Four + stars!

This is a terrific collection of short stories. I truly wish there were more of them.

The stories are generally set in developing countries like Haiti, Myanmar, and Sierra Leone. The settings are contemporary, which makes them very timely in relation to what's happening in the world today.

I didn't come across any of the stories as being humorous. Instead, they are more likely to be tragic. However, each story is well-written, with multi-faceted characters. There are twists that caught me by surprise and some nudges that made me think and explore beyond my narrow focus.

Overall, this collection of short stories is a great read that offers a unique perspective on the lives and experiences of people in developing countries. It makes you think about the world around you and appreciate the diversity of human experiences.

Caveat: I didn't finish it, or even make it through the first story.

Since I've lived in Colombia and my wife is from there, there's something deeply arrogant and even offensive to me about this guy attempting to discuss the FARC (oh excuse me -- MURC) situation from a privileged intellectual's perspective without ever having stepped foot in the country. I stopped reading when Fountain's young, white "enlightened" proxy began scolding the Marxists for mismanaging their revolution. I've spent almost three years in Colombia and would never presume to lecture anyone on the topic except with the most modest of disclaimers.

And on top of this presumption, the dialogue is laughably stilted. It reminds me of stuff I used to do at age 25, before I had even attempted to write seriously, where your characters converse in ways that no normal people speak, just so they can discuss Important Things. Talk about contrived.

This is what passes for award-winning, 4-star short stories these days? Well then, please excuse me while I find my way back to the classics section.

It seems that the author's lack of first-hand experience in Colombia undermines his ability to accurately and sensitively address the complex issue of the FARC. The stilted dialogue further detracts from the overall quality of the stories. Instead of engaging with the modern "award-winning" works, the writer prefers to return to the classics, perhaps in search of more authentic and profound literary experiences.

@pointblaek

Fantastic!

This piece of writing is really beautifully composed. It delves into some very unique and captivating topics that draw the reader in and keep them engaged.

The author has a wonderful way with words, painting vivid pictures and creating a sense of atmosphere that is truly remarkable.

However, it must be said that the last story was a bit of a letdown. It didn't quite measure up to the high standards set by the rest of the work.

Nonetheless, everything else was great. The other stories were filled with interesting characters, engaging plots, and thought-provoking ideas.

Overall, this is a very good piece of writing that showcases the author's talent and creativity. With a bit more polish on the last story, it could be truly outstanding.

These stories are extremely intense and hyper-realistic accounts of the moral and fiscal disasters caused by inequality in third world countries worldwide.

I had a great affection for them and wholeheartedly supported their political stance. However, around the middle, I had to take a break and engage with something completely different. This was necessary to ensure that my mind remained intact before I could go back to the rest of the book.

Well, then. After essentially cleansing my palate, I returned to this wonderful collection and completed it quickly.

There are numerous ugly and nauseating truths presented in these stories. Without exception, if not exposed and bravely confronted as Fountain's frankness and candor demand, they will continue to fester and spread.

These stories serve as a powerful reminder of the harsh realities that exist in the world and the importance of addressing them.