John of Book Mine Set reviewed this short last week, here. After reading his wonderful review, I just had to read this myself and I am so glad I did!
In its basic form, this story is about a dysfunctional family. As the story opens, Doug pulls up in his car, at his brother’s house with his daughter Tracy. It looked like no one was home but his brother, Marshall opened the door.
Doug was there because his mother was worried. Marshall’s wife or girl friend , Susan left him. There was talk of a restraining order and gun. Marshall denied the restraining order but the gun was right there in his house all taken a part for cleaning. Marshall told Doug that him and Susan were working it out but there was a lot of tension in the conversation. The two brothers saw each other about once a year, for Christmas. Resentment came out loud and clear.
Like John of Book Mine Set, my own family dynamics popped into my head well I was reading the story. I have three siblings. Two which I see once a year, when I’m lucky, because I moved away. To be honest, we weren’t on the best of terms as it was and still aren’t. My other brother lives here, in Vancouver and we get along really well.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away but believe me when I say this story packs a punch and is disturbing. Daniel Griffin is obviously a master at his craft! I must read more by him. I highly recommend that you read this story! Here is the link: Promise.
If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays or just find out about some great short stories, go to John of The Book Mine Set. He has a short story review every Monday and a place for you to link your short story reviews. Come join in the fun!
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I bookmarked this story after John’s review last week, too, but I haven’t read it yet. It sounds like I need to – NOW!
This does sound like a good one. I will have to look for it. I didn’t get a chance to participate in Short Story Saturday this past week, but I definitely plan to this week.
Great stuff, Teddy! I’m not a fan of short stories but I do like many of those I’ve read. 😀
I hope you like it JoAnn and Wendy!
Alice, thanks! I didn’t use to be a fan of short stories either but then I read some excellent ones. There are some writers who really know the craft of short story and are able to develop the plot in the short space.
I’m glad you liked it too. I heard of it from Melanie, you heard of it through me, I hope one of your readers now reads it as well. It’d be neat if we could get a chain going.
Hey Teddy this one sounds good. Sad to say there are some divisions in my family here and there too…. I am growing ever fond of the idea of short stories.
John, that would be neat!
Toni, Sorry to hear that you have some stuff going on in your family as well. Boy, relationships can be hard work. It took me awhile to warm up to short stories but now I love them.