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Over the Pass and Other Stories
From the expansive openness of Texas to the steep peaks of Montana, this collection of stories mines iconic landscapes--the internal mirroring the outer realms. Many previously published in Literary journals and anthologies, some, original here, all explore what it means to be human. They are stories of the heart.
- GenresShort Stories
114 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2018
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mary Malone
21 books85 followersTexas native Susan Mary Malone has published two novels, co-authored four nonfiction books, and written many short stories. Her happiness is fiction, wine, and Labrador Retrievers, the latter of which she raises, trains, and shows. Literature is her love. In addition to writing, she edits; fifty-plus Malone-edited books have sold to traditional publishers, and one of them was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame film (while another is in production, set to be released in 2015). Her stories revolve around the passions and purpose, the myths and meaning of women’s lives. Which often involves wine. She does, however, try to keep the Labradors out of that.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 18, 2020
Affirmation
I have fallen in love with short stories thanks to Over the Pass and Other Short Stories by Susan Mary Malone. Reading a book of short stories, to steal a very famous quote is “like a box of chocolates”, you never know what you’re going to get or if you’re going to like them all. Well, this book was a quality box of chocolates with 12 different centres. Each story standing on its own, with its own flavoured centre but covered in the same luxurious coating.
The first 3 stories involve the same characters Julie and Troy and are based in Montana. The scenario behind the Descent story was very similar to an experience I had with my daughter, and it brought back such vivid heart racing memories. I was back on that mountain again, running, worried, exhilarated. Living in a forested mountain region, 'Over the Pass', which is the story lending itself to the title of the book, was also personally relevant and the final feeling from Julie, which I totally empathised with:
The writing is wonderfully lyrical and poetic. Susan’s ability to capture such beautiful scenes is amazing. She unleashes the deep surreptitious thoughts that whisper in a relationship and expresses the detail of simple gestures that have such abstruse meaning. The blending of characterisation and setting is perfect, especially considering the length of each story where nothing in the narration feels sacrificed – an artist at work.
The other stories have different characters each dealing with a unique situation but each exploring human feelings, hopes, fears and desires. There is often a feeling of menace and foreboding in each story, which keeps us enthralled. Each story culminates in a moment in time, that watershed moment, that moment when our ambitions and goals collide with reality, deception or fate.
A highly recommended book of wonderful gems.
I have fallen in love with short stories thanks to Over the Pass and Other Short Stories by Susan Mary Malone. Reading a book of short stories, to steal a very famous quote is “like a box of chocolates”, you never know what you’re going to get or if you’re going to like them all. Well, this book was a quality box of chocolates with 12 different centres. Each story standing on its own, with its own flavoured centre but covered in the same luxurious coating.
The first 3 stories involve the same characters Julie and Troy and are based in Montana. The scenario behind the Descent story was very similar to an experience I had with my daughter, and it brought back such vivid heart racing memories. I was back on that mountain again, running, worried, exhilarated. Living in a forested mountain region, 'Over the Pass', which is the story lending itself to the title of the book, was also personally relevant and the final feeling from Julie, which I totally empathised with:
“The rest of my heart broke off, as does a branch after fire has eaten the tree substance out. It fled to find its other heart half, back down that rutted road. I let it slide away, let it slip through opened, through grasping fingers. Let it go.”
The writing is wonderfully lyrical and poetic. Susan’s ability to capture such beautiful scenes is amazing. She unleashes the deep surreptitious thoughts that whisper in a relationship and expresses the detail of simple gestures that have such abstruse meaning. The blending of characterisation and setting is perfect, especially considering the length of each story where nothing in the narration feels sacrificed – an artist at work.
The other stories have different characters each dealing with a unique situation but each exploring human feelings, hopes, fears and desires. There is often a feeling of menace and foreboding in each story, which keeps us enthralled. Each story culminates in a moment in time, that watershed moment, that moment when our ambitions and goals collide with reality, deception or fate.
A highly recommended book of wonderful gems.
May 19, 2018
In the wonderful world of fiction writing there are so many different types of genres and stories that virtually any reader will be able to find something which they enjoy. Even within the same genres there are different approaches to writing which are really only limited by the author’s imagination. These great authors will grab words from the air and put them down on paper so that they are colorful, captivating and intelligible. They can provide the reader with much needed entertainment and escape. While doing so, some authors pen their stories in such a way that they can only be described as beautiful and poetic. This is the case with Susan Mary Malone’s anthology, Over the Pass, and Other Stories. For those who are seeking superb writing which carefully examines the human condition, this collection of literary fiction may be exactly what you seek!
