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Distant Flickers: Stories of Identity & Loss
8 Accomplished Authors 10 Memorable StoriesCompelling Characters at a CrossroadsWhat Choices Will They Make?
The emotive stories in this anthology take readers to the streets of New York and San Francisco, to warm east coast beaches, rural Idaho, and Italy, from the early 1900s, through the 1970s, and into present day.
A sinister woman accustomed to getting everything she wants. A down-on-his luck cook who stumbles on goodness. A young mother who hides $10 she received from a stranger. The boy who collects secrets. A young woman stuck between youth and adulthood. Children who can’t understand why their mother disappears.
The distinct and varied characters in Distant Flickers stand at a juncture. The loss of a spouse, a parent, a child, one’s self. Whether they arrived at this place through self-reflection, unexpected change, or new revelations—each one has a choice to make.
The emotive stories in this anthology take readers to the streets of New York and San Francisco, to warm east coast beaches, rural Idaho, and Italy, from the early 1900s, through the 1970s, and into present day.
A sinister woman accustomed to getting everything she wants. A down-on-his luck cook who stumbles on goodness. A young mother who hides $10 she received from a stranger. The boy who collects secrets. A young woman stuck between youth and adulthood. Children who can’t understand why their mother disappears.
The distinct and varied characters in Distant Flickers stand at a juncture. The loss of a spouse, a parent, a child, one’s self. Whether they arrived at this place through self-reflection, unexpected change, or new revelations—each one has a choice to make.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Various
455k books1,339 followersVarious is the correct author for any book with multiple unknown authors, and is acceptable for books with multiple known authors, especially if not all are known or the list is very long (over 50).
If an editor is known, however, Various is not necessary. List the name of the editor as the primary author (with role "editor"). Contributing authors' names follow it.
Note: WorldCat is an excellent resource for finding author information and contents of anthologies.
If an editor is known, however, Various is not necessary. List the name of the editor as the primary author (with role "editor"). Contributing authors' names follow it.
Note: WorldCat is an excellent resource for finding author information and contents of anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 19, 2022
This is an intriguing collection of 10 short stories from masters of their craft. They explore the human condition beautifully, and with great insight, engaging the reader and evoking long buried moments and memories
I enjoyed all the stories but I would like to highlight one or two that I found particularly compelling.
Childhood is confusing enough but keeping secrets can weigh you down, and where do you keep them for safekeeping? What will happen if they escape and what will be the consequences? A dilemma facing a young boy in Where Secrets Go to Hide by Keith Madsen.
In “Norfolk, Virginia, 1975” by Elizabeth Gauffreau we are introduced to a young military wife and mother who has been uprooted from her home and support system. She finds herself living on the edge of poverty, debating how she can provide for the needs of her baby and create the home she dreamed of when she married. Fairy tales usually only lie between the pages of a book, but sometimes the kindness of a stranger can make all the difference.
On a more chilling note, The Coveting by Rita Baker is a tale of greed and manipulation about a woman who places her own needs before all others. I think many of us have met individuals who enjoy this game of domination in the pursuit of self interest, but this story might have you questioning the intentions of a few more people you meet going forward.
I also found it fascinating to read the author’s notes that accompany each story. Often you are left wondering what had inspired the concept and its meaning to the writer, and this added another interesting element to the collection.
I can highly recommend the anthology and all the stories for readers who enjoy well written observations on life that engage, entertain and stir the emotions. It is also a wonderful introduction to the authors and their other published works.
I enjoyed all the stories but I would like to highlight one or two that I found particularly compelling.
Childhood is confusing enough but keeping secrets can weigh you down, and where do you keep them for safekeeping? What will happen if they escape and what will be the consequences? A dilemma facing a young boy in Where Secrets Go to Hide by Keith Madsen.
In “Norfolk, Virginia, 1975” by Elizabeth Gauffreau we are introduced to a young military wife and mother who has been uprooted from her home and support system. She finds herself living on the edge of poverty, debating how she can provide for the needs of her baby and create the home she dreamed of when she married. Fairy tales usually only lie between the pages of a book, but sometimes the kindness of a stranger can make all the difference.
On a more chilling note, The Coveting by Rita Baker is a tale of greed and manipulation about a woman who places her own needs before all others. I think many of us have met individuals who enjoy this game of domination in the pursuit of self interest, but this story might have you questioning the intentions of a few more people you meet going forward.
I also found it fascinating to read the author’s notes that accompany each story. Often you are left wondering what had inspired the concept and its meaning to the writer, and this added another interesting element to the collection.
I can highly recommend the anthology and all the stories for readers who enjoy well written observations on life that engage, entertain and stir the emotions. It is also a wonderful introduction to the authors and their other published works.
