3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Originality and Soul, June 2, 2001
This review is from: The Extinction of Rhinos in Mexico (Paperback)
The Extinction of Rhinos in Mexico contains short stories woven together to create a highly original vision of the contemporary human spirit in contact with our modern-day environment. Stephen Blackburn, author, uses a voice that varies from the austere inner monologues of a small child in "Web's Center" to the sophisticated interior turmoil of an apparently happy man contemplating divorce against the background of War in "Carrion Birds". Blackburns exquisite handling of humor and young-men-coming-of-age is present in the stories, "Ordeal of the Arrow" and "Orion's Belt". These stories and others reveal the ongoing character's (Brad) emerging awareness of self, the variety of human tastes, choices and lifestyles which are played against the oftimes bloody and absurd rites of manhood. Never before have I read a story about artists that is more accurate in feel and tone than Blackburn's "Meat Caves". Here the artist lives buoyed by imagination and creativity within the confusing whirl of concrete existence. There are so many good stories in The Extinction of Rhinos in Mexico and though each story reaches through the heart and soul of author Stephen Blackburn, the intelligent and original presentation is a masterful journey through universal concerns that lay within each yearning heart. Each of these stories continues to live and grow within us, revealing upon repeated readings, more of our own human acceptance, confusion, humor, and heroism.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark & Much More, January 29, 2004
This review is from: The Extinction of Rhinos in Mexico (Paperback)
I stumbled across Blackburn by chance a couple of years ago. I was not impressed by my initial read. In fact, I naively labeled it dark and nothing more. In my mind. After a few months had passed, I started thinking again about that woman in the title story. The recollection was powerful. And I had to read it again. That is strong writing. He is certainly a great talent, and these stories are not forgettable.
A read worth taking a chance on. Definitely.
Kabol
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Vivid Snapshots of Desperate Folks, January 15, 2004
This review is from: The Extinction of Rhinos in Mexico (Paperback)
Preparing for a visit to Mexico, this odd collection of short stories with an energetic title caught my eye on the $2 shelf at a local bookstore. I picked it up, browsed at the title story, and found myself drawn into a difficult, often dismal life of an overweight and under-educated woman on a crowded Mexican bus.
This thin book, written by a middle-aged journalist and former cook, contains riveting tales of desperate folks seeking solace and satisfaction. Usually, they fail.
Stephen Blackburn, the author, brings great sensitivity to his portraits of Los Angeles nannies, Louisana cooks, lonely loners, Vietnam veterans, ambitious Boy Scouts, and Mexican women. People misperceive, take chances, make poor choices, find the courage to try something new, and fail again. The litany of personal tales of woe afflicting these fine folks ranges from betrayl, crime, and poverty to indecision, drug abuse, and abusive employers in this Steinbeckian collection.
I can't pretend that I respected all these peculiar characters, but they felt authentic. This collection of short stories certainly deserves a wider audience of readers - especially in community college classrooms and adult education centers. The costs of ignorance - emotional, physical, and financial - become extraordinary clear in this compelling work. I wouldn't be surprised to read a short story from here in a college anthology someday.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
