Alexandra Leggat
195 pages (May 2001); 3.2MB download
Insomniac Press; ISBN: 9781897414378
DESCRIPTION
Pull Gently, Tear Here is critically acclaimed poet Alexandra Leggat's first collection of short stories. In these short tales about fitting in, the lives of the characters are pulled in circles as pieces of their identity are torn away by the day to day events shaping their lives. In 'Dodger', a young boy who escapes his abusive family searches for empathy from petty criminals and an affluent woman whose flawless life cracks when their worlds cross paths. In the satirical story, 'Acrylic Dreams', Leggat reveals that something as superficial as nail polish can produce a radical effect on men. And in the poignant 'All Trapeze Artists and Clowns', we experience one character's struggle to achieve the trappings of success in life -- the happy relationship, the satisfying career and the proud family -- then, upon attaining these treasures, realizing that it's not all it's cracked up to be.