen ones reach Modus Perfectus, that “home” where only the true artist can dwell. Hegmann’s skillful mix of reality and the supernatural in Modus Perfectus keeps the narrative always alive with possibilities—and the writing itself is exquisite. Moreover, the characters will haunt you long after you put the book down. — Marilyn Tanger Case
I didn't know a thing about this author or this book, but I read this wonderful collection of short stories from virtual cover to cover and the only disappointment was when one ended and I had to say goodbye to the characters and get emotionally invested in the next ones--which I invariably did. While unified by the overarching concept of a musical utopian society which no one quite reaches, the stories and characters differed greatly from each other (and also anything I had ever read before). I will be recommending this to friends and keeping an eye out for future works by this author. — Lowi
Although the book jacket of Modus Perfectus mentions the characters as "misfits," the book is really about everyone who has ever wondered, "Am I good enough, loveable enough, accomplished enough?" Yep, pretty much everyone. The book is thoroughly enjoyable, full of magic and reality--and best of all, you might just find hints of an answer to these existential questions! Highly recommend this book! — S.S.
