Drowning In Gruel: Dark Southern Satire – Nineteen Hilarious and Tragic Short Stories

by George Singleton

Acclaimed short-story master George Singleton follows the lives and schemes of the citizens of fictitious Gruel, South Carolina, in search of glory, seclusion, money, revenge, and a meaningful existence. In these nineteen tales, young Gruelites learn lessons when confronted with neighbors who might not be as blind as they appear, dermatologists intent on eradicating birthmarks, and fathers prone to driving on half-inflated tires in order to flirt with cashiers. Meanwhile, the town's older citizens try to make sense out of dogs that heal wounds, lawn-mowing dead men, wives who don't appreciate gas masks for Valentine's Day, and children who mix their mother's ashes with housepaint. Hilarious and tragic, George Singleton's unforgettable characters try to overcome their limitations as best they can.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I got this book that it's a collection of short stories, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. As is typical, some I really liked and others were just OK but what I really appreciated was that all of them were centered n the small, stagnant town of Gruel in the Carolinas, which was an interesting focal point and allowed some characters and places to be touched on throughout.

[Vicki Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far it's alright. I didn't realize it was a collection of short stories when I bought it and that's a lot harder for me to get into. Just when you feel as though you're getting to know the characters, the story is done and it's on to the next. If you're looking for something quick that you can put down for days at a time without having to worry about forgetting details, it's perfect.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like George Singleton's books plenty, but this didn't wow me like previously. I can't put a finger on why, maybe it's the season, maybe it's just me. There's a couple knockout stories, solid laughs, and real insight, so he still gets 4 stars. I'll let it sit and crack it again some other time.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I really liked this book but it's been awhile...from what I recall Singleton seemed to have a fantastic grasp of Southern vernacular and humor.

[Barry Parham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully told stories.

[Liz Frazier · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't as good as some of his other work. I was disappointed.