December 30, 2022
A superb collection of well-written contemporary short stories. Much is said in a few words that evoke strong emotions. Topics include coming of age, mental health issues, envy, waking up from a coma, relationships, dealing with abuse, the loss of a loved one, and homelessness. All of the stories are excellent and my favourites include: "Where Secrets Go To Hide", "The Woman in Question", "The Coveting", and "The House on Edgewood Road." All powerful tales. I particularly like how each contributor adds a note at the end about the inspiration for their story. Keith Madsen, the author of "Where Secrets Go To Hide" says in his note, "But when you read about people, people you like and even identify with, who go through tough experiences and come out on top, that lifts you up. It gives you hope. And hope is what I like to write about!" And that is what I like to read. So I thank the publisher for putting together this collection and sharing it with the world.
November 16, 2023
I typically am more of a novel reader, but I enjoyed each of the ten short stories in this collection. The common theme running through each story were memorable characters at some crossroad, facing big decisions in their lives. The language was brilliant and I found myself getting into several of the character's heads as I wondered what I would do in similar circumstances.
While I could comment on all of the wonderful stories, I particularly enjoyed these four:
1. Norfolk, Virginia 1975: East Ocean View by Elizabeth Gauffreau—A military wife is living in an unpleasant city, living in poverty, with a child under 1 year old, and a husband with a temper. She is walking to the store to buy a shower curtain when a kind stranger offers her a ride, conversation, and some companionship.
2. Two Boys by Carol LaHines—A young mother experiences the tragic loss of her first child, Jonah. When she is blessed with another child, Feliox, she doesn't want to elaborate about her sadness with strangers and talks about the virtues of having two boys.
3. A Spoonful of Soup by Rita Baker—A man working in a restaurant looks out for Otto, a homeless man, living in the area. Much to the worker's surprise, Otto knows a great deal about making delicious soups. This redemption story was touching as we learn that Otto used to be famous for the soups he made in another restaurant. Sadly, he lost everything due to a gambling problem. Now, he has a second opportunity when the owner hires him.
4. Speed Dial by Amy E. Wallen A poignant tale of a woman who's father passes at age 92. Feeling bad about some of their history, she begins to call his number daily and fantasizes that he will pick up one more time.
While I could comment on all of the wonderful stories, I particularly enjoyed these four:
1. Norfolk, Virginia 1975: East Ocean View by Elizabeth Gauffreau—A military wife is living in an unpleasant city, living in poverty, with a child under 1 year old, and a husband with a temper. She is walking to the store to buy a shower curtain when a kind stranger offers her a ride, conversation, and some companionship.
2. Two Boys by Carol LaHines—A young mother experiences the tragic loss of her first child, Jonah. When she is blessed with another child, Feliox, she doesn't want to elaborate about her sadness with strangers and talks about the virtues of having two boys.
3. A Spoonful of Soup by Rita Baker—A man working in a restaurant looks out for Otto, a homeless man, living in the area. Much to the worker's surprise, Otto knows a great deal about making delicious soups. This redemption story was touching as we learn that Otto used to be famous for the soups he made in another restaurant. Sadly, he lost everything due to a gambling problem. Now, he has a second opportunity when the owner hires him.
4. Speed Dial by Amy E. Wallen A poignant tale of a woman who's father passes at age 92. Feeling bad about some of their history, she begins to call his number daily and fantasizes that he will pick up one more time.
October 31, 2022
Distant Flickers: Stories of Identity & Loss is an anthology of engaging short fiction that varies in subject, style and tone. As the subtitle suggests, explorations in identity and the different faces of loss provide a thematic focus for the collection. After each story, an extended bio, author perspective on the story, and information about the author’s other publications is provided, and I really like that. So often in an anthology I don’t feel that I “meet” the writers of the short stories or poems. Here, I am asked to slow down and get to know them a bit.
Every story in the book is special, but I will write about just a few of my favorites. In “1975: East Ocean View,” Elizabeth Gauffreau develops a character study of a young woman whose childhood has been ended by the birth of a baby. The girl, unexposed to early feminism, hasn’t had a chance to grow up on her own, but instead must negotiate a life of poverty with an immature husband and a baby. Gauffreau’s skill with deft understatement and deep understanding is clear in this piece. “1975: East Ocean View” serves as a reminder to me of the best of the short story genre—and what I love about it. No big splash, but lots of dangerous undercurrents. In her second story in the book, “Diary Omissions: The House on Edgewood Road,” Gauffreau demonstrates a flair for dry humor even as she writes poignantly of a family tragedy.
“Two Boys,” by Carol LaHines, is a thought-provoking look at a mother’s loss. The approach to the subject, as well as the writing style, reminds me of Shirley Jackson’s delightful and unsettling “domestic” stories.
“Where Secrets Go to Hide” by Keith Madsen is a charming and humorous exploration of what makes a secret a secret. An undercurrent of darkness occasionally breaks the surface and shows itself, thus providing tension and suspense to the story.