Over the Pass and Other Stories is actually a collection of short tales which have been assembled together as one book. There are 12 short stories which take place from the breathtaking beauty of Montana to the vast lands of Texas. While the first few stories contain the same characters, each story is unique and distinct and stands on its own. From a once passionate love affair which is gradually falling apart, to a rat infestation in a vineyard which is really not about rats at all! While each tale is indeed unique, they all have one very common characteristic...that of thoroughly exploring the human condition. In particular, the female experience within this framework. Be that as it may, this collection of literary fiction manages to tap into our own innermost emotions as we read, irregardless of which gender you may identify with.
While reading this collection of stories, I personally experienced sadness, happiness, surprise and disgust. What is more, I was virtually transported into the tales and felt part of the actual experience. For instance, we have all fallen into and out of love have we not? The author presents this concept in such a way that we are emotionally invested in the tale and feel elation, sadness and even nostalgic as the story progresses. To have the reader feel "part of" the story is really what true engagement is, and no easy feat. Susan Mary Malone manages to accomplish this task very effectively!
While the plot and overall theme of these stories is engrossing, the compelling character development and beautiful setting description is entirely captivating as well. The characters contained within the various tales are quite ordinary people. There is nothing particularly heroic about them. However, that is what makes them so easy to relate to and identify with. Even within each short story we are able to see a great deal of growth within the characters and we ourselves are able to reflect upon such growth. In some instances it is like looking at our own reflection in the mirror.
In regards to the setting description, the author really shows how well she understands her craft. Putting forth the time and place of a story (or stories) with enough description to capture the reader's interest can be tricky. Quite frequently however, the reader will become tired of elaborate description and begin to lose interest. That is simply not the case in these tales. The writing which describes the setting is poetic beauty. Literary devices are used throughout as a way to paint a picture of the setting with words. They are never used just for their own sake.
As there are some adult themes in these stories, I would recommend them for an adult audience. Lovers of excellent and descriptive writing will find something to love within each of these tales. Highly recommended!
5 out of 5 Beautiful Stars for this one! *****
Over the Pass and Other Stories is actually a collection of short tales which have been assembled together as one book. There are 12 short stories which take place from the breathtaking beauty of Montana to the vast lands of Texas. While the first few stories contain the same characters, each story is unique and distinct and stands on its own. From a once passionate love affair which is gradually falling apart, to a rat infestation in a vineyard which is really not about rats at all! While each tale is indeed unique, they all have one very common characteristic...that of thoroughly exploring the human condition. In particular, the female experience within this framework. Be that as it may, this collection of literary fiction manages to tap into our own innermost emotions as we read, irregardless of which gender you may identify with.
While reading this collection of stories, I personally experienced sadness, happiness, surprise and disgust. What is more, I was virtually transported into the tales and felt part of the actual experience. For instance, we have all fallen into and out of love have we not? The author presents this concept in such a way that we are emotionally invested in the tale and feel elation, sadness and even nostalgic as the story progresses. To have the reader feel "part of" the story is really what true engagement is, and no easy feat. Susan Mary Malone manages to accomplish this task very effectively!
While the plot and overall theme of these stories is engrossing, the compelling character development and beautiful setting description is entirely captivating as well. The characters contained within the various tales are quite ordinary people. There is nothing particularly heroic about them. However, that is what makes them so easy to relate to and identify with. Even within each short story we are able to see a great deal of growth within the characters and we ourselves are able to reflect upon such growth. In some instances it is like looking at our own reflection in the mirror.
In regards to the setting description, the author really shows how well she understands her craft. Putting forth the time and place of a story (or stories) with enough description to capture the reader's interest can be tricky. Quite frequently however, the reader will become tired of elaborate description and begin to lose interest. That is simply not the case in these tales. The writing which describes the setting is poetic beauty. Literary devices are used throughout as a way to paint a picture of the setting with words. They are never used just for their own sake.
As there are some adult themes in these stories, I would recommend them for an adult audience. Lovers of excellent and descriptive writing will find something to love within each of these tales. Highly recommended!
