Wasteland and Other Stories - Couverture souple

Perron, Robert

Couverture souple

ISBN 13 : 9798991833813

Editeur : And Then Press, 2024

Synopsis

This collection of previously published stories highlights the resilience of the human spirit when faced with threats to well-being and survival.

The first seven stories focus on soldiers and their experiences. In "Azaleas," a veteran in war-torn Korea grapples with his future. "A Joke for Chong" offers a brief snapshot of life on the front lines. "Class of '65" reflects on the aftermath of a fatal firefight. Both "Men at War" and "Low Speed Jet" delve into life on the home front during the Vietnam War. In "Government Issue," military justice proves as destructive as combat. "Rearguard," a home-front story set during the Iraq War, rounds out the soldier tales.

"Wasteland," the collection's title story, begins in reality and slips into a dreamlike state, as the protagonist grasps not so much for physical survival as for a meaningful existence.

The next seven stories explore contemporary life, with a nod to ancient Greece. "What About India?" and "There You Go" examine how both blue- and white-collar workers rely on employment not only for income but for their sense of self-worth. "Hippasus of Metapontum" warns of the dangers of introducing revolutionary ideas into society. In "Negative Entropy," a flash fiction piece, new ideas collide with old, destructive behaviors. "Mind over Matter" follows a protagonist grappling with the consequences of her actions in difficult circumstances. Similarly, in "The Pugilist," the main character drifts between reality and a self-created illusion. "Sunrise Cliff," a flash, rekindles-or perhaps doesn't-a romance.

The final two stories, "Ole Ned" and "Exodus," set in the near future, imagine Canada's immigration challenges as its southern neighbors flee increasingly uninhabitable environments.

A propos du livre

À propos de l'auteur

Robert Perron is the author of the novel The Blue House Raid. His short stories have appeared in numerous literary journals. His past life includes military service, a career in high tech, marriages, and children. Today he bounces between New Hampshire and New York City, where he stays with his longtime girlfriend.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: And Then Press
• Date d'édition: 2024
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 13: 9798991833813
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 168
• Coordonnées du fabricant: Buchpark GmbH; https://www.buchpark.de; ; Krügerweg 1; Trebbin; Brandenburg; 14959; Allemagne