I enjoyed all the stories in the collection immensely. You couldn’t ask for a more satisfying variety of approaches to both identity and loss. The protagonist in “1975; East Ocean View” has lost her future even as she has lost her past. In this way she is in danger of losing her self. In “Two Boys,” the loss affects the mother’s and the child’s sibling’s identities. Madsen’s story is about the loss of innocence, which affects the identity of the protagonist and his family.
Every story in the book is special, but I will write about just a few of my favorites. In “1975: East Ocean View,” Elizabeth Gauffreau develops a character study of a young woman whose childhood has been ended by the birth of a baby. The girl, unexposed to early feminism, hasn’t had a chance to grow up on her own, but instead must negotiate a life of poverty with an immature husband and a baby. Gauffreau’s skill with deft understatement and deep understanding is clear in this piece. “1975: East Ocean View” serves as a reminder to me of the best of the short story genre—and what I love about it. No big splash, but lots of dangerous undercurrents. In her second story in the book, “Diary Omissions: The House on Edgewood Road,” Gauffreau demonstrates a flair for dry humor even as she writes poignantly of a family tragedy.
“Two Boys,” by Carol LaHines, is a thought-provoking look at a mother’s loss. The approach to the subject, as well as the writing style, reminds me of Shirley Jackson’s delightful and unsettling “domestic” stories.
“Where Secrets Go to Hide” by Keith Madsen is a charming and humorous exploration of what makes a secret a secret. An undercurrent of darkness occasionally breaks the surface and shows itself, thus providing tension and suspense to the story.
I enjoyed all the stories in the collection immensely. You couldn’t ask for a more satisfying variety of approaches to both identity and loss. The protagonist in “1975; East Ocean View” has lost her future even as she has lost her past. In this way she is in danger of losing her self. In “Two Boys,” the loss affects the mother’s and the child’s sibling’s identities. Madsen’s story is about the loss of innocence, which affects the identity of the protagonist and his family.
October 13, 2022
Usually, when I read an anthology, it’s easy to pick out my favorite stories. Those are the memorable ones that I acknowledge in a review—exquisitely written, emotionally stirring, and resonant as I recall them hours after closing the book. What am I to do when every story fits that description?
Each story in this anthology is unique, and yet they are built around the theme of identity and loss, often involving a pivotal decision, a step into the unknown, or acknowledging a hard truth. In some ways, they’re character studies, richly crafted glimpses into human lives and the circumstances that shape them.
Now I’ll do what I said I couldn’t do. There are a handful of stories that have stuck with me since I closed the book a couple of days ago: “Where Secrets Go to Hide” by Keith Madsen, “The Coveting” by Carol LaHines, “Diary Omissions” by Elizabeth Gauffreau, and “A Spoonful of Soup” by Rita Baker. This collection of ten tales by eight authors isn’t a long book, and I read it in a couple of hours. Highly recommended to readers who love character-driven and beautifully written human stories.
Each story in this anthology is unique, and yet they are built around the theme of identity and loss, often involving a pivotal decision, a step into the unknown, or acknowledging a hard truth. In some ways, they’re character studies, richly crafted glimpses into human lives and the circumstances that shape them.
Now I’ll do what I said I couldn’t do. There are a handful of stories that have stuck with me since I closed the book a couple of days ago: “Where Secrets Go to Hide” by Keith Madsen, “The Coveting” by Carol LaHines, “Diary Omissions” by Elizabeth Gauffreau, and “A Spoonful of Soup” by Rita Baker. This collection of ten tales by eight authors isn’t a long book, and I read it in a couple of hours. Highly recommended to readers who love character-driven and beautifully written human stories.
December 1, 2022
A great collection of unique, character driven stories connected by the theme of identity and loss.
All wonderfully written with undertones of hope, humour, darkness and fear to name a few. I loved that. The undertones and subtleties. It’s really a credit to authors who can engage us and evoke such strong feelings and connections to their characters in such a small amount of time.
I loved having the bio of the authors (all new to me) and their story behind the stories.
The last couple of stories were a little on the short side, but a very compelling and satisfying collection.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All wonderfully written with undertones of hope, humour, darkness and fear to name a few. I loved that. The undertones and subtleties. It’s really a credit to authors who can engage us and evoke such strong feelings and connections to their characters in such a small amount of time.
I loved having the bio of the authors (all new to me) and their story behind the stories.
The last couple of stories were a little on the short side, but a very compelling and satisfying collection.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2022
Introduced by a poignant poem, this is a compelling collection of stories by several authors. I am especially taken by stories with these intriguing titles: "Where Secrets Go to Hide," "Two Boys," "Diary Omissions," and "Speed Dial." The germ of what triggered each story is included, as well as the backgrounds of the authors.
November 20, 2022
I purchased Distant Flickers because I like Liz Gauffreau's writing style, and her piece in this anthology is no exception. To my surprise, the collection introduced me to other wonderful writers. If you enjoy variety and good writing, you'll appreciate this anthology. Each story is masterfully crafted.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews