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An American Sporting Man Goes to Hell
A tale of gloriously misguided athletic expectations, instantly withered to so much overcooked gnocchi when steeped in a small town Italian soup.
We'll add just a smidge extra to this short story's description, to avoid potential readers being misled: Unfortunately not everyone is able to perceive that the humor in this story is at the expense of the protagonist--an articulate but uni-dimensional, tunnel-vision-afflicted traveler who despite himself slowly, grudgingly, matures just a little as a result of the laughable trials he "endures." There is more than the volleyball and frustration surface level here. The superficial literary vehicle is indeed sport, but deeper lies a more poignant theme, as relevant now as it ever was--one of comical cultural mismatch born of pre-formed expectations and narrow experience.
The unreliable narrator literary device has been around a looooong time, although it's not used so much in modern pop culture literature; its scarcity likely accounts for the occasional disconnect, easily seen in a few tangential reactions and reviews. It's also probable that the narrator's obvious ego raises the hackles of some readers, who decide to remain on that surface level and dislike him. Suffice it to say that objecting to this caricaturish protagonist's initial view of Italian culture is like calling Hitler a naughty boy. Yes, yes, we know.
But for astute readers who appreciate that something can be said by saying its opposite, the pun in the title is caught, the frustration still touches them, and they feel for our tragic hero, despite his flaws. They know that imparting the feelings of a fool to a reader's heart is still an art, and they smile at the inevitable glimpse of dim light at his tunnel's end.
This is a story of the barest germination of personal growth, told by someone hell bent on avoiding it.
We'll add just a smidge extra to this short story's description, to avoid potential readers being misled: Unfortunately not everyone is able to perceive that the humor in this story is at the expense of the protagonist--an articulate but uni-dimensional, tunnel-vision-afflicted traveler who despite himself slowly, grudgingly, matures just a little as a result of the laughable trials he "endures." There is more than the volleyball and frustration surface level here. The superficial literary vehicle is indeed sport, but deeper lies a more poignant theme, as relevant now as it ever was--one of comical cultural mismatch born of pre-formed expectations and narrow experience.
The unreliable narrator literary device has been around a looooong time, although it's not used so much in modern pop culture literature; its scarcity likely accounts for the occasional disconnect, easily seen in a few tangential reactions and reviews. It's also probable that the narrator's obvious ego raises the hackles of some readers, who decide to remain on that surface level and dislike him. Suffice it to say that objecting to this caricaturish protagonist's initial view of Italian culture is like calling Hitler a naughty boy. Yes, yes, we know.
But for astute readers who appreciate that something can be said by saying its opposite, the pun in the title is caught, the frustration still touches them, and they feel for our tragic hero, despite his flaws. They know that imparting the feelings of a fool to a reader's heart is still an art, and they smile at the inevitable glimpse of dim light at his tunnel's end.
This is a story of the barest germination of personal growth, told by someone hell bent on avoiding it.
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First published September 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 2, 2011
Brilliant!
This short story has some of the most evocative writing I have ever had the pleasure to read.
With lashings of humour and hilarity, Michael eloquently and intelligently, takes his reader through the challenges and trials presented to a young American man living in Italy.
Specifically, the challenges are focused on the differing sporting cultures between his home country and Italy. But socio-cultural differences are evident throughout.
It is impossible not to empathise with the narrator and the struggle he has to adapt. I found myself rooting for him, cheering for his team during his matches and hoping they would win, if only to give the narrator a psychological boost.
This really is an hilarious read and I absolutely recommend it to anyone in need of a good laugh.
This short story has some of the most evocative writing I have ever had the pleasure to read.
With lashings of humour and hilarity, Michael eloquently and intelligently, takes his reader through the challenges and trials presented to a young American man living in Italy.
Specifically, the challenges are focused on the differing sporting cultures between his home country and Italy. But socio-cultural differences are evident throughout.
It is impossible not to empathise with the narrator and the struggle he has to adapt. I found myself rooting for him, cheering for his team during his matches and hoping they would win, if only to give the narrator a psychological boost.
This really is an hilarious read and I absolutely recommend it to anyone in need of a good laugh.
Displaying 1 of 1 review