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Gingerbread
(SHORT STORY, part of
The Gingerbread Collection
) When Edgar challenges his friend Arainy to sneak into the candy factory and steal sweets, she resists, even though she desperately wants to prove herself. She knows the risks. She knows the Candy Man has caught Eddie before, but intrigue gets the better of her. This is not a children's bedtime story. It is a dark retelling of Peter Rabbit.
Note from the author: For years I've been keeping a dream journal. First, I've heard that writing down your dreams encourages them to come more clearly and frequently. Second, I've always hoped that out of all the nonsense, an occasional gem can be found. On January 2nd, 2012, I woke up and scribbled a disturbing dream down in my journal. Months later, it formed the basis for this short story.
Note from the author: For years I've been keeping a dream journal. First, I've heard that writing down your dreams encourages them to come more clearly and frequently. Second, I've always hoped that out of all the nonsense, an occasional gem can be found. On January 2nd, 2012, I woke up and scribbled a disturbing dream down in my journal. Months later, it formed the basis for this short story.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2014
6 people want to read
About the author
Victor A. Davis
24 books67 followersVictor A. Davis has always loved reading and writing short stories. He is an avid hiker and even when away from the world of laptops and wifi, keeps a pocket paperback and a handwritten journal to keep him company on trail. He is the author of two short story collections,
Grains of Sand
and
The Gingerbread Collection
.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 17, 2015
Gingerbread is a tale of crime, guilt, and the darkest quality that humans possess – to inflict harm on themselves just to feel what it’s like, just to fill that black hole inside. It begins with a simple story about two kids breaking into a candy factory out of boredom and lack of occupation, risking to get caught by the mysterious Candy Man. At first I was sure it would be just your ordinary factory worker, tired of misbehaving kids. Boy, was I wrong. The story quickly took a sinister tone, and no matter who the main characters were, kids or adults, a lot of dark questions were raised. The book that started almost as Peter Rabbit, quickly had me reading at the speed of light because of the dark undertones. I never thought such a short story could be so intense. That part with the gingerbread cookies and Rainy’s warm memories almost had me hoping it would turn out alright. Almost.
The ending was especially hard. I guess somewhere deep inside I’d hoped for some kind of an escape from the situation for both kids, but there was no escape, really. Because no matter when and how they both left the factory, the impact of what happened would never be erased from their memory. I recommend this to everyone fond of short stories, no matter in what genre.
I got a free copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
The ending was especially hard. I guess somewhere deep inside I’d hoped for some kind of an escape from the situation for both kids, but there was no escape, really. Because no matter when and how they both left the factory, the impact of what happened would never be erased from their memory. I recommend this to everyone fond of short stories, no matter in what genre.
I got a free copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
March 7, 2016
You can read my full review of Gingerbread on the CommonBookSense blog page, as well as a mini-interview with the author!
*disclaimer: we were provided a copy of this book for an honest review*
I went into the pages of this book not really knowing what to expect. "Gingerbread," I thought, "hm, maybe Christmas.... you know, the Gingerbread Man?"
I'm not really one for short stories. I've only reviewed one other on the blog (you can see it here), and even then I didn't really know what to expect. My whole thing is "The bigger the book, the better." and small books...really don't appeal to me.I don't know for sure, but I think it may be because I'm someone who gets emotionally attached to characters, and a short story would be just enough to get me attached, and then they'd be gone...or even worse; I would feel no emotional connection to the characters.
I can honestly say that this short story.....
To see what I thought click here
*disclaimer: we were provided a copy of this book for an honest review*
I went into the pages of this book not really knowing what to expect. "Gingerbread," I thought, "hm, maybe Christmas.... you know, the Gingerbread Man?"
I'm not really one for short stories. I've only reviewed one other on the blog (you can see it here), and even then I didn't really know what to expect. My whole thing is "The bigger the book, the better." and small books...really don't appeal to me.I don't know for sure, but I think it may be because I'm someone who gets emotionally attached to characters, and a short story would be just enough to get me attached, and then they'd be gone...or even worse; I would feel no emotional connection to the characters.
I can honestly say that this short story.....
