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This compilation of short stories is a haunting experience through the collective consciousnesses of men in different stages of their own lives. The Weight of the Sun and Other Stories, written by Geronimo Tagatac, incorporates the experiences of both young and older men who confront similar challenges as a result of their culture and personal hardships. He states in the Introduction that most of the stories are about the fictional Guerrero family, as the stories “cover a period of seventy two years, beginning in 1929. Jacinto and his son Mateo appear more than once.” There are twenty-four stories total, and Tagatac presents a variety of themes throughout the narratives he writes in this collection.
Tagatac expertly enters several different perspectives in the many short stories presented. He is able to realistically portray the attitudes of a father with a young son, as well as the life of a war veteran, the challenges of cultural boundaries, and the experience of grief. Most of all, Tagatac illustrates the beauty of language spoken through the voice of people with sometimes little in common, but each with much to offer the reader. Though this is a collection of short stories which spans across a large period of time, there is still a sense of connection and a clear delineation of plot as Tagatac introduces different characters and new story developments.
In one story entitled “Back in the World,” Tagatac uses a stream of consciousness style as he presents a war veteran who is struggling to relate to his past life as a student. The main character consistently drifts in and out of memories of the battles he faced in Vietnam, and it unclear of which reality this character truly belongs in. In “Agency,” Tagatac presents a starting representation of office dynamics and confrontation with ideas about culture and personal beliefs. Another notable story in the text is entitled “Departures,” and the main character comforts the ex-boyfriend of the main character’s previous girlfriend. This story also encompasses themes of the experiences of young adults living in the period of the Vietnam War.
Ultimately, Tagatac weaves a compelling narrative that relies on the voices of the many characters he presents. His main focus on culture, the experience of youth, and relationships of family allow for compelling development of re-occurring characters in this compilation. Tagatac’s language is powerful as he confronts difficult themes of abuse and death, but the shining potential of the young adults in the collection balances his exploration of negative experiences. The Weight of the Sun offers a profound glace into the lives of Tagatac’s characters and leaves the readers with reactions to each story that will continue to resonate strongly even after the collection is complete.
This novel is stylistically unique and although challenging at times to follow, is worth the effort that it takes to end up at the surprising and compelling conclusion. In writing 42, M. Thomas Cooper has embarked on a journey of mystery and puzzling challenges which are sometimes strange, but seemingly believable. George Olson, the main character, leads an ordinary life with his wife and daughter, until they both disappear. After this unexplained occurrence, he has inexplicable experiences at work, and then ultimately has to face accusations of murder and arson. Cooper weaves a tale that seems impossible to resolve, but George is able to confront the confusing path his life is taken while seeking for meaning in the number forty-two.
One of the most engaging aspects of Cooper’s writing is in his ability to craft dizzying imagery. Readers are able to seamlessly entering George’s life through Cooper’s descriptive language that encapsulates George’s reality. The painstaking nature of his existence creates an anxious tone that invests readers in Cooper’s universe. Another major strength of the novel is George’s role as a likeable protagonist. His decisions are notably poor in the aftermath of his family’s disappearance, but George remains an empathetic character. His seemingly delusional state is sometimes understandable, especially when he becomes preoccupied with the number forty-two. Cooper retains a sense of authenticity in George; as his behavior becomes stranger, he could have easily become more alienating. But Cooper offers the support of secondary characters, notably George’s secretary Anne, to try and keep George grounded in the face of his mysterious circumstances.
The design of this novel makes it a treat to read. The designers have made stylistic choices that are engaging, and represent the state of George’s mind as he tries to decipher the meaning of his missing wife and child. The pages are riddled with the depictions of the sticky notes that George constantly writes on. In some ways, the book itself seems like a hand-edited memoir that in which George makes certain words fade or a certain name consistently blacked out from view. This multi-faceted reading experience is representative of the complexity of George’s own circumstances.
Throughout the text, there is disjointedness in plot that is sometimes distracting. The pacing is very fast, and although that results in compelling plot delineation, George’s mindset is at times confusing. Some of the pacing moves almost too quickly to actually comprehend the meaning of George’s experience, as seen especially when he accidently hits his mother in law with his car. This type of absurdity calls for more attention to this scene, but George aimlessly passes by this incident as nonchalantly as he treats much of the mysteries of his life. Though this can sometimes lead to confusing passages, the pacing itself is consistent and lends to the anxious tone that permeates the entire novel.
The ending of 42 is the culmination of Cooper’s fascinating, if at times unsettling, novel which outlines George’s descent into delusion. George travels internationally to follow the message of forty-two and hopes to finally discover the cause of his misfortunate. Cooper’s conclusion is striking, and propels George into an elevated state of awareness as he strives for the meaning of his recent experiences. Ultimately, 42 is a complex artistic endeavor that is truly a compelling read to undertake.
