Title: Common Sense & Other Tales of Disillusionment

Author: AJ Saxsma

Genre: Literary fiction

 

Common Sense & Other Tales of Disillusionment by AJ Saxsma is a compelling collection of short stories that delves into the intricate nature of human life. The book navigates themes of relationships, family dynamics, workplace challenges, financial struggles, and mental health journeys, easily captivating readers throughout the collection.

While distinct in plot and character, each story seamlessly fits into the larger collection, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. Readers will sense an eerie and ominous undertone throughout the book, maintaining a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout. This atmosphere enhances the explorations of human complexities, making the stories entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.

Saxsma’s ability to connect with readers is clear in the emotional depth of the characters in each story. Despite the hardships endured, the characters are well-developed, each dealing with personal struggles that many readers may find relatable, or aspects of them to be relatable. The connection creates a sense of empathy and reflection that will leave readers pondering the book long after putting it down.

Each story within Common Sense & Other Tales of Disillusionment features a fast-paced narrative that makes them easily digestible and perfect for short reading sessions. The gripping plots contain unpredictable twists and turns, keeping readers fully engaged and eager to read more. The endings are impactful, leaving readers to ponder their meaning after finishing.

Some readers may find the ending of Curse of the Writer abrupt compared to the rest of the stories. While the conclusion might seem unexpected and somewhat far-fetched, it does not take away from the overall impact and message of the story. The ending reinforces the main themes of the story, ensuring the story remains thought-provoking and memorable.

Whether a central character or not, every character feels significant to the plot of each story. This careful attention to character development enriches the overall narrative, ensuring each story is robust and leaves a lasting impact on readers. The strong plot lines and variety of characters contribute to the strength of the collection, making this a memorable read.

Readers may find the narrative of the final story What’s in Your Head Chris Cooper? particularly engaging, as it is written in the form of a documentary script. This unique narrative style provides a refreshing change for the closing story of the collection, adding a captivating dynamic to the reader’s experience, further making this a great ending to the collection.

Overall, Saxsma’s collection offers a deep dive into the human experience, presenting stories that are both challenging and comforting. Readers will find themselves reflected in the pages, contemplating their own lives as they navigate through the different stories. The book’s intricate and evocative narratives allow readers to easily find similarities between their own lives and the fictional world.

Common Sense & Other Tales of Disillusionment is not just a book of short stories; it is an exploration of life’s multifaceted nature. AJ Saxsma’s storytelling shines through in this collection, and the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions makes this a must-read for those who enjoy short stories.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.