A Bit on the Side Book

3.5 Although this author is rather new to me, there is something that attracts in his writing. He seems to have such a firm grasp of time and place, setting detailed scenes and situations. In his portrayal of people, he treats them with both tenderness and respect. In these short stories, the connecting thread seems to be loss, whether of self, a friend, a way of life, even faith.

The first story, Sitting with the dead, is probably the strongest and the desolation and melancholy of this woman, who has now lost her husband is stirring. Yet, as we find out, she lost something much more valuable long ago. The story that has stayed with me though is called, Justina's Priest, a young woman, of lower intelligence who is living with her elder sister, her one and only friend having moved away. She helps out the local priest by caring for the church and he is used to seeing her there. He is having a crisis of faith, wondering what his, life means, when Justina receives a letter from her friend. How this scenario plays out is the story and for me a memorable one.

Nice, pleasant stories, meaningful showing a wonderful grasp of people and their varied circumstances.