5 out of 5 Beautiful Stars for this one! *****
August 5, 2018
When author Susan Mary Malone contacted me about this book and told me that she was a native Texan, I was delighted! I don't get too many opportunities to meet Texan authors outside of writers' conferences, and I don't recall ever reviewing a book by a Texan author before. She kindly gave me a .mobi file of Over the Pass, and Other Stories in exchange for an honest review, and I'm certainly glad that she did, because I loved this book!
Check out my full review, complete with a list of pros and cons, on my book review blog, Bitty Book Nook: http://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/201...
This is the PERFECT book to bring along with you if you're taking a camping trip! The descriptions of Montana and Texas (especially Texas--I have to represent my home state somehow!) will push you to appreciate the beauty of the nature that surrounds you. Ms. Malone, I appreciate the opportunity to review your work, and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
Check out my full review, complete with a list of pros and cons, on my book review blog, Bitty Book Nook: http://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/201...
This is the PERFECT book to bring along with you if you're taking a camping trip! The descriptions of Montana and Texas (especially Texas--I have to represent my home state somehow!) will push you to appreciate the beauty of the nature that surrounds you. Ms. Malone, I appreciate the opportunity to review your work, and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
February 5, 2019
An anthology of deep and wonderfully descriptive short stories that whisks the reader away…
Using a combination of vivid settings and a deep immersive writing style, Susan Mary Malone has put together a book of tales that can best be described as escapism in it’s purest form. The american landscape described throughout will make any reader think that they have stood overlooking places of natural beauty even if they have never been there and that is just one of the many values this book contains.
Human feelings and emotion are woven together along with the sometimes grand settings even if they are simply in the backdrop because in the foreground is where much of these stories subtly take place. At a glance it would even appear that nothing really happens throughout the duration of each but there is so much more within and it’s literary art of the highest caliber.
I very much enjoyed the descriptive nature of the writing which was complimented and balanced by the individual stories, all of which are in the moment and are even savored.
In particular I very much enjoyed ‘Winter’s Prey’ which for me set the president of discovery for what was to follow in what I believe to be a unique collection of stories.
Using a combination of vivid settings and a deep immersive writing style, Susan Mary Malone has put together a book of tales that can best be described as escapism in it’s purest form. The american landscape described throughout will make any reader think that they have stood overlooking places of natural beauty even if they have never been there and that is just one of the many values this book contains.
Human feelings and emotion are woven together along with the sometimes grand settings even if they are simply in the backdrop because in the foreground is where much of these stories subtly take place. At a glance it would even appear that nothing really happens throughout the duration of each but there is so much more within and it’s literary art of the highest caliber.
I very much enjoyed the descriptive nature of the writing which was complimented and balanced by the individual stories, all of which are in the moment and are even savored.
In particular I very much enjoyed ‘Winter’s Prey’ which for me set the president of discovery for what was to follow in what I believe to be a unique collection of stories.
June 18, 2018
No Spoilers Here!
Good literary fiction always involves folks of all walks of life with problems, baggage, tension, troubles, and risk. And these are the characters that people the stories of Susan Mary Malone's short story collection, Over the Pass and Other Stories, and I was literally blown away reading them. This is fiction that transports the reader to the places of the setting and puts them smack dab into the middle of people’s lives and their plights and predicaments.
I didn't find the writing exceptionally beautiful or particularly poetic—and that’s a great story-telling device because the language fits the characters and what they’re thinking. On occasion when some highfalutin words appear, they are explained away with gentle, easy to believe explanations. But what I loved about Malone's writing in these short pieces was her deft management of nuanced expressions, and the way she immerses you into the story media res. Her realistic dialogue and clear descriptions pull you in as if a great gravitational force and you’re compelled to swan-dive off of a high cliff into swirling icy water.
Malone uses Texas and Montana as settings, and she does so with complete confidence and understanding of their importance. I recently taught a creative writing workshop on Scenery and Place—and if I didn’t know any better I could swear that Susan Mary Malone in Texas had eavesdropped on my seminar in Florida! She nailed it!
Having recently driven across Texas, I can tell you it’s huge. The trek was hot and dusty from Wichita Falls to Amarillo, and Dumas is north of Amarillo and that’s over two-hundred miles which in straight driving time and translates to 4 hrs. and 8 min. via US-287 N. So when I read the story entitled "Two Hundred Miles to Dumas," at first I thought it was a mistake, but no! The author has the car conk out at” 200 miles to Dumas.” So not only does it ring true but it also resonates in many ways. The characters, their actions take place along this driving route.
