Customer Reviews

Letting Loose the Hounds

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The best book of short stories I have ever read. If you like Thom Jones, Denis Johnson or T.C. Boyle, then give this book a shot.

I read this 1997 published book immediately after reading the subsequent first novel by Brady Udall ("The miracle life of Edgar Mint") and have now revisited it again after reading his latest novel ("The lonely polygamist").

All eleven short stories were written before either novel and many of them had been published in various magazines. They are clear evidence that Udall was already a unique talent and fast developing young writer. With his Arizona and Utah new West settings and casts of Mormons, Indians and manual workers with stories seen through the eyes of children, men and women on life's events as caught in these harsh and isolated environments, he was already playing to many of the themes that would develop in his two subsequent novels.

As with many great short story writers such as my own favourite Bernard Mac Laverty, the short story medium does not allow for padding or wasted words in getting the story or theme across. Udall does not fail in this objective and many stories like the landscape they describe are hard and harsh (my personal favourite simply because it is so offbeat being "Snake" about catching a snake that intrudes into a family homestead) but all display a wry humour and keen eye on what most counts in conveying the story, whether describing the character or the landscape.

Well worth reading even if your entry point was his later novels.

One of the best story collections I've read. All the pieces fit--though some of them have been scattered quite far, Udall has confidently traipsed out to the edges and brought them back.

I really enjoyed this book, in spite of some of the rough edges. "The Opposite of Alone" stood out as a particularly poignant tale. Kind of reminded me of a darker, somewhat less humorous version of David Sedaris. Certainly worth the money.

I loved all the stories in this book. I didn't know of its existence until I got a recommendation for it here on Amazon. The recommendation was because I had bought Udall's "Miracle Life of Edgar Mint". I loved that book, so I decided I wanted to read this short story collection as well. Udall does a wonderful job describing people and places, plus he has a great sense of humor (dark, yes, but brilliant).

Brady Udall's style of writing is, for me, as easy to consume as a hot cup of tea on a chilly morning. And it's just as soothing and enjoyable. His "Miracle Life of Edgar Mint" is a masterpiece, and "Letting Loose" is equally magnificent.

Awsome! Held me from front to back. Miricle Life is wonderful too. Heard it read on PBS, went out and bought the book, bought several more and have been spreading the word ever since! Have been looking forever for something else by Udall. Any luck?

This collection of stories would make a good movie. Some of the stories are really quite funny and dark like Pulp Fiction. Udall has good punch to the narratives that keeps the reader interested and throws in twists that are cool/fun/sad/disturbing.

The only problem with Brady Udall's stories is that he hasn't written more of them. Hurry up, Udall, will ya?

This book is a collection of touching, amusing and extremely insightful life experiences. The author has a soulful, optomistic outlook tempered by stark reality. Hope there will be many more to follow!