"It all bodes ill. Either the barbarians are at the gates or we ourselves are the barbarians."
The bulk of Joseph O'Neill's stories in "Good Trouble" deal with the fallout of middle-aged ennui and horizon-less marriages. Despite some overwrought takes, the author weaves in some subtle humor and man-of-the-world insights that resonate.
"But his personal qualities are beside the point. The point is that Jack Bail is uncalled-for."
This collection of short stories featured some abrupt endings, some overly complicated prose, and some exceedingly short tales -- one ran to a page and a half and was dedicated to David Foster Wallace.
"The World of Cheese" and "Goose" are the standouts here, both giving O'Neill space to observe the balance between quiet desperation and the hope of something more and better. The collection ends on a high note, with "The Sinking of the Houston" serving as a potent commentary on hidden lives, enigmatic neighbors -- and anger management.
O'Neill has ultimately created a quick read that manages to be both pleasant and unmemorable. I personally don't ask much more from a tome found in a discount book store at the beach.
" ... Poetry is a sword of lightning that consumes its scabbard."
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