by James LePore
Release Date: February 22, 2011
2011 The Story Plant
Softcover Edition; 48 Pages
ISBN: 978-161188001-4
Genre: Fiction / Short Story
Source: Review Copy from Pump Up Your Fiction
Summary
Till Death Do Us Part: A young Pat Nolan and his wife are on their honeymoon in New Mexico when they find a bond they did not know they had as they are forced to confront trouble in the form of a surly trio of locals.
God's Warriors: Megan Nolan, a cynical American woman on her own in Europe makes a life-changing decision that both reveals and belies her true character.
Max: Max French, a quirky, deadly and, in his own eyes, oddly lovable FBI agent faces a personal drama that will set the course of his future.
My Thoughts
The premise of these short stories rather intrigued me, which is why I chose to review this short story collection in the first place. Written for marketing purposes, this collection features James Lepore's main characters from his novel, A World I Never Made, purely for the purpose of connecting these characters more firmly with readers who may not have quite connected and/or sympathized with them in the original novel. In the introduction, Mr. LePore mentions that his editor suggested he write these three stories to give some more background information on the main characters in the story, perhaps also as a way to tantalize readers into wanting to read the original novel as well.
The three stories are quick and easy to read, but there is no doubt that they are meant to be suspenseful and violent, suggesting that each character perhaps comes from a very dysfunctional family background. The tones are set very early on in the vignettes, are cleverly written, and definitely hold your interest. While the lack of detail may be disconcerting to some people, I found it refreshing to get right down to the story, without too much background info, and let my imagination soar.
Verdict
I enjoyed this quick, little book and enjoyed the characters very much. I was particularly intrigued with Max's story and background and look forward to learning more about him in A World I Never Made. An FBI agent with a delectable and colourful past is always fascinating, and I know I will not look at his character the same way I would have before. I find this to be a very interesting marketing tool as it is certainly tantalizing and makes me want to read more. Anyone Can Die was a satisfying read.
James LePore is an attorney who has practiced law for more than two decades, and an accomplished photographer. He the author of two novels, A World I Never Made and Blood of My Brother. His next novel, Sons and Princes, will come from The Story Plant in the spring of 2011.
Website: http://www.jamesleporefiction.com
Staphanie, Thank you. Although these stories were indeed written for marketing purposes—in the broad sense of the word, that is, to widen the audience for A World I Never Made—my heart went into them, and your kind words are much appreciated. Jim LePore
ReplyDelete