Title: TWILIFE: SHORT FICTIONS & VOICE WORK
Author: Lane Jennings
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-8369450277
Pages: 154
Genre: Short Stories
Reviewer: Jack Chambers
Pacific Book Review
While science has done wonders to fight disease and extend human life far longer than ever thought possible, one thing no scientist or doctor has been able to halt altogether is the disease known as aging. No matter who a person is or how wealthy or powerful they are, age never slows down, and everyone ends up in the same place at some point. Facing life head on and living it to the fullest is the only thing a person can do to prepare themselves for when that day arrives.
In author Lane Jennings TWILIFE: Short Fictions & Voice Work, the author explores aging and matters of life and death through a collection of poems and short stories. The stories range from surreal and absurdist humor to re-workings of classic mythological tales and sci-fi narratives that push the boundaries of life and death in shocking, sometimes haunting ways.
A collection of tales which keeps the readers immersed in the worlds created and invested in the characters who inhabit them, the author has done a great job of writing in a way which feels poignant. The range of storytelling styles and the powerful imagery that fuel the narratives are great hooks for readers to be drawn in, from a talking lobster to the crewman of the deadly Odyssey voicing concern over the latest developing threat – and so much more. The exploration of characters and figures like Cupid and how humanity connects to him as an icon of love, and how his aging and approach to life in his later years could impact the world, make these stories shine.
Readers who enjoy short fiction and poetry collections, especially those that draw on genres such as sci-fi, fantasy, surrealism, drama, humor, and comedy, will be enthralled by these stories. Some will both challenge and horrify readers with the deeper revelations these tales bring to light, such as the title story in this collection, “TWILIFE”, while others will bring heart and emotion to the underlying story being told, as in “Loonies”. The exploration not only of life, death, and the impact of aging, but the human experience, will resonate with many readers, whether it be the best or the worst humanity has to offer. Each piece offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of life, revealing extraordinary moments hidden within the ordinary.
