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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
I've now read this book four times. (Paper twice, audio twice). Just an amazing collection.
Powerful prose. I'm having trouble remembering some of these stories but the good ones will stay with me. I know of few writers who can change genres so effortlessly the way Watkins can. "Wish You Were Here" takes on the perspective of an Italian traveler who has lost his friend in the desert and can only find solace in the local brothel. "Man-O-War" takes on the perspective of a lonely miner, who is trying to protect a teenage girl he meets near his home. The most impressive story of all is "The Diggings," an historical novella about 2 brothers digging for gold during the 1849 gold rush. Watkins finds the most interesting aspects of these characters and hones in on them with precision. This is available as an ebook on Libby, so you library users out there need to check this out ASAP.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I absolutely loved this collection, and I'm at a loss to say why.
Most of the stories in this book are full of hopelessness, loss, heartbreak, and sadness. However there was something about the way they were written that was lyrical and compelling to read. The author has taken these dark moments and shows us the hidden joys and dreams hidden within. Ending with a gritty, realistic moment that has layers of emotion shining through to the reader. My favorite story had to be The Diggings, followed closely by Graceland, and The past Perfect, The Past Continuous, The Simple Past.
Most of the stories in this book are full of hopelessness, loss, heartbreak, and sadness. However there was something about the way they were written that was lyrical and compelling to read. The author has taken these dark moments and shows us the hidden joys and dreams hidden within. Ending with a gritty, realistic moment that has layers of emotion shining through to the reader. My favorite story had to be The Diggings, followed closely by Graceland, and The past Perfect, The Past Continuous, The Simple Past.
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Really great collection of short stories. I was amazed at how different each story was and how fearless the writing is. From grizzly 49er's to Reno & Vegas to ghost town in the desert & mountains to the Sutro Baths in San Francisco. An Author to watch!!!! Recommended.
One of the most uneven short story collections I’ve read. Standouts: “Ghosts, Cowboys”, “Rondine Al Nido” & “Man-O-War”. In these you have beautiful craft, interesting structure and hooks which keep you invested in plunging darker, difficult topics.
Insufferable? The last four stories, and the detached cynicism that pervades the collection. No joy here; only temporary reprieve from suffering, often through self destructive acts, which makes for a difficult read.
Insufferable? The last four stories, and the detached cynicism that pervades the collection. No joy here; only temporary reprieve from suffering, often through self destructive acts, which makes for a difficult read.
This book has some really beautiful writing (with some really intriguing craft technique), some really striking characters, but the stories didn't have enough flavor variation to sustain my satisfaction over a 300-page book. I felt like I was reading the same story arc six or seven times with different details stretched across its frame. I also struggled because this was one of those books that is just full of misery and solitude—and I get that life is full of misery and loneliness, too, but I guess I wanted some glimpses/glimmers of something else sometimes.
3.5/5
3.5/5