Super Short Summary

Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner follows Adam Gordon, a young poet from Kansas living in Madrid on a literary fellowship during the 2004 terrorist bombings. Suffering from imposter syndrome and feeling alienated, Adam struggles with doubts about the authenticity of his experiences and his work, engaging in relationships and routines that highlight his insecurity and search for meaning. This story contains depictions of substance use, anxiety, and a terrorist attack.