Bentley Little has done it again! This collection of short stories is an absolute must have for anyone interested in this hilarious author's writings. Little's stories are a deft mix of humor, horror, and weirdness that are an excellent way to pass a few hours. I am continually amazed that many people fail to grasp the humor in this man's novels and stories. Little is a master of black comedy and satire (or as he refers to it in several of his stories here, "slightly exaggerated" situations).I don't think it is helpful to go through a story-by-story analysis. Since many of the stories in "The Collection" are very short, an in-depth analysis of them would undoubtedly give away crucial plot information. I'll try to touch on a few recurring themes that Little revisits more than once.
Little has an interesting view of history. This theme caught my eye because I have a degree in history, and enjoy reading and studying the topic. Two stories are notable with this theme. The first, and the one story that made me buy the book, is "The Washingtonians." A man finds a letter written by George Washington in a relative's trunk. The letter discusses eating children and making tools out of their bones, and is judged to be authentic. When the man visits a local university, he finds out that history, as we know it, is a total sham concocted to keep people in line and present a positive image of the powers that be. It is sufficient to say that by the time you reach the end of this story, you'll see a whole new meaning to the phrase, "the British are coming!"
The second story with this historical theme is "Colony." A newly elected president finds out that America isn't what it appears to be. Let's just say that the Declaration of Independence is a facade to placate the people. The president, with the help of Nixon crony H.R. Haldeman (who turns out not to be dead, just in hiding), stages a new war for independence.
These two stories highlight Little's pessimistic view about accepted knowledge. Knowledge is often not a set of rigid facts or figures, but something softer and hazier that can be manipulated by people for whatever goals they desire. Sometimes, historical lies cover up something that can be truly terrifying.
Another theme in the book is his humor, especially in satire. The story that best fits this rubric is "Confessions of a Corporate Man." In this brilliant gem of a tale, Little viciously skewers corporate America's attitude of competition. Disagreements between various departments in a company turn into full-blown wars involving murder, sex, and betrayal. It is bloody, but screamingly funny, as anyone who works (or has worked) in an office will quickly accede. Another tale, "Life with Father," shows us what happens when recycling is taken WAY too far.
The humor isn't just satire, sometimes it is as black as the coffee at an AA meeting. Just check out "The Show," about a snuff theater where the victim on stage might be someone you least expect. Then there is "Pillow Talk," a short tale about pillows who want to share their lust. How about a story about a dwarf who is determined to collect a quarter? It's here and it's funny.
Then there are the straight horror stories, scary stories that make you look over your shoulder. Take a glance at "The Woods Be Dark," a gruesome tale set in the South. The final tale, "The Mumurous Haunt of Flies," is another shocker about a strange bathhouse on a farm that tells us more than we need (or want) to know about death.
There are other types of stories included in this collection, and a reader is sure to find something that tickles their fancy. I'm quickly discovering that Bentley Little is a brilliant author who can write any type of story. I'm looking forward to reading "The Mailman," and "The Association." Actually, I'm looking forward to reading all of his books, and I hope you will, too.
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Collection (Mass Market Paperback)
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