Coronado: Stories

These are great stories that show how far Lehane has advanced from the unrealistic potboilers of his earlier work. Powerful stuff that reminds a little of Carver.

This is my first Dennis Lehane book, and he is a fine writer. He explores many aspects of human nature in his stories, occasionally with a subtle touch of irony. The themes of the stories are sometimes depressing, but they help one gain insight into other people, other places.

I've read Dennis Lehane since his Kenzie and Gennaro detective series, one of which is being made into a movie as I write this. If you've read Lehane before, you won't be disappointed here. This guy is easily one of the best American writers of the current day.

I am truly surprised at the negative reviews this collection of short stories and one play has received. Maybe it's because people don't like to see one of their favorite authors deviate from the norm in any way. Or maybe it's because it's been a while since SHUTTER ISLAND came out. I'm not sure, but I do know that I happened to have loved this collection. I thought all of the stories were original and unique and I particularily loved the play CORONADO. I would have loved to see have seen this performed live. I do hope however, that we haven't seen the last of Patrick and Angie. How about another book in that series, Dennis. Please?!?

"Running Out of Dog". Elgin and Cal returned from Nam to their hometown of Eden, South Carolina while others made it back in a body bag. Both resent that the sons of the wealthy who stayed home. Elgin is seeing two women, one of which Jewel is the wife of .an affluent stayd at home son that can only lead to the war coming to Eden. "ICU". Daniel is stunned when the woman at the bar tells him to leave her alone as a man warned her about him. Next he loses his job and his ex-wife says he cannot have the kids as planned; both because of the man. Daniel dubs the man Troy even while his dad enters ICU. There he meets former KGB Michael whose mom is also in the hospital "Mushrooms". In New England, they dropped GHB before KL gives his girlfriend the gun. Now the drug is taking over making it easier to commit manslaughter. "Gone Down to Corpus". In 1970 remote Texas drunken high school football players break into and devastate the home of wealthy teammate Lyle, who dropped the big pass before his younger sister joins the revelry that turns even uglier. "Until Gwen". After four years of incarceration Father picks up his newly released son at the prison in a stolen car with a hooker in the back seat. Father demands the stolen loot his son hid while the ex-convict wants to see his girlfriend, Gwen. "Coronado". This is a two act play version of "Until Gwen". These five noir short stories and play showcase the vast talent of Dennis Lehane as each are solid thrillers starring characters either in trouble or about to cause trouble. Fans of the author will appreciate the collection and newcomers will enjoy this fine introduction. Harriet Klausner