Short-Term Losses

The title of this compelling first collection is misleading. Most of the losses and failures and sorrows described here are anything but short-term. Rather they are the sort of losses that change a life forever: a mother's suicide; a husband's infidelity; a child's death. Lindensmith's characters are weighed down by their losses, but the heart of these stories lies in the small, shaky steps taken toward hope, growth and recovery. By giving each of his main characters a vivid and unique voice, and by filling each tale with telling detail, Lindensmith has a quiet authenticity. Although most of the tales are set in small-town Missouri, the distinctive characters and their diverse engaging stories keep the collection from being repetitive. Teenage April's vision of an ancient Indian battle in ""On King Hill"" is gripping and unforgettable; as are the macabre and hilarious means by which renegade law professor John discourages prospective home-buyers in ""Failing to Close."" The collection does have flaws: occasionally a heavy-handed metaphor mars the overall subtlety, and, in ""Dead Coach,"" Lindensmith ladles out too much misery, descending into melodrama. But the majority of these 10 stories are memorable, adding up to a strong debut for this talented author. (Dec.)