Terence Young (2) (1953–)

I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of short stories, as I often feel inadequate in my comprehension of what it is the author is really trying to convey. On more than a few occasions I've finished a story and thought, “Did I miss something?” This is not a question that I enjoy asking, nor does it help with my literary confidence. I then will take a step back and process the details, making sure to point out that writing is art, and it can be interpreted in a million different ways by a million different people. In the end I try to convince myself that I am just a person who requires a lot of information and character development to actually get it.

Rhymes with useless was a little less harsh on my ego, but there were still a few moments where I felt I’d missed the boat. None the less, Terence Young has compiled 13 stories that accent honest characters, living day-to-day, with real issues. From a child’s perspective of her parents’ failing relationship, to a teenager’s first experience with love, to a young couple settling into the doldrums of a marriage, to a middle aged woman’s struggle with her faith, and to an elderly man’s evaluation of his years, the whole spectrum of individuals was represented. Amidst the feelings of remorse and regret, the thoughts of revenge, the hidden desires, as well as the sometimes revolting truths that surfaced as a result of people just honestly being people, it is apparent that Young has an astounding sense of the common man and his/her idiosyncrasies. Those who favour short stories will surely not be disappointed by this Canadian talent.

www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com… (meer)

I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of short stories, as I often feel inadequate in my comprehension of what it is the author is really trying to convey. On more than a few occasions I've finished a story and thought, “Did I miss something?” This is not a question that I enjoy asking, nor does it help with my literary confidence. I then will take a step back and process the details, making sure to point out that writing is art, and it can be interpreted in a million different ways by a million different people. In the end I try to convince myself that I am just a person who requires a lot of information and character development to actually get it.

Rhymes with useless was a little less harsh on my ego, but there were still a few moments where I felt I’d missed the boat. None the less, Terence Young has compiled 13 stories that accent honest characters, living day-to-day, with real issues. From a child’s perspective of her parents’ failing relationship, to a teenager’s first experience with love, to a young couple settling into the doldrums of a marriage, to a middle aged woman’s struggle with her faith, and to an elderly man’s evaluation of his years, the whole spectrum of individuals was represented. Amidst the feelings of remorse and regret, the thoughts of revenge, the hidden desires, as well as the sometimes revolting truths that surfaced as a result of people just honestly being people, it is apparent that Young has an astounding sense of the common man and his/her idiosyncrasies. Those who favour short stories will surely not be disappointed by this Canadian talent.

Check out more of my reviews at BookSnakeReviews… (meer)

terence young was my favourite teacher in high school. from him i took classes in english lit, creative writing and french. he was also the teacher-sponsor for the peace club, and if the truth be told, i had a small crush on him in the way of girls who have uber-cool teachers (but then again, i also had a crush on his wife - celebrated poet patricia young). back then he wasn’t published yet, but in the last few years there have been three books, two of short stories. after goodlake’s is his first novel, and although i’m not sure i liked it as much as his short fiction, there were many touchstones in it i found vaguely comforting, and his characters are so very - real. the plot concerns one fergus goodlake, deli-owner and owner of a midlife crisis that results in an affair that slowly unravels his life. the honest representation of the people involved is waht makes this an interesting (if not familiar to life) read. really just a slice of life, a falling crucifix represents the undoing as the lives of the goodlakes are forever subverted, as so often quirky or random moments can do - and it’s up to fergus to try to pick up the pieces and try to make ammends. somehow this rang a little too close to home for me - as it’s a subject matter i try not to read about too much… but it also made me realize how predicatble we humans are….… (meer)