A remarkable compilation of short stories exists, with at least a portion centering on the misdirected endeavors of Westerners to "repair" developing nations. One of the stories that stands out as my favorite within this collection pertains to a woman employed by an NGO in Sierra Leone. She finds herself entangled in diamond smuggling and grapples with the moral dilemmas associated with making money in an attempt to potentially assist the people.

Another story zeroes in on an ornithologist operating in the Amazon. This individual is apprehended by a FARC-like group and is ultimately released as part of a deal to sell logging rights. However, this deal would have a significant impact on one of the endangered species that the ornithologist was in the process of researching.

While this collection may not present the most flattering depiction of humanity, it does feature interesting characters placed in captivating settings. At times, the narratives are lightened by a touch of dark humor, adding an element of complexity and intrigue to the overall reading experience.

DNF

I have read approximately 50% of the book, but I have ultimately decided not to complete it.

The stories that I have perused thus far do possess some worthy ideas. They commence in rather compelling manners, which initially grabs the reader's attention.

However, when it comes to the endings of these stories, they are highly unsatisfying.

The writing style itself is quite nice, with a certain elegance and fluidity. But despite this, I cannot help but feel that the stories lack a proper plot progression.

They seem to meander aimlessly without really going anywhere significant in terms of the plot.

This lack of a clear and engaging plot arc has made it difficult for me to maintain my interest in the book, and thus I have chosen to stop reading at this point.

Perhaps others may have a different perspective on the book, but for me, the combination of unsatisfying endings and lackluster plot development has made it a less than enjoyable read.

These short stories take the readers on a journey through various situations where the characters find themselves completely out of their element.

They are lost, filled with fear, and surrounded by a strange environment and people who are cynical, unforgiving, and capable of casual violence.

Yet, despite the darkness and chaos, each and every one of these stories is a unique gem.

Rarely does one finish a collection of short stories and be able to vividly recall the characters, plots, and settings of every single one.

If I had to name my favorite stories, it would be the majority of them.

There's the first one about the kidnapped ornithologist, the woman whose soldier husband returns with a voodoo wife, the golfer ensnared in Myanmar's dictatorial politics, the poor man caught in Haiti's cocaine ecosystem, and the aid worker forced to face the harsh realities of war in Sierra Leone.

The diverse settings are unified by a sense of cynical, almost ironic morality that underpins each of these characters.

I was left strangely satisfied by the way Fountain confronts the world's inhumanity and capriciousness in each story.

And the best part is that he crafts every word with precision, his sentences like flecks of paint that come together to form a pointillist masterpiece.

Every metaphor, simile, and line of dialogue feels perfect, culminating in fiction of the highest caliber.

Great short stories

These are truly remarkable short stories that have the power to captivate and engage readers. They are not only thought-provoking but also highly unusual, presenting unique perspectives and ideas that make each story a page-turning experience. As I delved into these stories, I found myself completely immersed in different countries and eras. Each story painted a vivid picture, allowing me to explore new cultures, understand different historical contexts, and gain insights into the human condition. The authors' skill in creating engaging characters and weaving intricate plots is truly impressive. Whether it was a story set in a bustling metropolis or a quiet countryside, I was able to connect with the characters and feel their emotions. These short stories are a testament to the power of literature to transport us to different worlds and expand our horizons. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great read.

Fountain's work is more expansive in scope and coverage than that of many short story collections.

Unlike the insularity often shown by many characters in other works, the characters in Fountain's stories interact with geopolitical crises abroad, particularly those in Haiti.

As a result, the collection offers interesting examinations of political amnesia among Americans, ideas that he further developed in his later work, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk.

Overall, it is a good collection, featuring two or three really strong stories, especially the opening one.

This collection not only provides engaging narratives but also offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between individuals and global events.

Fountain's ability to explore these themes in a thought-provoking manner makes his work stand out among other short story collections.

Readers will find themselves drawn into the world of his characters and compelled to思考 the broader implications of the stories.

Whether it is the impact of political events on personal lives or the role of memory in shaping our understanding of the world, Fountain's collection offers a rich and rewarding reading experience.

This spectacular collection of short stories makes personal the conflicts in third world countries including Haiti, Sierra Leone and Myanmar by examining the personal and interpersonal mechanizations at work.

Each story offers a unique perspective, delving deep into the lives of individuals caught in the midst of these complex situations. The author's vivid descriptions and masterful use of language bring these characters and their struggles to life, making it impossible for the reader not to be affected.

I found myself stopping to research some sliver of material or to reread a paragraph just to enjoy the writer’s language or to examine a thought a little more closely. The stories are not only thought-provoking but also beautifully written, with a depth and complexity that rewards multiple readings.

This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human experience in third world countries and the power of literature to shed light on these often overlooked issues.

The first two stories were alright, especially Near-Extinct Birds.

It presented an interesting topic and managed to hold my attention to a certain extent. However, when it came to the third story, things took a rather unexpected turn.

The author spent a significant portion describing how sexually appealing the female protagonist was. This kind of excessive and unnecessary focus on physical appearance and sexual allure really grated on my nerves.

I found myself losing all patience with the story and ultimately set it down. My tolerance for such writing is outstandingly low. I prefer stories that are more focused on character development, plot, and ideas rather than simply objectifying a female character in such a blatant way.

