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William Hoffman is a master storyteller, and Follow Me Home reveals him at his inimitable best. In these eleven brilliantly observed, superbly crafted stories, he explores one of the most secret places of the human heart - the corner where we keep hidden the small and precious supply of whatever it is that lets us persist, and sometimes even triumph, in the face of life's inescapable diminishments and losses.
In Hoffman's characters, the content of this inner reservoir varies greatly. For the hill farmer in "Abide with Me," it is a form of direct grace granted to him in a near-death vision. For the disabled veteran in "Night Sport," it is a bitter concoction of disillusionment and raw truth carried home from a distant war. For the quietly retired minister in "Sweet Armageddon," unexpectedly given a glimpse of the life he long ago forsook, it is a prayerful wish for annihilation.
On a less apocalyptic scale, in the haunting "Points," a once-great horseman finds sustenance in a remembered world of elegance and courage - a world that, like his skills, is rapidly fading. In "Dancer," a bereft and lonely woman retreats into the music of her youth, birds becoming quarter notes that fill the sky. In "Expiation," a self-made executive after many years comes to terms with his own childhood, even though it means ending the lie on which his marriage is built. And in "Coals," a maid and cook calls on her own reserves of spirit to bring her employer a renewal of life.
Set in the small towns, cities, hills, and seascapes of Virginia - territory Hoffman knows as well as any writer ever has - the stories of Follow Me Home reveal to us men and women we know and care about, for in their struggles, win or lose, we recognize ourselves.
In Hoffman's characters, the content of this inner reservoir varies greatly. For the hill farmer in "Abide with Me," it is a form of direct grace granted to him in a near-death vision. For the disabled veteran in "Night Sport," it is a bitter concoction of disillusionment and raw truth carried home from a distant war. For the quietly retired minister in "Sweet Armageddon," unexpectedly given a glimpse of the life he long ago forsook, it is a prayerful wish for annihilation.
On a less apocalyptic scale, in the haunting "Points," a once-great horseman finds sustenance in a remembered world of elegance and courage - a world that, like his skills, is rapidly fading. In "Dancer," a bereft and lonely woman retreats into the music of her youth, birds becoming quarter notes that fill the sky. In "Expiation," a self-made executive after many years comes to terms with his own childhood, even though it means ending the lie on which his marriage is built. And in "Coals," a maid and cook calls on her own reserves of spirit to bring her employer a renewal of life.
Set in the small towns, cities, hills, and seascapes of Virginia - territory Hoffman knows as well as any writer ever has - the stories of Follow Me Home reveal to us men and women we know and care about, for in their struggles, win or lose, we recognize ourselves.
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About the Author:
William Hoffman has worked as a teacher of English at Hampden-Sydney College.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherLouisiana State University Press
- Publication date1994
- ISBN 10 0807118354
- ISBN 13 9780807118351
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages213
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Follow Me Home: Short Stories
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Louisiana State Univ Pr
(1994)
ISBN 10: 0807118354
ISBN 13: 9780807118351
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: First printing. Dust Jacket Condition: Mylar dust cover. 1994 stated first printing hardback is inscribed by William Hoffman is personalized no marks and is in very good condition with mylar dustAND AS ALWAYS SHIPPED IN 24 HOURS; and emailed to you a USPS tracking number on all orders; all books are sanitized and cleaned for your protection before mailing. PLEASE NOTE OVER SEAS BUYERS if the book extra large or heavy there will be additional postage due to the new US Postage rates. Signed inscribed. Seller Inventory # 171119033S
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