Fishing the Sloe-Black River: Stories Paperback – February 1, 2004

This is my first McCann read. I'd seen reviews of his work outside of Amazon and decided to give this a try while I awaited the arrival of "Thirteen Ways of Looking."Several of the stories are what I'd consider typically brooding Irish. I know that's a stereotype, but it seems that McCann fills it well in this small collection of stories. "Sisters," in particular, fits that bill.On the other hand, there are "Stolen Child" and "A Basket Full of Wallpaper" which really drew me in.There's one story, "Through the Field," that could have used a U.S. editor. McCann tries to write in Southern redneck slang that's just stilted and odd.Still looking forward to "Thirteen Ways of Looking."

Colum McCann is noted for the mosaic construction of his novels--the books assemble and reassemble before your delighted eyes. The short story form does not give him the spatial and temporal latitude to do this. The stories, however, are fine and sometimes deeply touching. The title story, in particular, is a small masterwork--it makes its point in a quiet, poetic way and breaks the heart.

I read Colum McCann's "Let the Great World Spin" and absolutely loved it. This collection of short stories was not as compelling as the novel that I read, and I generally love well written short stories. Some of them were better and some really lacked any interest for me and didn't draw me into them. I will definitely read more of his work though!

A wonderful collection by a certified master. It lacks SOME of the power of his novels, as many short stories do, but what power he sacrifices is made up for in perfect concision. Tight, well rounded stories, like poems, or fever dreams, with enormous emotional payoff. The first story, SISTERS, is a miracle.

This is his first short story collection. It is about loss, loneliness, and immigration as a whole. The Irish diaspora is portrayed from the perspective of the ones who left Ireland and the ones who stayed. The author uses personal stories to deepen the topic what makes it absolutely fantastic! Everything in This Country Must: A Novella and Two Stories

I am already fan of Colum McCann. This collection is brilliant. It belongs forever on my shelves.

The author's style is impeccable. Great stories varied viewpoints and subject matter.

A collection of well written, thoughtful stories with a bit of en edge.

speedy prompt delivery no problems

Very good

Stunning. Oh for a writer like this. The world is not complete with Colum McCann

Absolutely fine

as an amator of short stories I was pleased with both the originality and the writing. very enjoyable.