Sunday, February 20, 2011

Troy Spencer - George Kramer


Author: George Kramer
Author web: George's Blog and More
Date: 2009
Setting: anywhere, in the present day
Availability: In the anthology Elements of the Soul

Story: Troy Spencer is awakened by a phone call from his estranged sister, Joan, with the news that their mother has suffered a heart attack and is in the hospital. Outside a storm is raging, with wind tearing small limbs from trees and the rain pelting down. At first it seems as if the sister is the one who is close to their mother, but we learn that Troy is really the one who was most like the older woman.

Their mother dies, and with her last breath makes Troy promise that he will attempt to reconcile with Joan. Skeptical of any positive outcome, but determined to try for his mother’s sake, after the funeral Troy suggests that Joan meet him at their childhood home to sort through their parent’s belongings.

Troy and Joan find some wine and share a bottle. Will the alcohol open up the siblings' emotions so that they can share their thoughts?

Commentary: The story is told from Troy’s point of view, and we don’t get a glimpse of what is happening inside Joan until late in the story. Many people who have trouble getting along with relatives will probably relate to this story– wondering how the other person can act the way they do– and then coming to see things from a different perspective.


Author info: George Kramer has been writing since fifth grade and has over 150 articles published on line, in addition to writing short stories which he is organizing into two collections. He has recently finished a medical thriller, and is working on the sequel.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Kramer was raised on Long Island. He currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife and daughter.

He says, “I want to be recognized for quality work that instills thought.” Learn more about George at George's Blog and More.

 

Rating:
Language skills 5
Depth of meaning 6

 

1 comment:

  1. Thanks, Joan! This was awesome! I'm going to share it on the TTM FB page!

    ReplyDelete

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