Something Hidden, Stories
Author
Elaine Margolis
Publisher
The Peppertree Press
No Review Copies Left
A diverse collection of short stories, Something Hidden features thirteen original works that explore a broad range of settings, subjects, and ideas. With a keen eye for detail, extraordinary characters, and an inventive treatment of time and place, Margolis delivers an exquisite collection in Something Hidden through such stories as“Two for One,” which explores a love deeply felt but unspoken until too late; “Ynez at the Roller Dome Disco,” a coming of age story about a small boy and a giant woman; “The Dragon Box” in which an elderly traveler finds her past in a Bangkok curio shop; “A Biker’s Requiem,” a story of regret, rebellion, and ultimately, resignation; “The Charm,” where spiders spin webs around the life of a girl who waits; “Something Hidden,” which features a mime in a Paris street, a kind stranger and a frightening revelation; and others. An eclectic collection that probes the central themes of loneliness, unease, ambiguity, triumph, and tragedy, Something Hidden is, at its heart, a collection of human stories—stories about old people, young people, people who love, people who hate, people who scheme, and people who triumph. Through these remarkable, poignant, and imaginative stories, Elaine Margolis weaves together a captivating collection of vibrant, thought-provoking, and engaging tales in Something Hidden.
Reviews
Elaine Margolis' Something Hidden contains thirteen short stories that will have readers wanting more.
These stories show the old and young, homeless and rich, travelers and shopkeepers, and so many others whom we pass by every day with each story containing a hidden meaning for those whom look for it.
Each story is well crafted, a testament to the talent of the author, each word building the tension keeping readers wondering, what next?
With well chosen and placed words performing their duty to create a memorable tale Margolis keeps her audience on the edge of their seats as soon as they enter each story.
The fine line walked between secrecy and revelation will have readers hooked from the start.
Margolis has a keen eye for detail and the ability to bring raw emotion into her words.
The characters are wonderfully well developed, as are her amazing storylines.
Each story is told differently in first and third person narratives, each style chosen reflects the tale it’s telling beautifully.
Each story is flawlessly constructed and the simple style belies the work gone into it.
Each story ends with a twist that leaves the reader with the maximum effect disappointment.
Elaine Margolis has a gift for bringing forth the hidden elements within the worlds she creates.
My personal favorite, and recommended, story is the last one – The Other Side of the Wave.
Reviewed on 02/14/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Tina Evans
If you love short stories, you need to add Elaine Margolis' collection, Something Hidden, to your to-be-read list. In fact, get it right away! This collection of 13 short stories truly offers something for every reader.
Ms. Margolis demonstrates an extremely keen eye for details, wonderful and well drawn characters, and amazingly inventive story lines. Stories range from the haunting " Two for One", the nearly heartbreaking story of a great love, unshared until it is too late. My personal favorite is "The Charm", a story that mixes generations, feelings and a special something in a way both eerie and memorable. My second favorite, "The Dragon Box" takes an elderly woman, recently widowed and traveling to find herself, to an obscure little shop in Bangkok, where something speaks to her heart.
The stories in the collection emcompass people of all ages, a wide variety of emotions and types of people. They are eclectic, and each offers something totally unexpected, sometimes haunting, sometimes heartbreaking, but always riveting and sincere. I plan to add Elaine Margolis to my list of favorite authors. After you read this stunning collection of stories, you will too!
Reviewed on 11/12/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member LAURI COATES
