Review and Giveaway: 'Down to a Sunless Sea' by Mathias B. Freese
Down to a Sunless SeaBy Mathias B. Freese
ISBN-10: 1587367335
ISBN-13: 978-1587367335
Trade paperback, 148 pages
Publication date: November 15, 2007
Wheatmark
Down to a Sunless Sea is a collection of fifteen short stories by author Mathias B. Freese. Freese's stories profile scores of disturbed individuals, delving into their most disconcerting anxieties and desires. Each fictional account depicts the thought patterns of the protagonist, offering the reader a sometimes harsh glimpse into the minds of unstable individuals.
"I'll Make It, I Think," is the story of a handicapped man with who has taken to naming his afflicted body parts. He struggles with their personifications and the hindrance they provide as if he were brawling with actual characters. It seems most of the stories were inspired by people close to Freese; this tale is a representation of his crippled cousin. The reader should review the foreward written by Jane E. Holt, as it reveals many of the author's prompts.
"Herbie" portrays an abused child with aspirations of operating his own shoe shine business. He supresses the notion of worthlessness his father instills in him in favor of independence and self-sufficiency. Distressingly, he cannot extinguish the fear that his tormentor has surrounded him with. Other stories include a body clinging to life, a refined mother with a penchant for art, and a bear that distracts the population from genuine danger.
Freese's characters are traumatized by abuse, stricken with disease, or coping with natural human instincts. Their psyches are dark and somber, but tend to be a reflection of the depths we all flee to at one time or another. Freese unflinchingly thrusts the reader into discomfort, forcing an observation of some of the most primal aspects of human motivation. His experience as a psychotherapist and clinical social worker is evident in the clarity with which he views the essence of the troubled soul.
Each tale reflects the time period and experience of the main character, some written with brooding flourish while others are written in simplistic, childish form. No matter the style, the story demands rumination. This is the type of literature that haunts the reader long after the book is put aside. Mathias B. Freese is a brilliant and talented author who inspires serious reflection.
Books by Mathias B. Freese:
"I'll Make It, I Think," is the story of a handicapped man with who has taken to naming his afflicted body parts. He struggles with their personifications and the hindrance they provide as if he were brawling with actual characters. It seems most of the stories were inspired by people close to Freese; this tale is a representation of his crippled cousin. The reader should review the foreward written by Jane E. Holt, as it reveals many of the author's prompts.
"Herbie" portrays an abused child with aspirations of operating his own shoe shine business. He supresses the notion of worthlessness his father instills in him in favor of independence and self-sufficiency. Distressingly, he cannot extinguish the fear that his tormentor has surrounded him with. Other stories include a body clinging to life, a refined mother with a penchant for art, and a bear that distracts the population from genuine danger.
Freese's characters are traumatized by abuse, stricken with disease, or coping with natural human instincts. Their psyches are dark and somber, but tend to be a reflection of the depths we all flee to at one time or another. Freese unflinchingly thrusts the reader into discomfort, forcing an observation of some of the most primal aspects of human motivation. His experience as a psychotherapist and clinical social worker is evident in the clarity with which he views the essence of the troubled soul.
Each tale reflects the time period and experience of the main character, some written with brooding flourish while others are written in simplistic, childish form. No matter the style, the story demands rumination. This is the type of literature that haunts the reader long after the book is put aside. Mathias B. Freese is a brilliant and talented author who inspires serious reflection.
Books by Mathias B. Freese:
The author has provided me an extra copy of this amazing book for giveaway. So if you'd like to read it for yourself, comment to this blog post by 11:59PM EST on Sunday, December 9, 2007. Please ensure you provide a valid method of contact if you do not have a Blogger profile with contact information. Blog about this giveaway with a link to Breeni Books and post a link to your own blog post with your comment for a second entry. One winner will be randomly chosen from the list of eligble entrants. Good luck!
And don't forget to enter to win more great prizes offered right here on Breeni Books:
Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia of the World's Best-Kept Secrets by John Farndon
The Misadventures of Ori Tang by Sandra E. Stern
Jump Start World 1st Grade CD-Rom
And don't forget to enter to win more great prizes offered right here on Breeni Books:
Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia of the World's Best-Kept Secrets by John Farndon
The Misadventures of Ori Tang by Sandra E. Stern
Jump Start World 1st Grade CD-Rom
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14 comments:
Count me in please :)
Me too! You know how I love dark.
I would love ot have a copy.
I blogged ya of course
http://contestaddict.blogspot.com
Oooh, that sounds really interesting! I love trying to look into the way other people's minds work. And short stories are all I have time for lately! Thanks for the chance to win something so nice!
sounds like a great book- i'd like to read it. please count me in!
Hello! Another fantastic giveaway! How do you do it? I am sure enjoying trying to win all of these wonderful books to read! Please enter me in this book giveaway. I think it sounds different than a lot of books. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Hello! Another fantastic giveaway! How do you do it? I am sure enjoying trying to win all of these wonderful books to read! Please enter me in this book giveaway. I think it sounds different than a lot of books. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Count me in Please!!
blogged ya:
http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2007/11/friday-edition-of-contests-galore_30.html
This sounds like a compilation that would tug at ones heart. Would be interesting...
Oh sounds like a wonderful book! count me in please!
This book sounds very interesting..and I love short stories as I can finish one and go do something else. I would love a copy.
Yup, it's a dark, deep book and I had to read some stories 2 - 3 times to understand what it's about. Thanks to the Foreward at the beginning of the book or I wouldn't know what some of the stories are about!
I like 'Alabaster' though. A touching story.
I liked reading the short stories.
I have linked it my review.
Here is my Review!
Hello, you just wrote on one of the books I am reading at the moment and what you wrote is so very true!
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