Homer's Last Line: and other short stories

By Lex E Santi

Lex E Santí's debut short story collection, "Homer's Last Line," is a remarkable literary journey that showcases his extensive talent. Santí is the former editor-in-chief at Our Stories literary journal. With a background in creative writing, having studied under the guidance of acclaimed authors Richard Bausch and the late Alan Cheuse at George Mason University, Santí presents readers with a diverse and immersive collection of tales that delve deep into the human experience. The collection begins with the poignant story "Salvation," narrated in the first person, which follows a young man's quest to retrieve his deceased father's cherished cowboy boots from a Salvation Army store. The seemingly mundane task though, with a gruff narrator and his sidekick, yields renewal and grace. This emotional and personal narrative sets the stage for the following eclectic stories. In "Uncommon Valor," Santí takes readers into the world of a woman anxiously awaiting her husband's return from Iraq, following a late-night call informing her of his battalion's injuries. This story beautifully explores themes of love and endurance in the face of uncertainty. The title story, "Homer's Last Line," brings humor to the forefront as it offers a unique perspective on the last bloodline of the legendary epic poet, Homer. Set in modern-day Athens, this tale follows an orphan's search for his true love, weaving together a rich narrative with a touch of wit. On a different note, "On The Corner of Lafayette" is a suspenseful narrative set in the midst of the War on Terror in Washington, DC. This story introduces two strangers whose lives tragically intersect, highlighting Santí's skillful storytelling and ability to craft tension-filled scenes. Santí's collection features a total of 15 short stories that span across diverse settings around the world. While the themes of war, loss, and love serve as central threads, each story boasts a distinct and concrete voice, showcasing Santí's meticulous scene craftsmanship and evident passion for the written word. Santí's background as the former editor-in-chief of "Our Stories," a literary journal where he reviewed thousands of manuscripts, undoubtedly informs his storytelling prowess. This collection is a culmination of two decades of dedication and hard work, with stories ranging from the substantial to the succinct, including flash fiction pieces. Throughout, Santí's love for his craft shines brightly, making "Homer's Last Line" a remarkable debut collection that promises to captivate readers with its diverse narratives and literary finesse.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CVS3SH56
• ISBN13: 9798879595017
• Release Date: February 2024
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 301 Pages
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.7" x 5.5"