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The Weight of the Sun by Geronimo Tagatac
candice.peaslee, December 8, 2009
This compilation of short stories is a haunting experience through the collective consciousnesses of men in different stages of their own lives. The Weight of the Sun and Other Stories, written by Geronimo Tagatac, incorporates the experiences of both young and older men who confront similar challenges as a result of their culture and personal hardships. He states in the Introduction that most of the stories are about the fictional Guerrero family, as the stories “cover a period of seventy two years, beginning in 1929. Jacinto and his son Mateo appear more than once.” There are twenty-four stories total, and Tagatac presents a variety of themes throughout the narratives he writes in this collection.
Tagatac expertly enters several different perspectives in the many short stories presented. He is able to realistically portray the attitudes of a father with a young son, as well as the life of a war veteran, the challenges of cultural boundaries, and the experience of grief. Most of all, Tagatac illustrates the beauty of language spoken through the voice of people with sometimes little in common, but each with much to offer the reader. Though this is a collection of short stories which spans across a large period of time, there is still a sense of connection and a clear delineation of plot as Tagatac introduces different characters and new story developments.
In one story entitled “Back in the World,” Tagatac uses a stream of consciousness style as he presents a war veteran who is struggling to relate to his past life as a student. The main character consistently drifts in and out of memories of the battles he faced in Vietnam, and it unclear of which reality this character truly belongs in. In “Agency,” Tagatac presents a starting representation of office dynamics and confrontation with ideas about culture and personal beliefs. Another notable story in the text is entitled “Departures,” and the main character comforts the ex-boyfriend of the main character’s previous girlfriend. This story also encompasses themes of the experiences of young adults living in the period of the Vietnam War.
Ultimately, Tagatac weaves a compelling narrative that relies on the voices of the many characters he presents. His main focus on culture, the experience of youth, and relationships of family allow for compelling development of re-occurring characters in this compilation. Tagatac’s language is powerful as he confronts difficult themes of abuse and death, but the shining potential of the young adults in the collection balances his exploration of negative experiences. The Weight of the Sun offers a profound glace into the lives of Tagatac’s characters and leaves the readers with reactions to each story that will continue to resonate strongly even after the collection is complete.
42 by M. Thomas Cooper
candice.peaslee, November 16, 2009
This novel is stylistically unique and although challenging at times to follow, is worth the effort that it takes to end up at the surprising and compelling conclusion. In writing 42, M. Thomas Cooper has embarked on a journey of mystery and puzzling challenges which are sometimes strange, but seemingly believable. George Olson, the main character, leads an ordinary life with his wife and daughter, until they both disappear. After this unexplained occurrence, he has inexplicable experiences at work, and then ultimately has to face accusations of murder and arson. Cooper weaves a tale that seems impossible to resolve, but George is able to confront the confusing path his life is taken while seeking for meaning in the number forty-two.
One of the most engaging aspects of Cooper’s writing is in his ability to craft dizzying imagery. Readers are able to seamlessly entering George’s life through Cooper’s descriptive language that encapsulates George’s reality. The painstaking nature of his existence creates an anxious tone that invests readers in Cooper’s universe. Another major strength of the novel is George’s role as a likeable protagonist. His decisions are notably poor in the aftermath of his family’s disappearance, but George remains an empathetic character. His seemingly delusional state is sometimes understandable, especially when he becomes preoccupied with the number forty-two. Cooper retains a sense of authenticity in George; as his behavior becomes stranger, he could have easily become more alienating. But Cooper offers the support of secondary characters, notably George’s secretary Anne, to try and keep George grounded in the face of his mysterious circumstances.
The design of this novel makes it a treat to read. The designers have made stylistic choices that are engaging, and represent the state of George’s mind as he tries to decipher the meaning of his missing wife and child. The pages are riddled with the depictions of the sticky notes that George constantly writes on. In some ways, the book itself seems like a hand-edited memoir that in which George makes certain words fade or a certain name consistently blacked out from view. This multi-faceted reading experience is representative of the complexity of George’s own circumstances.
Throughout the text, there is disjointedness in plot that is sometimes distracting. The pacing is very fast, and although that results in compelling plot delineation, George’s mindset is at times confusing. Some of the pacing moves almost too quickly to actually comprehend the meaning of George’s experience, as seen especially when he accidently hits his mother in law with his car. This type of absurdity calls for more attention to this scene, but George aimlessly passes by this incident as nonchalantly as he treats much of the mysteries of his life. Though this can sometimes lead to confusing passages, the pacing itself is consistent and lends to the anxious tone that permeates the entire novel.
The ending of 42 is the culmination of Cooper’s fascinating, if at times unsettling, novel which outlines George’s descent into delusion. George travels internationally to follow the message of forty-two and hopes to finally discover the cause of his misfortunate. Cooper’s conclusion is striking, and propels George into an elevated state of awareness as he strives for the meaning of his recent experiences. Ultimately, 42 is a complex artistic endeavor that is truly a compelling read to undertake.
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)