With uncanny insight and deadpan humor, the twelve stories in Pete Duval's debut collection feature night shift workers, lapsed Catholics, bullies,...
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Jan 07, 2009
Wayne
rated it: 
This book was a Christmas present from a friend, and I enjoyed it very much. There were moments when I thought that Peter Duval might be something like the Stuart Dybek of all these ubiquitous mill towns we have in New England. He does a good job of rendering old factories and bakeries and workers who are as depressed as the landscape they inhabit.
Sometimes, Duval gets a bit too flashy and strange for me -- I'm thinking especially of "Fun With Mammals," in which a lawyer More...
Sometimes, Duval gets a bit too flashy and strange for me -- I'm thinking especially of "Fun With Mammals," in which a lawyer More...
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Feb 14, 2009
It took me a while to get into the whole Raymond Carver "real short stories about real [short?:] people" thing - I haven't read stuff like that in a while- but once I did I was able to enjoy myself. It didn't hurt that most or all of the stories take place in or are about in some way New Bedford, which I visited recently and isn't too far from where I live. The stories gave life to the place in a way I never imagined before.
My favorite stories were "Wheatback," " More...
My favorite stories were "Wheatback," " More...
Nov 28, 2008
Jane
rated it: 
It’s amazing that so much could happen in a ride across town. Rear View showed the impact of interactions between characters and the effectiveness of creating tension in confined spaces and short distances. The dialogue especially is dynamic in this piece; sometimes when someone spoke, I felt the tension and was nervous for the “good” characters. So much can be learned about characterization, tone, mood, and the situation in the few words that are spoken.
Sep 13, 2010
James
rated it:
Good short story collection. I really enjoyed most of the stories in the collection. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy Ray Carver-esque story telling.
Jul 02, 2008
Amy
rated it:
Very well written. Great descriptions and phrases. However, this was very depressing like a blue collar John Cheever.
Jan 14, 2008
Craig
rated it: 
Would be 3 1/2 stars if we could do halves. Not a bad story collection - strong voice. Just not my cup of tea.
Dec 13, 2011
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