Review: Tortured Characters, Perfect Writing
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 19, 2014
Sonoran Dreams, by Robb Grindstaff, is a collection of 3 short stories all revolving around the theme of the desert. I won’t post spoilers, but I’ll say that “Desert Rain” was a constant tease — I had no idea what was truly going on until I reached the end, and since I also write short stories with twists and surprise endings, that’s no mean feat. “Desert Walk” is a beautiful exploration of slipping into the darkness of the mind. “Desert Nights” is an exquisite agony of tragic memory.I give this book 5 stars (and would give it more if Amazon allowed) because of the perfect fit of language to content, because in the first few words, Grindstaff had me by the figurative short hairs, needing to know more and dreading the revelations that were coming, and because nothing — absolutely nothing — disappointed. He promised; he delivered, with sharp edges that pared me to the emotional bone. He is a master wordsmith in possession of a pure and depraved soul. (Yes, I know that that makes no sense. Read the book. You’ll see.)Grindstaff’s writing is so perfect that I put him in my “I would stalk garbage day to get to read discarded grocery lists” category, among only one or two others. If Amazon ever raises the limit on stars, this book will be among those whose ratings I elevate. If you enjoy soul-wrenching stories that leave you questioning whether or not you’ve ever truly understood people in any depth, you’ll love this book.