June 27, 2011
Just read “Jonas” from Chatham County writer Belle Boggs’ short story collection, Mattapunai Queen. What a funny, generous, emotionally accurate writer! Looking forward to meeting her today. If you don’t think it’s possible to write a happy-ending story that includes a sex change operation, a marriage, and a cheerleading queen in the South, read her story at http://www.fivechapters.com/2010/jonas/
Looking forward to more! Just requested the book for purchase for the Chatham Community Library.
This page is dedicated to comments on books I am reading. Right now I’m working my way through the current/recent Press 53 Fiction titles. Did you know that Press 53 authors won Independent Press awards in 2 categories last year? Best Fiction (Mary Akers) and Best Regional Fiction (Clifford Garstang). I am proud to be associated with them, and even prouder when I read what they have wrought. More to come!
Some thoughts about In an Uncharted Country, by Clifford Garstang:
Clifford Garstang’s stories are masters of the fresh phrase, the accurate depiction of small town and rural life in the Shenandoah Valley–or any small town place surrounded by dead-end unpaved roads that lead to trailers and shacks. As someone who has visited those hills and valleys annually to visit family for 50 years, I recognize the small town that is central to these stories. Garstang has the gift of sharp observation of the human spirit and body and all its ways–dumb, drunk, young, wise, heartsick, brave, hopeful. Although each story has its own distinctive insights, my favorites of the bunch are two: “William & Frederick,” the story of a young survivor of a small town gay relationship, trying to make a go of it as an antiques dealer, the narration invoking and busting stereotypes right and left like so many cracked Ming vases as it travels through grief and desperation to a hopeful conclusion. Then there’s the final story: “Red Peony,” where Garstang has miraculously arranged for just about all of his diverse cast of characters to come together and celebrate Fourth of July, as if they were some large, damaged, deeply American family–which, of course, they are, as any community is. Bravo. And more, please!
