Three

by Pete Marchetto

The first fiction publication by Pete Marchetto. Three short stories putting the realism back into romance:

The Big Toe - In the beginning... an amusing confusion.
Ruby - In the eye of the beholder.
Where Sunlight Strikes a Window and Splinters - At the end... an after image.

47 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2014

About the author

Earning my living entirely through freelance writing, I don't spend as much time as I would like on my fiction. Nonetheless, I'm getting it done and out there in dribs and drabs.

I tend towards realism, (though not invariably), and tend towards humour whether I like it or not, though usually more as an addition to the writing than something which swamps the theme. I enjoy the way humour can underline a serious point rather than becoming the point itself.

My tendency is towards literary fiction, though I detest the term. In this genre-ridden age, I'd rather classify my work as 'freestyle' which, in the end, is about all literary fiction is - something which refuses to conform with the restrictions imposed by genre. Hopefully what I write is an easy enough read, but with enough depth to prompt some thought along the way.

Reviews

[Catherine Lenderi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three well-written short stories by Mr. Marchetto. I especially liked the middle one. "Ruby" is a real gem, as the main character's name implies. Witty as the writer himself, which I am sure you will discover when you read not only the stories, but his rather enjoyable bio as well.
I highly recommend it for a pleasant read. It will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.

[Sue Moorhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little gem.

Three very different stories about relationships. The first, The Big Toe, puts all the squirmingly embarrassing uncertainties of people trying to strike up a relationship into words. Thanks heavens that doesn't normally happen! Hilarious and so true!
The second story Ruby was my favourite. I loved the characters and the unexpected ending. Ruby herself is a delightful old lady and so much more. Funny but sad too.
The third story is a clever and poetic look at a more complex relationship. There is a feeling, and image, of loss here, in spite of a relationship that might be said to be changing for the better.
Subtle and clever.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the humour of the first story, sad when it finished. Ruby, the second story, was my favourite of the three and the longest but was really captivating and almost a shame it was a short story rather than a novel. The third story was very short and well written although a little hard to understand (maybe just me).

All in all three very good short stories that were a great filler in between the longer books that I have been reading (sometimes you need these short stories in between to prevent Reader's Block!)

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pete Marchetto offers three short stories, each of which focuses on a different kind of relationship between two people. The author’s voice is distinctive, the prose is witty, and the style is fluid. A quirky ending to the last story, but an entertaining read nevertheless.

[Angelika Rust · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always with the Pankhearst series, I was delighted with the high quality of writing. Spotless, polished, intelligent, the first two stories pulled me right into the world the author effortlessly creates. Unfortunately I didn't care much for the third story, which is why I withheld a star.