Author Lloyd Lim's third collection of fifteen short stories spans multiple genres, runs from the tragic to the comic, and explores the universal themes of human frailty and resilience. Love, loss, moral dilemmas, hypocrisy, hubris, injustice, the banality of evil, and the absurd—all find a place in Mr. Lim’s storytelling. Settings range from a small-town funeral parlor to a battleground in France during World War I to the first human colony on Mars. The collection also includes three short stories from a prior collection which have been adjusted and four humorous poems.
This set stands out due to its philosophical undertones and plot twists. The introspective tone and diversity of narrative styles are key competitive advantages. A range of narrative voices and perspectives are used.
Story titles: The Glass Gift, The June Bugs, The Bed Wetter, Standing Outside, The Archeologist’s Daughter, Wakey-Wakey, The Missing Toy, The Old Spy, The Boarder, The Execution Channel, Stolen, Better Late Than Never, The Philanthropist, Rogue Bird, A Soldier’s Regret, The Escapee, Attraction, The Pastor’s Wife.
Poem titles: The Toilet Phoenix, The Stinger, The Big-Time Hunter, The Drop-out.
Because Mr. Lim has teaching experience, he has included in the introduction some thoughts that will be helpful to aspiring writers in any genre or form.
