Set against the backdrop of the late 1950s, the narrative unfolds with a haunting photograph of boys making their first communions, each marked with an ominous X, foreshadowing their untimely deaths. Decades later, the discovery of this photo sparks an investigation into the mystery surrounding the boys' fates. The story intricately weaves together themes of memory, loss, and the quest for truth as the characters delve into the past to uncover the dark connections that bind them.
Detailed, insightful analysis of a neglected period. Gripping narrative full of dramatic events, battles and great figures such as Alcibiades, Lysander, Pelopidas and Epaminondas. Explains the high point and demise of Spartan power
This small collection of eight short stories is an impressive anthology of distinctive stories told in distinctive ways by an author who cannot seem to settle on one particular type of story or one particular style of writing. There is the magnificently moody and darkly apocalyptic Sky Blue Silence I with it nightmare future described in curiously deadpan way, the colour of fairy take whimsy of Eli Martin and the Magic Duck, the fantasy satire of Dream Zingers, the surprising mystery of Mistaking Patricia and the intuitive though unpolished human dramas played out in Mutiny Over the Taking of Tea and Toast and the title story, Casting Shadows. The story are short, easy to read, and will give the reader something to think about aside from the $20 he or she just spend on the paperback.
The narrative follows Richard, a Roman Catholic youth whose routine confessions spark a profound exploration of faith and morality. An incident involving a priestly vestment and an elderly woman's confession leads him to question the nature of sin and forgiveness. His curiosity drives him to investigate the implications of confessions, culminating in the murder of an unnamed homeless man. Through his quest for absolution, Richard uncovers the truth behind the crime, ultimately giving the victim an identity and resolving the mystery, though not in the way he anticipated.
Continuing the tradition of its predecessors, this third volume of the Smart Aleck Chronicles offers a blend of insightful observations and engaging short fiction. The author aims to entertain readers with witty commentary on a variety of topics, personalities, and cultural phenomena. With a commitment to maintaining high literary standards, this collection seeks to provide both amusement and thought-provoking reflections, building on the foundation laid by the earlier volumes.
Emphasizing absurdity and humor, this second volume continues the tradition of presenting a collection of nonsensical observations and fictitious biographies. It features short stories, top ten lists that hint at madness, and even bold attempts at poetry. The author maintains a high-minded intent while embracing the chaos of everyday life, inviting readers into a whimsical exploration of ridiculous activities. This follow-up promises to be as laughably unstructured as its predecessor, challenging conventional storytelling.
The narrative follows Mike Butler's journey through various low-paying jobs from the age of fifteen, prompted by his parents' demand for financial independence. His experiences range from working as a golf caddy to clerical roles in the Canadian Government, reflecting a broader commentary on the challenges faced by the younger generation in finding meaningful employment. Despite his hopes for better career prospects, he grapples with the realization that many of his jobs mirror the struggles of previous generations, highlighting the cyclical nature of work and ambition.
Set against the backdrop of 1949, the story revolves around George Fenwick, an architect and amateur magician who mysteriously leaped to his death from his own apartment. Years later, tenants John and Patricia Delaney discover photographs linked to Fenwick's life and suicide, igniting their quest to unravel the enigma. Their investigation takes them through a web of intriguing characters, including neighbors, reporters, and magicians, as they delve deeper into the past and the secrets that haunt the apartment.
Set against the backdrop of a changing neighborhood, the narrative explores the lives of its inhabitants through the metaphor of windows. Each character's story unfolds, revealing their dreams, struggles, and the impact of gentrification. Themes of community, loss, and resilience are woven throughout, as the characters confront their pasts and envision their futures. The book captures the essence of urban life and the bittersweet nature of change, inviting readers to reflect on their own connections to place and identity.
The story centers on Paul Waite, a middle-aged man grappling with the sudden loss of his wife in a traffic accident. As he navigates the painful process of saying goodbye and settling her affairs, he stumbles upon a mysterious clue that could unravel secrets about her past. Driven by a need for closure, Paul embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, risking the cherished memories of their life together and challenging his understanding of their marriage.