The Boatman and Other Stories

The emotion of grief and feeling of loss weigh heavily in a person’s heart. The coping involved in dealing with loss is unique to everybody. Loss is the running theme in “The Boatman and Other Stories”. “The Border Fox” brings the reader on a dangerous mission with the IRA, the lead character dodging bullets, yet not escaping the thoughts of his beloved. The titular “Boatman” shows us family suffering through recent losses while traversing the routine of the day to day existence. “The Ruins” revisits a prior relationship and how the passage of time may not dim the flames of passion, maturity and responsibility of commitment overwhelm desire. “Beginish” packs a gut punch of love and romantic adventure coupled with foreboding tragedy and crushing loss. “Love is Strange” highlights that love possesses unimaginable depth and feeling, even in the little things.

The Boatman and Other Stories tears at the heartstrings of the reader with each story. Billy O’ Callaghan doesn’t pull punches in evoking profound feelings as each tale reaches its conclusion. Sadness is prevalent throughout, yet doesn’t sully a strong effort of storytelling. The endings vary in each narrative, yet an appreciation for life and love shines through. An excellent body of work to be enjoyed.