The Best Maine Stories

by Sanford Phippen

a few wrinkles on the cover, no rips stains or tears

Genres: Short Stories

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[J.E. Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories for the most part, but I felt they were lacking in truly capturing Maine. As someone who grew up there, whose ancestral ties in the state date to before the Revolutionary War, I think that the collection came across as what it was, comprised mostly of authors transplanted to Maine from out of state or who had only spent time there occasionally throughout their lives. They were decent stories, but I didn't feel that they captured Maine completely. It seemed to me that several of the authors did their best to capture the state, but in the end they merely created a thin veneer of its character, rather than the full scope of its being, which runs as deep as the granite that is the foundation of the state.

[Trish Remley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard for me to read short fiction because I just get into the story and characters, and then it's over and I'm not ready to leave them. I liked how the stories were arranged by the seasons, so there was some continuity that way. Some of these stories I had to just reflect on before I started the next or I kept thinking about them the next day, because they were so powerful. Could easily be real life - that's all I can say. There were so many choices this year to choose from my "When in Maine read about Maine".

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of 17 short stories (some shorter than others, some far too long...) by Maine authors and/or about Maine. Some are lovely and would be great to read aloud; others are hard to read and I found depressing.

[w gall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A variety of stories; many are suspenseful. There was one written in Stream of Consciousness style. I don't like that style. Many stories had excellent characterization. There were very few "happilly ever after" stories. The editor preferred realism.

[Dave W · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't get much more New England than the writers featured in this anthology. This collection highlights a century of short fiction set in Maine, capturing the state's rugged landscapes, unique characters, and deep sense of place through a variety of compelling stories. Great for fans of regional literature, New England settings, and rich, atmospheric storytelling.

[Rhonda Gregware · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories, always enjoy Carolyn Chute.