Ron Rash writes short stories in the tradition of Raymond Carver, Bobbie Ann Mason, and Daniel Woodrell. You might call it Country Noir. Rash’s characters are mostly poor, living day-to-day. Their lives seem to get worse every day. My two favorite stories in this collection are “Back of Beyond” and “Dead Confederates.” In “Back of Beyond,” a pawn broker deals with a meth addict. “Dead Confederates” features a pair of grave robbers. If your tastes run to rural Wal-Mart realism, you’ll like the stories in Burning Bright. GRADE: B+
(This completes the October 2010 portion of my Short Story Reading Challenge. I will read and review one short story collection per month in 2010. To find out more about the Short Story Reading Challenge, be sure to click: “http://theshortstorychallenge.blogspot.com/”>Short Story Reading Challenge.
I am definitely a fan of all those things so I will look for it. Thanks!
Ron Rash is an author to watch, Patti. Talent to burn…
Well I like all the authors you compared him to so I’ll (obviously) have to check this out. By the way, I’m just finishing up the complete Graham Greene stories and I have the massive Black Mask collection sitting on the shelf to read next.
I have that massive BLACK MASK tome, too, Jeff. But I intend to chip away at it. Hopefully, I’ll have it read by New Year’s Day.
I’m looking forward to a report on the Graham Green, Jeff, after I read 19 Stories I eager to know your opinion of the larger collection. I have that Black Mask collection too… in a box somewhere, and I suggest everyone get used to hearing that one from me until I give up even saying it.
As for this one, it’s good to know about books I want to avoid, as my tastes seem to be narrowing somewhat. I just started that Fred Saberhagen collection I listed in new arrivals a few weeks ago.
I’ve read Saberhagen’s “Berserkers” stories, but not his fantasy stuff (although I own them), Rick. Don’t worry, we’ll cut you some slack while you’re in transition to Oregon.
The calendar tells me I’ll be there in 2 weeks. It’s hard to fathom.
Get plenty of sleep, Rick! The next two weeks (and maybe more) will be grueling.