Montana is a state that has acquired a great many nicknames, one of which is quite apt: "Big Sky Country" and it has slogans about it like "Land of the Shining Mountains." But I've also driven through this state and Montana is much more—these other facets are what Malone captures in her other stories and I found enriches the writing.
All of her stories are luminous, the writing strong and solid and a pleasure to read.
Good literary fiction always involves folks of all walks of life with problems, baggage, tension, troubles, and risk. And these are the characters that people the stories of Susan Mary Malone's short story collection, Over the Pass and Other Stories, and I was literally blown away reading them. This is fiction that transports the reader to the places of the setting and puts them smack dab into the middle of people’s lives and their plights and predicaments.
I didn't find the writing exceptionally beautiful or particularly poetic—and that’s a great story-telling device because the language fits the characters and what they’re thinking. On occasion when some highfalutin words appear, they are explained away with gentle, easy to believe explanations. But what I loved about Malone's writing in these short pieces was her deft management of nuanced expressions, and the way she immerses you into the story media res. Her realistic dialogue and clear descriptions pull you in as if a great gravitational force and you’re compelled to swan-dive off of a high cliff into swirling icy water.
Malone uses Texas and Montana as settings, and she does so with complete confidence and understanding of their importance. I recently taught a creative writing workshop on Scenery and Place—and if I didn’t know any better I could swear that Susan Mary Malone in Texas had eavesdropped on my seminar in Florida! She nailed it!
Having recently driven across Texas, I can tell you it’s huge. The trek was hot and dusty from Wichita Falls to Amarillo, and Dumas is north of Amarillo and that’s over two-hundred miles which in straight driving time and translates to 4 hrs. and 8 min. via US-287 N. So when I read the story entitled "Two Hundred Miles to Dumas," at first I thought it was a mistake, but no! The author has the car conk out at” 200 miles to Dumas.” So not only does it ring true but it also resonates in many ways. The characters, their actions take place along this driving route.
Montana is a state that has acquired a great many nicknames, one of which is quite apt: "Big Sky Country" and it has slogans about it like "Land of the Shining Mountains." But I've also driven through this state and Montana is much more—these other facets are what Malone captures in her other stories and I found enriches the writing.
All of her stories are luminous, the writing strong and solid and a pleasure to read.
October 19, 2018
A pleasure to read...
This short story collection is excellent and makes you think, indeed, that is probably its intention and the author Susan Mary Malone definitely succeeds in putting you front and center as if you were there to see the realities which confront us all. It was a pleasure to read it.
I found her work to be original, intriguing and by all accounts entertaining. Her short stories entitled, Over the Pass and Two Hundred Miles to Dumas were among my favorites. Her writing style was so honest and absorbing I sensed the sentiments of the author becoming revealed.
Having a dozen discrete stories makes this a good book to bring with you while traveling, or having by your bedside table, being able to pick up, finish a story and take a break. Although the next story is upon you so quickly that you just might need to postpone your break until the end of the book!
Good job Susan Mary Malone, excellent writing.
This short story collection is excellent and makes you think, indeed, that is probably its intention and the author Susan Mary Malone definitely succeeds in putting you front and center as if you were there to see the realities which confront us all. It was a pleasure to read it.
I found her work to be original, intriguing and by all accounts entertaining. Her short stories entitled, Over the Pass and Two Hundred Miles to Dumas were among my favorites. Her writing style was so honest and absorbing I sensed the sentiments of the author becoming revealed.
Having a dozen discrete stories makes this a good book to bring with you while traveling, or having by your bedside table, being able to pick up, finish a story and take a break. Although the next story is upon you so quickly that you just might need to postpone your break until the end of the book!
Good job Susan Mary Malone, excellent writing.
October 17, 2018
There were three short stories that had the same characters: Winter's Prey, Descent and Over the Pass. Winter's Prey was quite poetic at times, and I quite liked this. The other two seemed to be mainly from Julie's point of view, and it made me question her view and how accurate it was - I got the idea that she was one of those very emotionally sensitive characters.
With regards to Cowboys over Ladies, I got the impression that Sara had become a little bit bitter in regards to her marriage.
The Demon on the End of the Rope ended up being a little bit too wordy for me.
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
With regards to Cowboys over Ladies, I got the impression that Sara had become a little bit bitter in regards to her marriage.
The Demon on the End of the Rope ended up being a little bit too wordy for me.
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2018
Beautifully written. The characters were captivating and the stories engaging.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews