These Things Happen: Stories

Sometimes I am flabbergasted that no one has written a review of a book before I have. This is one of those times. Marian Thurm is a fine author and this is a fine collection of short stories. While each story is simple in plot they are each filled with nuances of characterization and depth. She is quite possibly the best minimalist writer around. My favorite stories follow. 'SANCTUARY' is about a gay couple attending the Bar Mitzvah of one of their sons. 'ICE' is a wonderful story of an older woman watching her housekeeper in her madness. As the housekeeper's insanity increases, roles are reversed - - the cared for becomes the caretaker. 'LEAVING JOHANNA' is an exquisitely perceptive tale of a man attempting to leave his partner. He is simply tired of her fragility and his always worrying about her and constantly caretaking her. 'SQUIRRELS' - To get squirrels out of her house, a newly divorced woman calls a wildlife rehabilitator and falls in love. 'SOUNDS' is about a grown daughter and her emotions towards her father who has married a woman younger than she is and has a newborn baby. Her father is in his 70's and his wife has a young lover. If you are a short story reader, I highly recommend this collection.