Fiona McFarlane's Highway Thirteen is a thriller like no other. Through a collection of linked stories, she lays out the effects on numerous lives fosFiona McFarlane's Highway Thirteen is a thriller like no other. Through a collection of linked stories, she lays out the effects on numerous lives fostered by the actions of one serial killer, a central figure that never appears as a character, but whose reach is seemingly limitless. The victims themselves also are not all presented, nor with few exceptions, their bereaved loved ones. Sometimes the connections are tenuous, only revealed at a story's end. One story was so evocative, so brilliantly wrought, reminded me of Harold Pinter's play Betrayal. The fact that they could stand alone and still hold their power is evinced by the fact that several have appeared in The New Yorker among other publications. The order in which the stories are presented was curious at first, dates being given with the titles. Which could lead a reader to read them chronologically if they choose. But the seemingly random order in which they appear gives the proceedings more of a sense of being woven together. I'm definitely going to look up her earlier work....more
Each of these stories, many of which have appeared elsewhere, bears similarities to the full length novels of James Lee Burke. They are difficult, griEach of these stories, many of which have appeared elsewhere, bears similarities to the full length novels of James Lee Burke. They are difficult, gritty and beautifully written. One is even a continuation of a previous novel. The reader may find themselves in the familiar territory of Bayou Teche, or the wooded areas of Washington State, but Burke's touch is unmistakable. Highly recommended. ...more
Russell Banks, always a favorite, caps his legacy with this series of three linked, dark tales, all set in a small town in upper New York state, just Russell Banks, always a favorite, caps his legacy with this series of three linked, dark tales, all set in a small town in upper New York state, just across the Canadian border. Each story is a counterpart from the headlines, familiar to anyone cognizant and curious about, say, the, to many, unlikely ascent of the popularity of Donald Trump. So sorry to learn of his recent death, meaning that there won't be any more of his cleareyed insights....more
Claire Keegan has become one of my favorites in a field of many superb authors, Irish writers. There is an economy and purpose to her writing, in whicClaire Keegan has become one of my favorites in a field of many superb authors, Irish writers. There is an economy and purpose to her writing, in which resolution comes like a blast from offshore, bringing heat and melancholy. But she also suffuses her work with a realism that is unexpected, and does so that the reader is left slackjawed wondering, "what did I just read?" These three stories are fine examples, each building in menace (one in particular) and a bewildering set of choices. So short, the entire book could be read in one sitting, but really should be savored as a satisfying novel....more
Another fine example of a collection of short stories that ends up being more work than a novel of similar length, as each story is complete, requirinAnother fine example of a collection of short stories that ends up being more work than a novel of similar length, as each story is complete, requiring a reader to pick up and haul every twenty pages or so. There is even some crossover between several of the stories, but using Act III as an example, there are enough characters to fill an entire volume, each clearly defined, and a wish to know more....more
With only three works available, Angie Kim has become one of my favorite authors. This short story has all the earmarks of her talent, and although shWith only three works available, Angie Kim has become one of my favorite authors. This short story has all the earmarks of her talent, and although short in length, is mighty in what it delivers. I was reminded of a piece that was circulating around years ago about a woman who was saving a beautiful nightgown for a special occasion, which was found among her possessions after her death, unused. The point was to use those items because you never know what will constitute a special occasion in the future when remembering the past....more
Poppy, a dedicated teacher in 1962, seeks to find answers to her own background as she holds back telling her husband about their future. Sweet and evPoppy, a dedicated teacher in 1962, seeks to find answers to her own background as she holds back telling her husband about their future. Sweet and evocative, this is another of the Good Intentions series of stories from amazon focussing on mother/daughter relationships. Not particularly original in content, but well done....more
Wrenching story of what is going through a woman's mind as she returns a child she has harbored during the occupation. Beautifully written.Wrenching story of what is going through a woman's mind as she returns a child she has harbored during the occupation. Beautifully written....more
My favorite in amazon's Warmer series, focusing on possible effects of climate change, but then, Lauren Groff is one of my favorite writers. During a My favorite in amazon's Warmer series, focusing on possible effects of climate change, but then, Lauren Groff is one of my favorite writers. During a cleanup project, a woman becomes traumatized by a sight that so disturbs her, she finds herself unable to sleep, eat or take care of her daughter. Well written and more plausible than the others in this series....more
Another bleak projection in Warmer, the amazon series on climate change. Chuntao has always lived in Cape Cod, but her memories before the big flood aAnother bleak projection in Warmer, the amazon series on climate change. Chuntao has always lived in Cape Cod, but her memories before the big flood are hazy. Discovering artifacts beneath the waters of new lake give her a look into the past and hope for acceptance among her classmates, one in particular. This actually would be fascinating reading if it were fleshed out into a full length novel....more
Short fiction in the "warmer" series on amazon that examines possible effects of climate change. In a not too distant future, Vic is 14 and will probaShort fiction in the "warmer" series on amazon that examines possible effects of climate change. In a not too distant future, Vic is 14 and will probably never be more than a child thanks to her mother's experience while pregnant with her, a condition that seems to have been prevalent for Vic's generation. Parts of this hummed with possibility, but there were several elements added that prevented it from being a true 5 star read....more
Good thriller proves that you don't need 300 pages to fashion a twisty page turner.Good thriller proves that you don't need 300 pages to fashion a twisty page turner....more
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