Author: George J. Bryjak

Publisher: Myopic Moose Press

ISBN: 978-1-60402-477-7

George J. Bryjak moved to the Adirondack Region of New York state with his wife Diane after teaching sociology at the University of San Diego for twenty-four years. His short plays have been performed in New York, California, Connecticut and Rhode Island. He has been the co-author of sociology text books, many articles and many pieces in various newspapers across the country.

Here is George’s first collection of short stories with a slightly different slant to the usual type. The stories are laugh-out-loud funny, dark, foreboding and thorough coming from all sorts of angles. Once you’ve read one, you probably won’t be able to stop. The first story in this collection is a resurrection of the classic Adam and Eve scenario. Adam is lonesome and Eve is the only other person left on earth it appears.

People who were once living have now stopped dead, literary, in their tracks. Blank eyes starring into nothingness, not a word or sound from anyone.  God, so it is believed, has killed everything in order to rid the earth of evil. He is giving the only two people left on earth a chance to start it all over again. The new Adam and Eve must reproduce to make more people and stop the world from becoming so lifeless. A very clever tale, well thought out.

Another short but excellent story is My Marie. The ending caught me completely off guard. Marie is deeply, deeply unhappy seemingly longing for the best croissants money can buy. Henri Dumont is determined to do whatever it takes to make her happy again. He will go out and buy her the best croissant money can buy in all of France. Will this cure Marie’s great unhappiness? This is a good tale where I could almost smell freshly baked croissants. A must read if you only read one story in this collection.

In the 55 Fiction stories, there are some 40-second stories equally as good as some of George’s longer ones. The Interview is fantastic, a great ending and a narrative that keeps you hooked. Lost Melody is also very lovely, flying pianos across a wide meadow and a bear. Maybe this story is a metaphor?

All the mysteries of human existence seem to be encapsulated in these stories. The stark reality of life is shown but with much humour as well to dispel the seriousness of the grim side of our daily life. Everything that humans love about living but don’t always get right is shown too.

Orders is another short story in the 55 Fiction. Another great idea, sinister but also highly amusing.

What a great imagination this man has! Read and enjoy. A collection not to be missed!

The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts: Jessica has been a book reviewer for a newspaper and a national women's magazine and is working on a novel. To read more of Jessica's reviews CLICK HERE