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Reviews etc. |
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BookReview.com rates Issi as a 'MUST READ'.
Reviewer Heather Froeschl says:
The short story is an art form that very few perfect. Poe and O. Henry come to mind. I recently was introduced to a new author along those very lines…Anthony Waugh. His collection, "Issi's (and other) Tales," is an example of awesome writing ability. Twelve little stories, or rather, eleven short and one longer one, fill the pages with a very interesting variety of topics. All of them though, demonstrate an amazing knowledge of the human beast. Portraying that knowledge in such a way that each character comes to life before the reader's eyes, Waugh shows the world his gift. Recreating Judea and the days of Jesus and his followers is a bold step, but so well done in the first story that you will be enticed to continue on to the next tale. Each story does the same, tempting and enthralling into the next chapter. Often, I was left open mouthed from an O. Henry twist, so much so that I could not wait to see what could come next… A story of raw human strength erupted by anger, another, about straying from a marriage, and my favorite, a look into the dementia of an elderly woman, lost in her mind and trying desperately to remember life. Each story is complete and the plot unique. Anthony Waugh uses words as a paintbrush to depict a picture of some of the darker sides of life. Absolutely well done! Reader Jacob House says on Amazon: This is an excellent collection of short stories that is sure to keep any reader engaged. The anchor stories at the beginning and end, "Issi's Tale" and "Ping Pong," are two of the most thought-provoking stories I've read in a long time. "Gripping" is the best characterization for these stories. The author's style of beginning many of the stories with a single sentence that unpredictably gains significant meaning as the story unfolds became addictive. This was definitely one book I didn't want to come to an end.
MidWest Book Review says: Tantalizingly written, each story sparking curiosity to delve into its tangled mystery, Issi’s Tales is a treat to be savored, one mysterious story at a time or all at once.
Nancy Morris of AllBooks Reviews had even more kind words:
The ideal fodder for short story writing is an ability to see small moments from a unique perspective and to encapsulate that perspective in believable, enduring characters in a short space of time. Anthony Waugh has that ability in spades. “Issi’s (and other) Tales” contains a wide variety of short stories ranging from a clever perspective on the story of Christ’s crucifixion to a disturbing glimpse into the mind of a developing serial killer. Between these are moments stolen from imaginary lives that show that simple moments can often be insightful and entertaining. Anthony Waugh is a marvelously engaging writer, with works of true creativity and intelligent accessibility. Fascinating plots and angles, from the simple to the complex, are a strong background for his character development. The subjects he chooses are challenging, but he takes them on with grace and intelligence, and the result is a pleasure to read. Anthony Waugh pays tribute to his homeland of Ireland by using it as a setting in many of his short stories. Presently he lives in Indiana with his wife, where he works as a consultant and as a business speaker.
An excellent book, highly recommended by reviewer, Nancy Morris.
Laurel-Rain Snow (Author and reader)
From the first tale, which offers a decidedly intriguing perspective on Christ, the apostles and the crucifixion, Mr. Waugh sets the tone for his compelling collection of short stories.
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ISSI named ‘FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH’ by BookReview.com |
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REVIEWS. |
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Anthony Waugh |