David Bassano’s Altiplano and Other Short Stories is a captivating collection that takes readers on a journey through diverse landscapes, both literal and emotional. From the rugged beauty of the Andean highlands to the quiet intricacies of everyday life, each story is a testament to Bassano’s ability to transport readers into vividly imagined worlds. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human condition, Bassano crafts stories that resonate with authenticity and profound insight. Each character and setting is brought to life with careful precision, making this collection a rich exploration of love, loss, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships.
Bassano includes a collection of short stories and flash fiction, offering a diverse range of narratives that captivate readers from start to finish. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted, delivering moments of humor, emotion, and intrigue, making it an engaging and thoroughly entertaining read.
Many of the stories explore themes of sacrifice for the greater good. In one tale, a prisoner is faced with a dilemma: betray others to secure his freedom or remain imprisoned. He chooses to stay, prioritizing their safety over his own. Another story, a piece of flash fiction, follows a man whose life has been shattered by his former employer. After losing his job, his family is left in ruin. Desperate and broken, he plans a fatal "accident" on the very bridge project that cost him his career. His hope is that his death will enable his wife to sue the company responsible for cutting corners and violating safety codes, ultimately securing a better future for his family.
In another piece of Flash Fiction, Bassano tells the story of a musician who left his band and underwent a profound transformation. His former friend reflects on how dramatically he has changed, to the point where no trace of his old self remains. To his friend, it feels as though the person he once knew is gone, as if he has died. Many of Bassano’s stories carry a dark and introspective tone.
The titular story, "Altiplano," transports readers to the high plateaus of the Andes, where the stark beauty of the rugged landscape becomes both a setting and a metaphor for the themes of isolation and connection. The thin, crisp air and vast, desolate stretches of land mirror the emotional journeys of the characters, as they grapple with the distance between themselves and others, as well as their own inner struggles. Each of the stories in this collection dives deeply into the complexities of human relationships, examining how individuals navigate the intricate paths of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. Bassano’s characters are richly developed, brought to life with depth and nuance, each wrestling with their own unique set of challenges, longings, and moments of revelation. From intimate personal conflicts to broader existential themes, the collection offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
Throughout the collection, Bassano examines the quest for identity in various contexts, whether through cultural heritage, personal experiences, or social relationships. His characters often grapple with their sense of self, making their journeys relatable and poignant. Bassano’s descriptive prowess shines through in every story. He paints vivid pictures of the settings, making readers feel as if they are walking alongside the characters. This sense of place enhances the emotional weight of the narratives, drawing readers deeper into the stories. The emotional resonance of Bassano’s writing is one of its strongest attributes. Each story captures moments of joy, despair, hope, and regret, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeply personal level. Bassano’s ability to evoke empathy is evident, as readers find themselves invested in the fates of the characters. The collection highlights a range of perspectives, showcasing the intricacies of human experience across different cultures and situations. This diversity enriches the narratives and broadens the reader’s understanding of the universal themes of love and loss. Each story often culminates in a moment of reflection or revelation, encouraging readers to contemplate the intricacies of life and the lessons learned through adversity. Bassano’s narratives invite introspection, making them resonate long after the final page is turned.
Reviewed by: James B.
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