Crossroads: Tales of the Southern Literary Fantastic is a collection of short fiction edited by award winning authors F. Brett Cox and Andy Duncan. I read Nymeth’s review of this book last year and knew right away that I had to have this one. Fantasy isn’t often paired with the deep south, but it really should be more often. The atmosphere of the south lends itself so well to a fantasy atmosphere. Warm nights and the hum of cicadas always put a spark of magic in the air in my opinion.
I’ve lived in New Orleans my whole life and we’ve always prided ourselves in a certain sort of something special. Call it voodoo, call it the ghosts of the past, but there’s just a magical feel this city and it really lends itself to this sort of writing. I was so pleased to see so many writers from New Orleans in this collection and so many stories about New Orleans in this collection. Some of the stories tell magic based fantasy tales and others are more speculative fiction. One of my favorites of the spec. fic. stories that focus on New Orleans was a story called “See My King All Dressed in Red” written by James L. Cambias. I fell in love with the title right away and I think it may be one of my favorite titles for a short story ever. It’s a beautiful sentiment after reading the story, particularly if you’ve grown up in New Orleans. The story is about a couple who once lived in New Orleans, who met in New Orleans, but now live in another state since New Orleans is under water…a forgotten city. Now, years later, they are traveling to New Orleans by boat one final time for a last Mardi Gras and to recall forgotten memories. Really enjoyed this one.
I had my first experience with Daniel Wallace in this book with his amazing story “Slippered Feet”. It’s the story of an elderly couple who have plans to journey to a faraway land to spend some time in their older years. They begin to learn the language of the new land through a series of audio tapes and a husband watches his wife begin to get lost in this land before they have even left their home. This story was heart breaking and heart warming all at once and I loved it. I can’t wait to read The Watermelon King now!
One of my favorite stories in the book was Kalamu Ya Salaam’s “Alabama”. This was so much more than just a short story. It was a philosophical piece on the nature of death, the cruelties of life, racism, and humanity in general…all told through a very well written story that I’d love to hear him read aloud. He’s a spoken word artist and I found out that he lives here in New Orleans. I’d love to go to one of his readings…I’m going to have to keep an eye out for him.
There’s so much more to this book…26 stories in all. I thoroughly enjoyed most of them, but there were a few that I just didn’t like at all. But that’s bound to happen with any short story collection with 26 stories. Lots of writers that I had never heard of before and what I loved most about this was the setting of all of the stories. They were just dripping with atmosphere. If you’re looking for something for the Southern Reading Challenge, this is it!
This will be my second read for the Irresistible Review Challenge (thanks Nymeth!)
Filed under: Once upon a time challenge, book review, fantasy, irresistible review challenge, short stories | Tagged: book review, fantasy, irresistible review challenge, Once upon a time challenge, short stories
I’ve had this one on my radar since Nymeth’s review last year, too. But you know what, I think you may have just pushed me over the edge! Wonderful review, Chris! And you know, I’ve never been to New Orleans
but even so, I think I’ve always felt it had this mystique, that it’s probably the most magical city on earth. Glad to hear my impressions won’t be proved wrong when I finally get there someday.
Glad you enjoyed this..
You know me and short stories..nada lol.. It’s always a pleasure not to add something to the amazon list!! hahaha
hope dad and the job are both doing well!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Chris! And yes, “See My King All Dressed in Red” was such a memorable story. One of my favourites too.
It’s funny, at the time I was sort of disappointed with Daniel Wallace’s story, but now I look back on it fondly. I guess it’s because I had just read The Watermelon King, so I was expecting the best short story EVER
But I’m glad you enjoyed his story and really look forward to your thoughts on the novel!
There were a few stories in the book that didn’t do it for me either, but like you said that’s inevitable, especially when the stories are so diverse.
I’m usually NOT a short story person but this really does sound good. I might have to give it a try and see if it gets me liking short stories despite my previous experiences with them.
Wow, did you just mention Kalamu? Nice!!! I was so surprised to see his name mentioned in this story. (See how much I keep up on stuff done by folks I know!) Anyway, I emailed him your url so he can get a nice look at your lovely critical praise. -C
Hmm does sound interesting. Damn that Nymeth
Great review, Chris – this sounds like a wonderful book!
This book looks 100% awesome! I was pretty much sold on the fantasy + deep south line, so I guess I am pretty easy.
Sounds like this one would be a great read. I love New Orleans! You are right, there is just something about your fair city. Or maybe not so fair!! Actually there is something dark under the surface. I think that’s what completely sucked me in!
Hope all is well with your Dad!
Chris, thanks for the kind words. It’s very gratifying that people are still discovering our book.
My wife and I have lived in Vermont for several years, but when we were living in southern Alabama, we were only three hours from New Orleans and went there whenever we could. It’s one of my favorite places.
Glad that everyone enjoyed the review! It really is a fantastic collection and if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. And if you haven’t been to New Orleans I highly recommend it :p
And you’re quite welcome Mr. Cox! It was a great collection and my privilege to read. Glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed New Orleans when you’ve visited. I’ve lived here all of my life and it still holds such a unique charm to me. I was so glad to see a collection of stories that recognized that charm and turned them into fantasy stories!
[...] other 2 books that I read for the Southern Reading Challenge were Crossroads: Tales of the Southern Literary Fantastic and Looking for Alaska. Thank you SO MUCH for hosting this one [...]