My god,

the intensity of these stories is truly remarkable!

The dialogues are simply fantastic, filled with depth and nuance that bring the characters to life.

The characterization is also top-notch, with each character having their own unique personality and traits that make them both relatable and engaging.

I am completely hooked and can't wait to read more from Styron!

His writing style is captivating and draws the reader in from the very first page.

I have a feeling that there are many more精彩的 stories and characters waiting for me to discover in his works.

I highly recommend Styron's writing to anyone who loves great literature and engaging stories.

Ugh.

Reading this book is like taking a big lungful of stale, dead air.

It's truly a disheartening experience.

The words seem to just lie there on the page, lacking any spark or vitality.

There's no excitement, no anticipation as you turn the pages.

It's as if the author has drained all the life out of the story and left it as a dull, lifeless shell.

You find yourself slogging through the text, hoping for something, anything, to capture your interest.

But alas, it never comes.

By the time you reach the end, you're left feeling disappointed and a little bit cheated.

This book is definitely not one that you would recommend to anyone.

It's a waste of time and energy, and you can't help but wonder why you bothered to pick it up in the first place.

I first read these stories in 1993 and was immediately captivated by them.

I was so fond of them that I couldn't help but share them as precious gifts with other friends who also had a deep appreciation for good literature.

Fast forward to 2016, when I decided to reread these stories. To my surprise, I found them to be rather average.

Among the three stories, "A Tidewater Morning" was the best, but still, it failed to make a lasting impression on me.

I was truly amazed at how much my tastes had changed over the years.

It just goes to show that our literary preferences can evolve and shift as we grow and experience different things in life.

Perhaps it's a sign of personal growth and development, but it also makes me wonder what other works of literature I might have overlooked or misjudged in the past due to my changing tastes.

Nevertheless, this rereading experience has been a valuable one, reminding me of the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to revisit and reevaluate our past literary favorites.

Lovely descriptions, beautiful prose, typical Styron. His writing is like a gentle breeze that caresses your soul. Here are three short stories based on his memories. They are so vivid and real that I find myself constantly asking if they are indeed true. Set at different times in his life, we follow the lives of a soldier, a teenager, and a paperboy. They all have to face the harsh reality of life by learning to deal with death. In the hands of a great writer like Styron, these stories become more than just tales. They become a profound exploration of the human condition, a journey into the depths of our emotions and experiences. We are drawn into their worlds, sharing their joys and sorrows, and in the end, we are left with a deeper understanding of what it means to be alive.

I truly love his style of writing. It is so incredibly easy to read, as if he is directly communicating with you in the most effortless way. There is a certain charm and fluidity to his words that draw you in and keep you engaged from the very beginning. What makes it even more special is the soulfulness that shines through. You can sense the depth of his emotions and the sincerity with which he expresses himself. It's as if his writing has a life of its own, touching your heart and leaving a lasting impression. Whether it's a simple story or a profound thought, his style makes it accessible and relatable to all. It's no wonder that I am so enamored with his writing. It has the power to transport you to another world and make you feel things you never thought possible.

A Nice Revisit to One of My All-Time Favourite Authors

I recently had the pleasure of revisiting one of my all-time favourite authors. The book contains three short stories about Paul, a thinly disguised younger version of the author Styron, from his youth. One story takes place on a navy vessel in 1945, as it is about to land on Okinawa. The other two stories are set earlier in the 1930s and focus more on race and growing up in Virginia.

As with all of his writing, there are moments of great beauty in these stories. The descriptions are vivid and the characters are well-developed. However, at times the stories can seem a bit meandering and off the point. But despite this, the overall journey is well worth taking. The author's insights into human nature and the experiences of growing up in a particular time and place are both thought-provoking and engaging. It is a reminder of why he is one of my favourite authors and why I will continue to return to his work again and again.

I truly loved the slow crescendo of 'Love Day' which gradually built up to the authentic and emotional climax. It was a captivating experience that kept me on the edge of my seat.

However, 'Shadrach' was my least favorite among the three. Nevertheless, I still appreciated the skillful evocation of time and place within the story. The author did a great job of setting the scene and making it come alive in my mind.

