Fish Stories by Ivan Coyote

Teddyrose@1

13 years ago

Last week I reviewed Saturday and Cowboy Hats by Ivan E. Coyote. I decided to devote this month of Short Story Monday to Ivan E. Coyote short stories because I am so impressed with what I have read so far.

In Fishing Stories, the narrator, I’m guessing Ivan herself, likes to go to a neighborhood coffee shop where mostly men, sit around in conversation. They often tell fishing stories, which she loves. She joins in, just like one of the guys. There’s a friend of one of the regulars there, he’s about 75 but looks 60.

“I told them I was on my way back from camping in Squamish, where the springs are running.” Mike said, “The best whore that ever works in Squamish lives out near there. I should take you out to meet her.”

Ivan supposes Mike thinks she is a young guy but doesn’t say anything about it. They continue their conversation.

This is another great story. What I like so much about Ivan Coyotes stories is that they seem so genuine. I often wonder how much is autobiographical. I would guess quite a bit. She doesn’t just touch on gender roles in her stories, her writing is all encompassing. For instance, in Fish Stories, Mike talks about memory and age. If you haven’t read anything by Ivan E. Coyote, you really should give her a try. I dare you!

Short Story Monday is hosted by John at The Book Mine Set.