Island Fog by John Vanderslice is an intriguing and dark collection of eleven short stories and since I enjoy the darker side of things I enjoyed it. The stories of Island Fog are linked together by the setting of Nantucket Island and the theme of the stories themselves and they range from 1795 to 2005 so the historical aspect of this collection is especially interesting. Island Fog is a novel to savor slowly – pick it up, read a story, and then reflect on it before indulging in the next one. The dark tone has made many of these stories hard to forget.
The first five stories are historical in nature. They deal with the Quakers, Native Americans, racism and more. The following six stories focus more on the island and its inhabitants. I really enjoyed these stories and the disturbing quality to some of them. Of course I liked some of the stories more than others but a few personal favorites were On Cherry Street which is about a woman who decides she may not be as distressed about being a widow as she should be. Another was Taste which is a very twisted story and that’s all I can say about it without giving away something important about it. Needless to say it is still foremost in my mind. The last I’ll share as a favorite was called Island Fog. This one combines magical realism and illusion with what one perceives as their true desires and just what they’ll give up to achieve them. Yet another story that has stayed in my thoughts.
John Vanderslice definitely has an exquisite way with words, thoughts, and feelings. Even in a short story he manages to draw you fully into the story and the characters portrayed in it. As much as these stories are centered on Nantucket Island they are also about people and the things that drive us in our lives.
Recommended for those who enjoy short story collections and literary fiction. I very much enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from the author.
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GIVEAWAY – OPEN TO US & CANADIAN RESIDENTS
1 copy of Island Fog up for giveaway
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Draw Date January 31/15
I am so happy you enjoyed the book. Thank you for your thoughtful review. Most of all for your time.
I’ve been reading so much about this book lately that I can’t wait to read the stories.John was a new Author to me but I’m so happy to meet him from this book I’m going to check out his other books as well. Thanks for the post and the opportunity.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
The book sounds wonderful. I love these kinds of books with some history behind them. Thank you for the review. I want to read this one.
Lovely review, Darlene! I’m glad you enjoyed this collection. I appreciate this giveaway and will add it to the side of my blog. 🙂
I really enjoy short story collections that are connected by a common setting – those always work best for me. This sounds like a collection I should NOT miss!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
Short stories are not usually my thing, but this collection sounds pretty entertaining and not choppy. Thanks Darlene.
Hello again btw 🙂
Vanderslice’s writing really does just pull you in.
Taste has stayed with me as well…oh my. He does draw you into the stories.
I’ve been hearing great things about this collection of books. I will have to look for this one.