As part of the build-up to the the release of Torquere Press’ 2011 Charity Sip Blitz, benefiting the It Gets Better Project, the authors involved in the blitz have agreed to write reviews for one another’s submissions. I’m reviewing “Of Russian Myth and Lore”, a new short story by CB Conwy included in the blitz. Enjoy!
“Of Russian Myth and Lore” by CB Conwy
6800 words. Published by Torquere Press.
“Of Russian Myth and Lore,” the latest short from CB Conwy, follows returning characters Tom and Mischa from Conwy’s praised novel A Russian Bear. Putting their exploration of the BDSM lifestyle on the shelf, the couple take a road trip to the Canadian countryside for a reunion with Mischa’s family — a reunion Mischa is none too pleased to attend.
Having not read the novel these characters originate in, I’m curious about aspects of their relationship, such as Mischa’s penchant for acting like a sulky school boy or Tom’s gentle presence of authority. I suppose it’s more motivation to pick up the novel and see them being better explored. They were nonetheless identifiable and likeable as main characters, and in particular scenes their affection for one another really shines through.
Throughout the story the reader is introduced to members of Mischa’s extended Russian family, and they leave a lasting impression. Uncle Vascha, in particular, exudes a charm that captured me and made me grin. There are little revelations about Mischa’s family history, their escape from Soviet Russia, and bits of the titular Russian folklore, but I was always left wanting to know more.
All together, “Of Russian Myth and Lore” is a sweet and pleasant little story with good humor and lots of warmth. Pick up your copy as part of Torquere Press’ 2011 Charity Sip Blitz, benefiting the It Gets Better Project, available September 17 from the Torquere Bookstore and Rainbow eBooks.
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CB Conwy: Doing relatively sane and responsible things during the day, I’m always looking forward to coming home to see what my characters have been up to. It’s only very rarely what I want them to do, but there you go. I have no problems whatsoever reading both Flaubert and smut (although not at the same time), and the only thing I like more than chocolate is a good comfort read.
To me, the best thing about writing is the rush; it’s almost a physical high when you’re writing and it’s going well. As for the worst part: Nobody ever told me that fictional characters do exactly as they please! All that talk about “the author’s intention”? This author is running around, desperately trying to figure out what my heroes want to do and then coaxing everybody into something vaguely resembling a consistent plot. Sigh.
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Be sure you check out CB Conwy’s blog to see his review of “Happy Hour” by Bella Leone!