It's a shame because the potential of the story might have been great if the author had chosen a different approach.

I cannot deny that these are well-written and readable stories, and they may deserve a higher star rating than I have given. However, this is my problem with this collection of stories. I keep feeling the need to qualify anything I say, whether good or bad, with a "but". For me, if something is truly good, then the "buts" should, if not disappear, at least fall into a secondary or separate place from the standalone qualities that make for good stories. This doesn't happen with these stories. I feel trapped in a particular, and particularly parochial, vision that tells me less about anything significant and only, inadvertently, about the narrowness and limited nature of the point of view, experience, outlook, attitude - indeed everything - not just of the protagonists of these stories but also of their author.

I don't doubt (but I don't know because I'm not interested in the biographies of writers) that Mr. Fountain may have been to all the places where these stories are set. But I don't feel he has really moved beyond the mental and cultural world of the USA. It doesn't matter whether that world is the suburbs of the Midwest or the metropolitan milieu of the Eastern seaboard - it is utterly insular and disconnected in any real sense from anything outside it.

I particularly found the last story, 'Fantasy for Eleven Fingers', false, mediocre, and bad. As for the rest, while he tries to connect, I just found them bound up and tied down in the particulars of time and place. I know it's invidious to compare authors, but I don't think these stories will be revisited or have any continuing relevance in the way that something like 'The Quiet American' by Graham Greene has. I recently reread that, and it was amazing how it spoke about why the rich, self-assured Westerners interfering in other countries are going to get it wrong no matter how good their intentions are. The world Greene's book was set in has not just passed into history; it has passed away entirely. But you don't feel like you're reading reportage or that what he is saying is no longer relevant. I'm afraid Mr. Fountain's stories seem already well past their relevance - if they ever had any.

This is an extremely enjoyable collection of stories.

The characters within these tales are thrust into the thick of the action right from the start. They find themselves in situations that unfold rapidly, often before they even have a chance to fully comprehend what is happening.

Mostly, they don't realize the true nature of what they are getting into. They unknowingly cross a line that they weren't very aware of, and as a result, the consequences begin to play out.

The stories take the readers on a thrilling journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. It's a collection that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what will happen next to the characters as they face the consequences of their actions.

Whether it's a moment of decision that leads to unforeseen outcomes or a series of events that spiral out of control, these stories offer a captivating exploration of the human experience and the power of consequences.

Very expressive writing - Fountain offers a remarkable feeling that not only conveys profound insights into the thoughts of the diverse characters but also presents vivid descriptions of the locations and other elements within each story. It truly brings the narratives to life.

I must admit that, although there is significant acclaim for the title story, in my opinion, it was the least captivating one in the collection. Instead, my absolute favorite was the very first story, Near-Extinct Birds of the Central Cordillera. This story had a unique charm and allure that instantly drew me in and held my attention throughout. It was filled with engaging details and a compelling plot that made it stand out among the others.

First of all, Ben Fountain is an extremely talented writer.

It appears as if every single word in his works is meticulously chosen, making the reading experience feel like a seamless and effortless journey.

The majority of the stories he tells are set in those regions of the world where democracy is said to "flourish," such as Haiti, Myanmar, or Sierra Leone.

Fountain has clearly dedicated a significant amount of time to these places, especially Haiti, as he demonstrates a profound familiarity with the local customs and religious practices.

I firmly believe that a large number of the characters in his stories are inspired by the real individuals he has encountered during his time there.

As a result, I am now highly inclined to explore and read his other literary creations as well.

I am eager to discover the unique perspectives and captivating narratives that he has to offer in his other works.

His writing style and the authenticity he brings to his stories have truly piqued my interest and left me with a strong desire to delve deeper into his literary world.

While this was an entertaining and thought-provoking collection of stories, I've been scratching my head to try to figure out what in the name of holy hell the Boston Globe was thinking when it called it "downright funny" right there on the cover.

Fountain has done an impressive job of transporting us readers to various dark and ugly corners of the globe. Usually, these are presented in the context of war, genocide, greed, exploitation, and textbook examples of man's inhumanity to man. And despite the claims made on the cover, this is not nearly as amusing as one might expect.

The protagonists of these assorted stories of American expats in various incarnations of hell endure terrible fates. They are kidnapped by Marxist rebels, or fall in with diamond smugglers and drug dealers amidst a backdrop of carnage so vividly evoked that one can almost smell the rotting corpses. A woman must face losing her husband to the compelling influence of voodoo religion. A golf pro sells all his principles, throwing games for corrupt ego-maniacal generals who are more concerned with making a birdie on hole #3 than with the horrors of war they are inflicting on their people. A young pianist must contend with virulent anti-Semitism and public disgust over her physical aberrations, ending in a final psychological breakdown that is so viscerally evoked that I nearly puked. So really, it's far from a laugh riot.

I enjoyed this collection, but I didn't laugh, not even nervously. Genocide just isn't funny. War, revolution, injustice, and people having their limbs chopped off: these are not humorous to me.

I guess I have no sense of humor.

But remind me to tell you the one about the young mother who has her infant torn from her arms and dashed to the ground in front of her before having her own arms cut off by right-wing paramilitary units. It's supposed to be hilarious! But of course, it's not. It's a tragic and disturbing story that highlights the real horrors of the world.