The Widow's Mite

by Ferrol Sams

Eight short stories include the title story, in which the twenty-one-year-old widow Higbee matches wits with a preacher who inquires about the tithe on the double-indemnity insurance she recently collected

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Southern

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Richard Derus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone who shall remain nameless reminded me that Ferrol Sams exists. The title story of this collection, read in ~1988, was so damned laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the other stories here so uniformly excellent (if not meant to be funny, as many weren't) and/or rib-ticklin' that I grumbled forth to Goodwill, thence to procure an ancient paper copy. Where I also added a copy of the book she just reviewed. I mean, in for a penny in for a pound.

This is, sadly, my only choice. No one's Kindled/epubbed his ouevre, and he's dead most of this past decade. And that is just plain awful. Too many good stories by good storytellers don't have champions and so don't get renewed for the modern reader. Not knowing they exist, the reader doesn't seek them out, and the dank crypt of forgotten creatives swells its depressingly flexible membranes to accommodate one more.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of Dr. Sams’ southern style here. I enjoyed some more than others, and some just went on too long. The title story was hilarious.

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the most part, this is a collection of very memorable, and pleasantly familiar, Southern characters. However, the closing story "Pyrophoria's Lover" depicts an unfamiliar, almost alien, character that I immediately wanted to forget. Over twenty years have passed since I read the story, but the memories persist. Unfortunately, I still vividly remember the behavior of this true sociopath.

I have read all of Ferrol Sams fiction, and the lead character in "Pyphoria's Lover" simply does not fit. Was Dr. Sams trying to shock readers? If that was his goal he definitely succeeded.

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reluctant to read this book because I feel like I don't like "Southern fiction"--but when it's done right, I love it! I laughed out loud at nearly each one of these stories. I believe I enjoyed the book more because of my familiarity with the 20th century South. I enjoyed reading the stories of those who struggled to let go of their prejudices as well as those who clung desperately to them. I recognized the church ladies and the outcast ministers. This book is highly comic but also deeply touching. I recommend it.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with Ferrol Sams' writing and I've only read two books. He understands Southern people, y'all. His stories are hysterically funny, incredibly realistic, and as you read you find that you know a hundred people like these characters. SO GOOD. Although, a few of these stories were, as life will be, very sad in the endings.

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferrol Sams' gift for portraying small town Southern characters shines through in this fine collection of eight stories. Most of the stories are humorous, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. The final story, though, is jarring and deeply disturbing, told by a narrator who is one of the most convincingly despicable characters I have ever encountered in literature. I first read these stories 25 years ago and I have never forgotten that man.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice to read short stories for a change. The book is divided into sections - Air, Earth, and Fire. The stories are categorized by each section. The Southern aspects are somewhat dated, yet remain relatable.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

All short stories were entertaining and thought provoking. I had many feelings of happiness, sadness, anxiety and anger stirred up from these stories. Makes you step back and look at the world with a more open mind.

[Brad Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. If it wasn't for the brutal and pornographic last story, this would have been a four star. I didn't enjoy The Widow's Mite story as much as others have, but all the middle stories were excellent and funny.

[Andrew Herren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Ferrol Sams! The Widow's Mite is hilarious.

[Patrick Lacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stores, be sure to read the story of the widow who insisted that his dog be buried in the same casket as his master

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Variable in subjects for each of the eight stories nominally divided into three sections, air earth and fire. Also I enjoyed some immensely, disliked one enormously and found some 'take-it-or-leave-it'. I do prefer his novels, where there is more space and time for character development, but some of these 'vignettes' were very acute, others humorous, and some more like caricatures. A mixed bag.

[Chris Antenen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a re-read looking for a short story for discussion. Southern short story writers write so similarly, half true depictions, half making fun of the characters, and half reality. Yup. Southern short stories are 150% fun and just a little bit weird. Always a twist.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as some of his short stories, but the one about the Southern widow and her friends is a jewel.

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilirious and sometimes dark short stories!

[Elsie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as the other Sams books I have read.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a Georgia physician, this book of short stories are laugh out loud--unforgettable characters. My favorite of all his books.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book of short stories - by one of my favorite authors.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Widow's Mite by Ferrol Sams (Penguin Books 1989) (Fiction - Southern) is a collection of eight short stories by one of my favorite Southern authors. My rating: 7/10, finished 1993.

[TheRealMelbelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are very well done but contain a story that will be too shocking and offensive for many people. Ask me.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the funniest book I have ever read.

[Marguerite Hedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical first stories! Especially like the first one! Wish I hadn't read the last one. Depressing!

[Johnnelle Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

The "southern" talk was a little too much for me. The stories were more what I would call corny instead of the quaint I think some would label them.

[Katy Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some gems in this collection.

[Beth Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories from one of my favorite southern writers - my accent has returned after reading this!

[Teo smite · Rating 5 out of 5]

this one was a roller coaster for me. A good mix of stories and some great characters. Not all hits. I would certainly recommend Run with the Horsemen first though.