Nearly every word in 'A Tidewater Morning' was perfect. It was a story of unbearable pain, yet it was told with great mastery and great humanity. The author's ability to convey such powerful emotions through words was truly remarkable. It made me feel as if I was right there with the characters, experiencing their pain and suffering.

Overall, these three stories had their own unique charm and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. They each offered something different and left a lasting impression on me.

A wonderful writer is truly a gem. Their words have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and make us think deeply. Reading their work is never a waste of time. It is an investment in our own growth and entertainment. With each sentence, they paint vivid pictures in our minds, allowing us to experience the story as if we were right there. Their creativity knows no bounds, and they are able to come up with unique and engaging plots that keep us on the edge of our seats. Whether it's a novel, a short story, or a poem, a wonderful writer has the ability to touch our hearts and leave a lasting impression. We should cherish these talented individuals and continue to support their work.

Three stories are presented here, their timelines intertwined.

The first story is set during World War II. A twenty-year-old marine officer is on a ship in the Pacific, approaching his first encounter with the 'enemy'. Styron cleverly juxtaposes a childhood memory with the present, showing the impact on a young man who is not quite an adult. However, this story feels a bit dated as it presents a rather traditional view of how a southern white lad might regard the world, which makes it a little difficult to read.

The second story involves a boy of ten or twelve whose neighbors are a once-prominent but now very poor family. In around 1935, an ancient black man appears. It turns out he was born a slave on the family plantation and sold to the deep south. He now wishes to die where he was born. This story is captivating from start to finish.

The third story takes place on the day of a slightly older boy's mother's death. It is a wrenching tale, but for some reason, I remained on the outside of the emotional core. Overall, it is the middle story that makes this book worthwhile for me. ***1/2

I have a deep affection for Sophie's Choice. It is a truly remarkable and moving work that has left a lasting impression on me. However, when it comes to Tidewater Morning, I have to say that it didn't quite measure up to all the praise and acclaim that was emblazoned on its jacket.

To be fair, it was an okay read. The story had its moments, and the writing was competent enough. But it lacked that certain something that would have made it truly special. It didn't have the same emotional depth or the ability to grip me and keep me on the edge of my seat like Sophie's Choice did.

Perhaps my expectations were set too high by the glowing reviews on the jacket. Or maybe it's just that my personal tastes don't align with the style and subject matter of Tidewater Morning. In any case, while it wasn't a bad book, it definitely didn't live up to the hype for me.

Love Day ***

Love Day is a special occasion that holds great significance for many people. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the power and beauty of love. On this day, people express their love and affection for one another in various ways. Some exchange gifts, while others go on romantic dates. It is a time to cherish the relationships that mean the most in our lives and to show our loved ones how much they are cared for.

Shadrach ****

Shadrach is a name that has a rich history and meaning. It is often associated with strength, courage, and faith. Those who bear this name are said to possess these qualities and are able to overcome any obstacle that comes their way. Shadrach is a name that commands respect and admiration, and those who have it are often looked up to by others.

A Tidewater Morning **

A Tidewater Morning is a beautiful and peaceful scene. The sun rises over the water, casting a warm glow on everything around it. The gentle lapping of the waves and the chirping of the birds create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. It is a time to start the day fresh and to appreciate the beauty of nature. A Tidewater Morning is a moment of tranquility and serenity that can bring a sense of calm to even the busiest of lives.

A masterpiece is truly a remarkable creation. It is a work that stands out from the rest, captivating the hearts and minds of all who encounter it. Whether it is a painting, a novel, a piece of music, or any other form of art, a masterpiece has the power to evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impression.

It is the result of great talent, skill, and dedication. The artist pours their heart and soul into every detail, striving for perfection. A masterpiece is not just something that is aesthetically pleasing; it also has depth and meaning. It can tell a story, convey a message, or simply make us see the world in a different way.

Throughout history, there have been many masterpieces that have withstood the test of time. These works continue to inspire and influence generations of artists and thinkers. They are a testament to the human spirit and our ability to create something truly extraordinary. A masterpiece is a gift to the world, and we should cherish and celebrate it.