Sadly, it’s taken me several months to write my review for Nancy Christie’s: Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories – not because this book wasn’t riveting, but rather because I had sprained the UCL in my main writing hand’s thumb. Believe me, I tried to write; but unfortunately good intentions disappear completely when the mere site of a pen (or keyboard) causes excruciating pain. Now that my errant digit is mostly better though, let’s discuss Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories.
So, first off, I didn’t accept this review request because I’m a fan of short story compilations. I’m not. I did however agree to read it because: I liked the person who was asking, I always try to help others, and – I have difficulty saying no. However, I must admit that I sincerely enjoyed this conglomeration. Each one was well-written, interesting and, more often than not, quite believable.
I also appreciated that each story Christie provided had substantial length. Because of this, I wasn’t left feeling cheated by a short story ending too soon. Each tale found within Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories certainly lived up to the book’s rather unusual title – and while some were on the very edge of ‘disturbing,’ Christie never crossed the boundary of providing the reader with too much information. If anything, she masterfully wrote these stories in such a manner that the reader’s own imagination will fill in any blanks. Oftentimes this writing style winds up being even more impactful (or terrifying) when reading stories of this nature.
Each character, within each tale, will almost certainly tug at your heartstrings while you, the reader, discover multiple variations of human angst. Read if you dare, but be prepared to come out on the other side with a different outlook on life – maybe even with a new resolve to be a better person.
All in all, Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories was an insightful, yet chilling read. Christie is a master with the pen and I’m looking forward to more from her in the future.
Review first published: http://blogcritics.org/book-review-traveling-left-of-center-and-other-stories-a-noteworthy-short-story-collection-by-nancy-christie/