![]() ![]() As a copy editing note, the word "trawl" was used, perhaps in reference to a small shovel? This usage is unorthodox from the context I thought the word was meant to be "trowel". I would have rated this collection higher, if it had concentrated on its strengths, instead of being diluted. In this collection, one can easily see that Huang is a talented, gifted writer, but there is also too much drafty material to wade through. After reading Pineola Inn, I was reminded of the old editing truism spouted by poets - "if you have a good line take it out" (because it just overshadows the rest of the mediocre lines). Post something on his Google+ for godsake so he doesn’t feel like he’s cruising an empty men’s room. You should meet the mind of Philip Huang. Dark, funnyunexpected insights into many moods. ![]() These two strong stories were also grounded in social realism, and it was jarring to then read a story about a headless mother (or more accurately, try to read a story about a headless mother, and then just not bother). A PORNOGRAPHY OF GRIEF by Philip Huang published by Hong Kong-based Signal 8 Press is delightfully original. The best stories here, such as "Pineola Inn" and "American Widow", are undermined by other short, weak pieces which are more like sketches or undeveloped vignettes. ![]() ![]() Twelve strong stories is a better collection that a mixed bag of 18 pieces. I always think less is more, when it comes to collections. Maybe if I had read this volume after reading a couple of crappy books I would have liked it more. This book had the misfortune to be read following a brilliant novel and a stellar short fiction collection. ![]()
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