Hello

by David Carpenter

In two novellas and seven shorter stories, award-winning author David Carpenter addresses the theme of human frailties in his distinctively empathetic style.

A disabled widower seeks comfort in memory by getting in touch with his younger self. An old drunk, assisted by his own delusions, lays his ghosts to rest. A young child escapes her oppressive family by ministering to the needs of a monster in distress. A social reject acquires a new look and becomes consumed with the need for revenge against his early tormentors. A former social worker encourages a friendship with a paroled criminal. A cleaning woman in strained circumstances, determined to support herself and her child, feels compelled to make extreme choices.

Some of Carpenter’s characters face the frailties that come with old age, loneliness chief among them. Others become vulnerable to their own compulsions and set in motion moral dilemmas. Many of these loners reach for their phones to send or receive a message that might deliver them from their isolation, but even though they hear “Hello” from the person they reach out to, there is no guarantee of deliverance.

These are tales told by a master of language, an author who uses words with skill, sureness, and grace. While his characters may not find what they’re looking for, readers of these compelling pieces of short fiction surely will.

219 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of Hello by David Carpenter. Thank you netgalley.

The idea behind the story is great. Having seven short stories.

Unfortunately, after trying for months, I DNF (did not finish). I don't know what it is that doesn't hold my attention. But I couldn't continue.

I am giving it 3 stars, though I didn't finish, because I did like what I read. I am hoping for it to become available on audiobook in the future. I'm sure I would finish and enjoy this particular writing in audio version.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello by David Carpenter is a collection of short stories. Each story featured in this collection is entertaining in its own way. The messages resonates with a vast audience. We all have at one time or another been through such situations or feel some kind of connection to the varied characters. Sad, haunting, doom flying high in this read. A tiny bit of hope that keeps readers in suspense as they follow each character during their crisis. Emotional, well-done, and covers a variety of different scenarios that can appeal to everyone Hello by David Carpenter is a must read collection. Different than my usual reads but so worth every word.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 2 out of 5]

Books of short stories is usually hit or miss. Some books have a few stories that are good, and then some not so good. Then you have the book that all the stories are good and you fill like you hit the jackpot. This book was more of the few stories that are good. Some of the stories, I just could not get through so I did not read them, There were more of those types of stories than not. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of the book in return for my thoughts, Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

[Leah Orr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of short stories that rivals the TV show Black Mirror. Unlike in the show, technology is not the enemy; instead, human frailty is the theme. I really enjoyed Reincarnation.