Call number
FIC LOP
Collection
Genres
Publication
Knopf (2000), Edition: 1st, 176 pages
Description
Moving from fable and historical fiction to contemporary realism, this book of stories from Barry Lopez is erotic and wise, full of irresistible characters doing things they shouldn't do for reasons that are mysterious and irreducible. These are the works of a master at the top of his form. As always, Lopez's stories transcend his subjects, linking human culture and landscape, poetry and philosophy, emotion and the earth's mysteries. Eight of the print edition's thirteen stories are included here: Remembering Orchards, The Letters of Heaven, Emory Bear Hands', Birds, Mornings in Quarain, Light Action in the Caribbean, The Deaf Girl, The Mappist, Stolen Horses.
User reviews
LibraryThing member BrianDewey
Lopez, Barry. Light Action in the Carribean. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2000. I bought this book on a whim because I loved Lopez' About This Life, because it was autographed at Barnes & Noble, and because I was disappointed not to hear him read at Elliott Bay Books. The book is a collection of
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fiction. In all of the stories, the writing is beautiful. However, for the most part, Lopez tells the modern vignette-style story; he creates pretty, static scenes. Sometimes, even when there is overt action (such as Stolen Horses), things seem curiously detached. However, there are some real gems. RubMendoza Vega was delightful for its innovative storytelling style (The Kiss of the Spider Woman taken to an extreme). Emory Bear Hands' Birds is a lovely little fable. I enjoyed The Mappist because it captures my opinion of the importance of understanding the world we live in. The most memorable story is the title story, Light Action in the Carribean. Lopez does a great job developing characters, developing an interesting plot, and then throwing an amazing curve-ball ending that perfectly captures the senselessness of violence. Show Less
LibraryThing member m.belljackson
Light Action offers many calm, beautiful and captivating stories that feel like they are being told in the strong and easy voice of one of the main characters, Emory.
For me, the book would have been a monumental Perfect 5 if "The Mappist" - truly brilliant - had been featured in place of the
For me, the book would have been a monumental Perfect 5 if "The Mappist" - truly brilliant - had been featured in place of the
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totally unpleasant and unwelcome Title Story. Show Less
Awards
Oregon Book Awards (Finalist — Short Fiction — 2001)
Pages
176
ISBN
0679434550 / 9780679434559