By Thelma T. Reyna
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
Throughout her short stories, Thelma T. Reyna takes a slice of everyday life and turns it into wonderful prose. It appears that the purpose of her book is to demonstrate that although life may appear ordinary, it can touch us in a way that can stir indifference, sadness, wonder, embarrassment, simple misdirection, or even move us to question our internal moral compass.
Her stories are written in third person giving the reader an overall view of her characters so that we don’t miss a beat. It is difficult to read her stories and not compare our own idiosyncrasies with the characters she lays before us. This is a testament to her skill and craft of writing, which draws us into her stories; however, there is one small criticism. It is that a reader will be disappointed because they will be left wanting more.
This book, The Heavens Weep For us, is a fiction book, but almost appears to be non-fiction due to its depiction of real life. It puts the reader in the “now” and conjures up the many human emotions that resonate within all of us.
Who is the intended audience? It is every person that has experienced life and all that it brings. Thelma’s writing style is pure poetry and her use of words is intoxicating to the ear. Her structure is original and flows with ease. Her writing contains just the perfect amount of informality that makes these life situations so real.
The book is infectious because it we can all relate to the slice of life depictions such as a gesture wave to a neighbor, finding a jewelry box, or being at a hospital with a loved one in a coma. You may want to have some tissues handy as her skill of writing evokes emotions that are deep seated.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! It is one not to be missed.
Source: Book was provided by author for review and reviewed by Corina Martinez Chaudhry.
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