To see what I thought click here
November 2, 2015
Victor Davis' Gingerbread is a dark fast-paced thriller set almost entirely within the claustrophobic confines of a shadow filled candy factory. Enticed by the sweet treasures within and fuelled by the pure adrenalin and excitement of the dare, two children break in at sunset to be confronted by the terrifyingly named "Candy Man". Well written and nicely presented inside and out (with an intriguing cover) the style, atmosphere and setting reminded me of Ray Bradbury's classic Halloween Horror "Something Wicked This Way Comes".
January 2, 2016
A delightfully dark little tale. This short story wonderfully depicts the exhilaration of stepping outside one's safe world and entering the darkness in search of a sweet reward.
July 14, 2015
Gingerbread is a shining example that, however rare, a short story with no ratings, no reviews, and a modest cover, might also be great. I don't normally read--and probably wouldn't like--"fairy tale" type books, re-telling or otherwise; but I doubt there are many others like this one. The writing talent is undeniable.
The descriptions are smart, original, and although you know exactly what was meant, just ambiguous enough to feel like maybe you're the only one who got it--an inside joke between you and the author.
The flow is effortless. Sentences are as long as they need to be, nothing more, nothing less. Spiraling, comma-laced serpents connect seamlessly with short, choppy--although nutrient rich--grub worms, and a reader never feels over-stuffed.
The main characters are children, although i'm not so sure they're aware of this, at least not in the beginning; their wool-pulling precociousness often fooled me into thinking they were adults. This was a good thing--for me, at least--as I doubt I could relate to the thought process of a typical child, and surely wouldn't find it very poignant.
I enjoy reading...err...adult-themed books. Not to say that I wish Barnes & Noble had a beaded section; what I mean is, I don't enjoy wholesome, candy-coated writing. I can't find much truth in it. At first, I'll admit, I was worried the story might be a little too Mother Goose for me. Fortunately, it was not. There's a subtle darkness to the writing, one that can either be acknowledged or overlooked, depending on reader preference. As the story built towards climax, tightening its insidious grip--yes, cliche or not, it was gripping--I became suspicious of an underlying, much more sinister theme. I began second guessing metaphors. I began to feel nervous. I found myself speed-reading to quicker know what happens, and then, with the end in sight, reading much slower than usual to make it last. Gingerbread left me feeling unsettled and a bit confused, as all good writing should.
The descriptions are smart, original, and although you know exactly what was meant, just ambiguous enough to feel like maybe you're the only one who got it--an inside joke between you and the author.
The flow is effortless. Sentences are as long as they need to be, nothing more, nothing less. Spiraling, comma-laced serpents connect seamlessly with short, choppy--although nutrient rich--grub worms, and a reader never feels over-stuffed.
The main characters are children, although i'm not so sure they're aware of this, at least not in the beginning; their wool-pulling precociousness often fooled me into thinking they were adults. This was a good thing--for me, at least--as I doubt I could relate to the thought process of a typical child, and surely wouldn't find it very poignant.
I enjoy reading...err...adult-themed books. Not to say that I wish Barnes & Noble had a beaded section; what I mean is, I don't enjoy wholesome, candy-coated writing. I can't find much truth in it. At first, I'll admit, I was worried the story might be a little too Mother Goose for me. Fortunately, it was not. There's a subtle darkness to the writing, one that can either be acknowledged or overlooked, depending on reader preference. As the story built towards climax, tightening its insidious grip--yes, cliche or not, it was gripping--I became suspicious of an underlying, much more sinister theme. I began second guessing metaphors. I began to feel nervous. I found myself speed-reading to quicker know what happens, and then, with the end in sight, reading much slower than usual to make it last. Gingerbread left me feeling unsettled and a bit confused, as all good writing should.
September 10, 2015
Gingerbread by Victor A. Davis is a cross between the stories Hansel and Gretel and Peter Rabbit. This story is based off of a dream that Davis had. Eddie, the town misfit, dares his friend Arainy, the good girl, to sneak into the candy factory. Despite knowing the risks and that Eddie has been caught by the Candy Man before, Arainy still does it.
