After the Plague
Author: T. C. Boyle
Publisher: Viking Adult
Date of Publication: September 2, 2001
Pages: 256 (Hardcover)
This eclectic collection of short stories is about as good as it gets. There are sixteen collected tales here which range from poignant to sublime. Each story is packed with eccentric characters in difficult and often very odd situations. There are normal people thrust out of their comfort zones, older folks not coping with loneliness and depression and young lovers failing to accept or even realize the consequences of their actions.
Stories are told from unique points of view, some from minor characters and even one narrated by a deceased spouse! What is the constant in these stories is the superb writing: word craft of the highest order. The opening sentences grab the reader and thrust you smack into the middle of the tale. Consider this opening sentence from "Friendly Skies":
"When the engine under the right wing began to unravel a thin skein of greasy, dark smoke, Ellen peered out the abraded Plexiglas window and saw the tufted clouds rising up and away from her and knew she was going to die."
Even though this collection is a bit dated (published almost twenty years ago) the author has showcased timeless issues: anger management, sexism, ageism, class status and struggles with unmet expectations in relationships. The star of this collection, though, is the writing which is timeless. I highly recommend this collection and anything else written by this superb author.
