In this linked collection of short stories, the citizens of Rugglesville, Virginia search for their places in the community and their families.
The award-winning stories that make up the linked collection IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY showcase ordinary men and women in and around Rugglesville, Virginia, as they struggle to find places and identities in their families and the community. They experience natural disasters, a sun-worshipping cult, Vietnam flashbacks, kidnapping, addiction, and loss. The book’s opening story, “Flood, 1978,” follows Hank, who comes to understand his father’s deep sense of grief over the death of his wife. Later, in “Hand-painted Angel,” Hank’s sons see the family spinning apart as their father ages and family secrets are disclosed. In “The Clattering of Bones,” Walt mourns the collapse of his marriage after the loss of a child, but in the collection’s title story he recognizes his emotional need for family. The concluding story, “Red Peony,” unifies the collection, as many of the characters from other stories come together for a tumultuous 4th of July Celebration.
Excerpt
From "Flood, 1978"
The night is hushed, except for snow tickling the dark windows. I hear Pop shuffle into the kitchen. A pan bangs on the stove. He'd said he'd warm up that broth for Alice, in case she feels like eating something when she stirs. He's always taken real good care of my Alice. Ever since the flood.
The bulk of the collection is eight short stories that are set in yesteryear. The compilation is filled out with four entertaining fantasy pieces and three poems.
The Apple Tree Blossoms in The Fall, is the life journey of Carineh - a child, a teenager, a wife, a mother, but most of all a woman of purpose. From stories of her parents held-up by bandits; the white donkey gifted by Khomeini; her father's death f