First of all do NOT read this story to your children. This is more of an adult fairytale due to the violence that occurs. I chose to read Gingerbread because I like to read adult versions of the children’s tales that I grew up with. My first thought about Gingerbread was that it was a very dark tale. I find it fascinating that Davis came up with this book just from his dreams. Arainy struggled with right and wrong. Being a good girl she always chose good before but the wrong always seemed more exciting. Because of this she was curious and wanted to do something bad just once so she could know what it felt like. Eddie is a troublemaker because he feels he has to be. He does not want to appear to be a coward to anyone. Both characters need to escape their inner beast. By both of them breaking in to the candy factory and facing the Candy Man they are left with no choice but to face their fears and for Arainy to satisfy her curiosity.
Gingerbread was a different kind of tale. It was short but really made you think about your own inner fears and what would happen if you were forced to face them. If you like dark, twisted fairy tales then this is a must read.
*I reviewed this book for Reader's Favorite
First of all do NOT read this story to your children. This is more of an adult fairytale due to the violence that occurs. I chose to read Gingerbread because I like to read adult versions of the children’s tales that I grew up with. My first thought about Gingerbread was that it was a very dark tale. I find it fascinating that Davis came up with this book just from his dreams. Arainy struggled with right and wrong. Being a good girl she always chose good before but the wrong always seemed more exciting. Because of this she was curious and wanted to do something bad just once so she could know what it felt like. Eddie is a troublemaker because he feels he has to be. He does not want to appear to be a coward to anyone. Both characters need to escape their inner beast. By both of them breaking in to the candy factory and facing the Candy Man they are left with no choice but to face their fears and for Arainy to satisfy her curiosity.
Gingerbread was a different kind of tale. It was short but really made you think about your own inner fears and what would happen if you were forced to face them. If you like dark, twisted fairy tales then this is a must read.
*I reviewed this book for Reader's Favorite
Read
April 16, 2016Now here I go again, I see the crystal visions. I keep my visions to myself.
Like the meaningful words sung by the legendary Fleetwood Mac, Victor A. DAvis' "Gingerbread" is ethereal and born out of the dreams. Putting the essence of a dream into words is no easy task. In fact, it's mostly an unsuccessful task. However, in Davis' sinister reiteration of "Peter Rabbit", it's the chimerical imagery that makes this story better than your average re-imaginings.
The plot has two friends, Edgar and Arainy, entering a candy factory under the pretense to steal some sugary gold. Despite reservations, Arainy accepts her friends' challenge to get her hands on this candy, despite the looming threat of the ever-present Candy Man. One does not want to get caught by this being for reasons you can only infer.
Instead of becoming a tale of warning against crime and the inevitability of comeuppance, Davis' weaves themes of guilt and the propensity to inflict pain upon another. There's commentary on humanity and the balances that fatalism can bring, but also a presentation of style by an author that clearly knows his way with words.
Like this review? Read more like it at www.readingotherpeople.com
Like the meaningful words sung by the legendary Fleetwood Mac, Victor A. DAvis' "Gingerbread" is ethereal and born out of the dreams. Putting the essence of a dream into words is no easy task. In fact, it's mostly an unsuccessful task. However, in Davis' sinister reiteration of "Peter Rabbit", it's the chimerical imagery that makes this story better than your average re-imaginings.
The plot has two friends, Edgar and Arainy, entering a candy factory under the pretense to steal some sugary gold. Despite reservations, Arainy accepts her friends' challenge to get her hands on this candy, despite the looming threat of the ever-present Candy Man. One does not want to get caught by this being for reasons you can only infer.
Instead of becoming a tale of warning against crime and the inevitability of comeuppance, Davis' weaves themes of guilt and the propensity to inflict pain upon another. There's commentary on humanity and the balances that fatalism can bring, but also a presentation of style by an author that clearly knows his way with words.
Like this review? Read more like it at www.readingotherpeople.com
September 1, 2015
This short story was different from what I would think of as a short story. I enjoyed it. It was a little dark and I like that. Guess I'm crazy sometimes. This story with kids as main characters at first I didn't think it could be very dark but not true. I enjoyed this book very much. I quick read for me. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
April 28, 2016
Wow this short story is a well crafted, chilling read that stays with you long after you've finished it. It's creepy, with touches of fairy tale and sci fi elements that make it a truly unique read. I loved this!
July 11, 2015
For a very short story this is amazing. It keeps you hooked until the last page and has so much packed in you feel like you reading a novel.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews