≫ Download Island Fog John Vanderslice 9781935084419 Books

Island Fog John Vanderslice 9781935084419 Books

Download As PDF : Island Fog John Vanderslice 9781935084419 Books

Island Fog John Vanderslice 9781935084419 Books

A provoking literary collection of eleven short stories ranging from 1795 to the present all taking place on the intriguing island of Nantucket. Tethering the stories is an apparent psychological edge allowing the reader to enter the mind of the protagonists with an understanding of various epiphanies individual characters discover about themselves. Each story leaving the reader disquieted and bristled.

The first five stories are historical based addressing Quaker dominance, Native American rifts with whites, whaling industry, and racism. The following six possess an intimate feel with topics such as depression, paranormal as well as reflection on life. Vanderslice again allows the reader entrance into the mind of the characters with privy to thoughts and feelings causing great affection.

Vanderslice demonstrates his adept writing with seamless ability to alternate varying eras and character voices. A well crafted collection filled with plenty of history, mystique and intrigue Nantucket holds. All eleven stories stirring the reader along with much to contemplate. Highly recommend.


Tags : Island Fog [John Vanderslice] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. This thematic, novel-length collection of stories, is set on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Nantucket as we know it began as an English settlement relatively early in the colonial period of the United States. In the heyday of its nineteenth century success as a whaling center,John Vanderslice,Island Fog,Lavender Ink,1935084410,FICTION General,Fiction - General,Fiction : Short Stories (single author),FictionShort Stories (single author),General,Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945),Short Stories (single author)

Island Fog John Vanderslice 9781935084419 Books Reviews

John Vanderslice's amazing collection of stories in Island Fog are masterful and surprising, and stayed with me long after I read them. Whereas one flyleaf reviewer compared him to Borges, I would bring the author closer to home and pair him with Ray Carver; his stories are that haunting, surprising, and pointed. Unlike many of the short stories written today -- with either their tired dystopian visions or faux-weariness and anger at the life not lived -- the author delves into the hearts and souls of his characters, unwrapping them with delicate precision to reveal both what is known and unknown. As fine as his early-Nantucket stories are in the "King Philip's War" section, and as well as he draws his characters, I found myself drawn to the flawed Carver-like souls of his modern stories in the "Island Fog" section. Where various failures are deeply felt and the slow horrors revealed ("Morning Meal," "Beaten," and even in the deliciously witty "Haunted") Vanderslice holds a respect and compassion for his characters who sometimes stop just short of despair, revealing their own tender humanity. One of my favorite of his modern stories is "Newfoundland," in which a character contemplates his escape. Readers who know the type of people who summer on Nantucket will probably laugh out loud, too, since the author precisely captures that specie of Acquisitive Female Shopper with Credit Card, making her inexorable way down Main Street.
One of the author's most visceral stories in the collection is the powerful "Taste," and while I don't want to mention any spoilers for future readers, it is truly one of the most harrowing stories I have ever read. This brilliant collection deserves a broad readership, and I will be looking out for more of Mr. Vanderslice's work, since this is an author capable of magic, mystery, and even horror on the page.
3.5 stars

Originally posted at http//www.peekingbetweenthepages.com/2015/01/island-fog-by-john-vanderslice-giveaway-uscanada.html

Island Fog by John Vanderslice is an intriguing and dark collection of eleven short stories and since I enjoy the darker side of things I enjoyed it. The stories of Island Fog are linked together by the setting of Nantucket Island and the theme of the stories themselves and they range from 1795 to 2005 so the historical aspect of this collection is especially interesting. Island Fog is a novel to savor slowly – pick it up, read a story, and then reflect on it before indulging in the next one. The dark tone has made many of these stories hard to forget.

The first five stories are historical in nature. They deal with the Quakers, Native Americans, racism and more. The following six stories focus more on the island and its inhabitants. I really enjoyed these stories and the disturbing quality to some of them. Of course I liked some of the stories more than others but a few personal favorites were On Cherry Street which is about a woman who decides she may not be as distressed about being a widow as she should be. Another was Taste which is a very twisted story and that’s all I can say about it without giving away something important about it. Needless to say it is still foremost in my mind. The last I’ll share as a favorite was called Island Fog. This one combines magical realism and illusion with what one perceives as their true desires and just what they’ll give up to achieve them. Yet another story that has stayed in my thoughts.

John Vanderslice definitely has an exquisite way with words, thoughts, and feelings. Even in a short story he manages to draw you fully into the story and the characters portrayed in it. As much as these stories are centered on Nantucket Island they are also about people and the things that drive us in our lives.

Recommended for those who enjoy short story collections and literary fiction. I very much enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from the author.
A provoking literary collection of eleven short stories ranging from 1795 to the present all taking place on the intriguing island of Nantucket. Tethering the stories is an apparent psychological edge allowing the reader to enter the mind of the protagonists with an understanding of various epiphanies individual characters discover about themselves. Each story leaving the reader disquieted and bristled.

The first five stories are historical based addressing Quaker dominance, Native American rifts with whites, whaling industry, and racism. The following six possess an intimate feel with topics such as depression, paranormal as well as reflection on life. Vanderslice again allows the reader entrance into the mind of the characters with privy to thoughts and feelings causing great affection.

Vanderslice demonstrates his adept writing with seamless ability to alternate varying eras and character voices. A well crafted collection filled with plenty of history, mystique and intrigue Nantucket holds. All eleven stories stirring the reader along with much to contemplate. Highly recommend.