Reviewed by Ian
Water Baby
Reviewed by Ian Water Baby
An old man, Bernie, returns to a seedy country town after 33 years and stirs up memories. The town publican still carries feelings for the old man's daughter, his long lost teenage love. He finds out she is dead.
The first thing to say about this story is that it I did not see one typo or spelling error and we can all take comfort from the knowledge that such a goal is achievable.
This is an interesting story, of a set of complex untidy relationships that seem to have been on hold for 33 years. The author generates this feeling of 'time standing still' very well and it is consistent with the feeling of a small town going on the way it has for years. The opening brings out the contrast of the return of Bernie and the excitement this seems to generate without losing the timeless, suspenseful quality.
One way in which I think the story could be improved would be to give the town itself more character. It is too much a generic town (I found it hard to picture what country until we got to the FJ) and while I'm being picky, a Catholic church 'down near' anywhere is pretty unusual - they are found at the highest point in town, unless of course the Anglicans got there first (even so would be close by). 'The town' is only a minor character though. Also, the relationship between the father and the woman he left behind is important to the story, yet the old man is a 'flat' character.
The intention, I think, is that the relationship between the two teenagers and the mystery surrounding the events is finally resolved. A life in limbo (the now 48-year-old publican) brought back by the catharsis of tragedy. It was uncomfortable for me because it appeared that the author was giving clues, but leaving the reader with a choice between doubt and unpalatability.
There is ample opportunity here for readers to exercise their imaginations, and that is good enough reason for anyone to read a story.
Reviewed by © Ian
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