Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shudder for the shutter! A chilling story!, November 8, 2008
Whenever possible, I prefer to read short stories by authors before splurging on their novels, but in Cheryl Kaye Tardif's case, I pulled a switcheroo. I had heard so many glowing reports about her novel Whale Song: A Novel that I just had to read it. I went from there to The River and had the reads of my life.
So when I finally got around to this short story, Picture Perfect, I knew it would be special! And it is!
In "Picture Perfect," Tardif opens her story with a rural family--father, mother and two young girls--en route to the big Summer Carnival. She sets the mood of the story by writing in the voice of eleven-year-old Caroline who is trusted with the care of her five-year-old, much-prettier, much-favored sister Belle.
Since Belle is "the apple of her father's eye" she's spoiled and has to get her own way. Caroline soon tires of catering to her whims and old jealousies creep in. But when Belle takes candy from an eerie old photographer, Caroline cautions her, but as usual, Belle doesn't listen.
You'll be chilled when you find out what happens when the old man talks them into a "perfect picture." What mistake does Caroline make with the man? And will it be too late by the time she realizes just how much she really loves Belle?
In this gripping, suspenseful tale of sibling rivalry gone awry, Tardif keeps her readers enthralled to the very last word. Her description, dialogue and characters are so realistic, you'll feel like you're in the story with them. As for Tardif's pacing ... well, it's picture-perfect.
I highly recommend this story, so try it yourself. At 49 cents per story, Amazon Shorts are fantastic deals. This is an economical way to become acquainted with one of Canada's rising new literary stars.
Reviewed by: Betty Dravis, November 2008
author of "Millennium Babe: The Prophecy"
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Be careful what you wish for!, October 19, 2008
Who among us couldn't identify with young Caroline? Is there even a single reader with a brother or sister who hasn't at some time or another, in a fit of intense sibling anger or jealousy, wished that his brother or sister would simply go away ... forever?
Cheryl Kaye Tardif has combined a unique little piece of Canadian history, the well know folk superstition about photographs stealing a person's soul and sibling rivalry into an open-ended bit of horror that will turn a mirror onto every reader and cause them to shudder as they recognize themselves and their petty jealousies.
A compelling short story that makes me drool at the prospect of reading Cheryl Kaye Tardif's full length novels. Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Be Careful What You Wish For!!, December 28, 2008
A short and mesmerizing tale, Picture Perfect gleams with authenticity. I was sitting on the edge of my computer chair as I quickly read each page.
A tale of two girls attending a carnival, this glimpse into sisterhood - replete with sibling rivalry - captures moments in time that could be true events or even a nightmare.
I halfway expected the narrator - Caroline - to wake up from this horrifying dream. But then, when that didn't happen, I felt the chills descending my spine.
I can imagine a sequel to this story - in fact, I hope for one! - but time will tell.
Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a compelling writer, whose novels and short stories speak to the reader in a fascinating voice.
Laurel-Rain Snow
Author of:
Family Values, etc.
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