NEW REVIEW OF MY BOOK OF SHORT STOPRIES Hope you like it enough to read! Thank you David (aka David B Duke) DEATH a la CARTE - A salute to O Henry - by David B duke By: L Jameson “Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and other dreams. They are journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and still be back in time for dinner.” Neil Gaiman Death a La Carte, a collection of short stories by David B Duke, lives up to this description. Short story writing is an exigent literary form - well chosen images and concise sentences make it look easy. But, on the contrary, to impart something meaningful about the human condition in few words is hard. Writers of this genre do not have the luxury of time to create their characters, weave the threads of their plots into colourful patterns or develop detailed dialogue. The challenge is to grasp the moment, invest it with power, humanity, sympathy, passion, to capture the pure essence of the art. David B Duke does this with great effect. The omnipresent theme of ‘death’ runs through the pieces, as he keeps his writing lean and pointed. Each story, based around a single event, is mesmerising in its own way, and several cut to the centre of human experience. Some may be read as a puzzle – the reader is led to look for clues as to the denouement. Most have a characteristic twist at the ending, which may be shocking, touching or ironic. The historical fiction - Tea Leaves - set in Austria, revolves around the visions of Frau Helga. Although the reader may pick up on historical hints, it is not until the absolutely very last words of the story that the author stabs us in the heart with the truth. The Camera explores the genre of science fiction. Tragic images are captured on film before they actually happen. Love Letters and Goodbye are micro stories, or “flash fiction” condensed to fewer than 1000 words each, yet still manage a dramatic twist. In The Visit emotional aspects of life are explored within a supernatural dimension. A father’s tenacious love for his son perseveres and triumphs. This is a true spiritual journey “to the far side of the universe”, making stunning use of emotive prose. Yesser brings the reader back to a study of the social conditions upon life, as we join Maurice Auger, on the edge of a swimming pool, forced to come to terms with the choices he has made in life. Good v. Evil. The book cover picture (which needs careful scrutiny) refers to this particular story. In The Singer the author uses a combination of techniques to draw the reader into a twisted tale, with an unexpected outcome. David B Duke’s choice of subject matter for this collection is spot on. It is said that the finest stories are about love or death and the finest of all are about both. He is to be commended for adhering to the rules of short story writing – every element and every word contribute to the whole. His prose is intelligent and written with great precision. Moreover, he succeeds in keeping the story alive and the reader involved right up to the adroit, often unexpected, ending. I thoroughly recommend this collection which may be downloaded from amazon.co.uk/Death-La-Carte-Century-Salute-ebook/dp/B0083U58GU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1399216808&sr=1-1&keywords=death+a+la+carte Verified Purchase 3.0 out of 5 stars Touch of Class 22 May 2012 By Mariejoy - Published on Amazon Verified Purchase David has come out trumps again, story has a touch of Hitchcock, which in my view is a touch of class. First story has a unique dark twist about it... 4.0 out of 5 stars An obscure twist 28 May 2014 By jennifer turnock - Published on Amazon Verified Purchase Brilliant entertaining reading. A touch of suspense throughout this obscure and dark novel, though keeping you on hold for the finale twist. 5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating 22 May 2012 By Ora Murphy - Published on Amazon In a nutshell: captivating style, flowing language, fascinating imagery, masterful execution. It becomes clear after the first few paragraphs that David B. Duke is no novice at putting into capable and convincing words the succinctness and crispness which is an alluring story. This makes for most enjoyable and inspirational reading indeed!
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 10:08:23 +0000
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