From Publishers Weekly
The pleasure of pure storytelling makes Boyle's new collection of fiction a joy to read. The author ( World's End ) filters a diverse cast of characters through his witty, relentless narrative voice. Employing parody, social satire and traditional storytelling methods, Boyle's 16 stories invoke vastly different fictional worlds. The author gives us a death-defying stuntman (in "Human Fly"), a fast-talking pitchman briefing the Ayatollah on how to improve his image ("Hard Sell"), a businessman who sells his soul to the devil ("The Devil and Irv Cherniske"), a New York construction worker's vision of the Virgin at a religious shrine in Ireland ("The Miracle at Ballinspittle"), even a young man romancing a woman pathologically afraid of germs ("Modern Love"). All of these stories seem fueled by the writer's own curiosity about people and places, but a few, unfortunately, read like throwaways. These stand out because most of the book is so full of diversity, wit and daring. 25,000 first printing; author tour.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Boyle has won praise for his novels, particularly the exuberant Water Music ( LJ 11/15/81), but his stories show him at his versatile best. This third collection ranges widely, from the gently humorous "Sorry Fugu," about a restaurateur's encounter with a food critic, to the horrific "King Bee," a portrait of a spiritual changeling. The only disappointing element is Boyle's frequent disdain for his characters; thus "The Devil and Irv Cherniske" is no more than a sour variation on a tired theme. But then along comes the deeply felt title story, about an alcoholic father and his failed relationship with his son, and all doubt vanishes. For any collection where stories are read.
- Grove Koger, Boise P.L., Id.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Grove Koger, Boise P.L., Id.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
