Effortless yet sincere collection of intimate human stories.
“But nothing stays the same. Not forever. Not the wars or the weather or the wind.” From the humble work of a shopkeeper to a single heartbreaking moment of loss, The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories is a delicate collection of incisive short stories focusing on the seemingly inconsequential moments and choices that make up the sum of our lives. David Joseph is a gifted storyteller, able to speak to people of any race, nationality of status in a deceptively simple manner. Each chapter jumps right into the middle of an unassuming life, the focus being on an impeccably well conceived scene or decision. The inclusion of a multitude of locations, cultures and languages gives the feel of a relaxing guided European vacation.
The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories bears no special effects, little in the way of scandal, nor any flashy action sequences. Rather, David Joseph offers an unpretentious glimpse into the most guarded and genuine moments that make up the lives of a wide range of people. Though just a small moment in time, each story grabs readers from the opening sentence. Strangers become close acquaintances in the span of a few paragraphs, even though their names aren’t even always known. Take a journey to beautiful southern Spain and beyond in this effortless yet sincere collection of intimate human stories. With a deft hand and a keen sense of observation, David Joseph has composed a lovely collection of stories sure to appeal to readers in every circumstance.
