Shouts from the Gutter

by Chris Walter

Drunks, punks, junkies, and these are Chris Walter's people and he portrays them with empathy and humour. The characters in this collection of short stories have much in common with each other, but more than anything else, they are real enough to stumble over and piss on your shoe. So laugh when you can, cry if you want, but when you close your eyes, these flawed yet enduringly human characters will still be with you.

Unknown Binding

First published July 12, 2007

Reviews

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this, and I want to like Walter especially. But this one was just a slog. Besides the occasional bits of real creativity, as well as the real heart that beats beneath all of his fiction, the lack of variety between stories and unsubtle prose didn’t help in the end. Maybe his punk bios are better.

[Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything..Chris Walter writes about everything. In your face, can't escape, look at me damnit!! Just be a decent human..help where one can...even a smile. At least acknowledgement of another. We never know how 'low' we can feel or be..there is always a 'lower'...but..then, there is a higher too (sometimes).

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Chris Walters’ novels and short stories featuring homeless characters because they feel so authentic and his empathy is impressive. You have the strong sense that he knows what he’s talking about, that he’s been there, that he understands them and is fascinated by them. Most people seem to consider the homeless a throwaway society but it’s fortunate that Chris Walter is around to give them a voice. I wouldn’t say all these stories are pleasant but they’re an experience and they cause you to feel immense gratitude that you have the luxury of cozying up in your confines to read the book to begin with. If you read this one, also check out Up and Down on the Downtown Eastside.

[204 Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book by this creative Canadian author I couldn't finish. His stories and characters aren't about the upper echelon of society, one knows that going in. The derogatory first few chapters however were either worse than usual; or perhaps my tastes have changed. I do look forward to picking up a few more of his books on my shelf, in the hopes they resonate more with me. I HATED the initial characters by page 30....mission accomplished perhaps.