Nights in the Yungas

by Stephen Henighan

At a time when North American writers prefer to probe the depths of individual angst and uncertainty, Henighan has unabashedly chosen to tell stories that tackle sociopolitical issues. "They are refreshingly political, especially when they reflect the ideological contradictions of North American do-gooders in Nicaragua." Montreal Gazette.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0920633978
• ISBN13: 9780920633977
• Release Date: September 1992
• Publisher: Thistledown Press
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A delightful array of experience

If the writing is anything to go by, this book was written by an intense young man. Henighan exhibits a strong sense of justice and keen powers of observation. This collection of short stories focus on such diverse topics as revolution in Nicaragua, travelling in the Andes, and growing up in strife-ridden Columbia. The key story is North to South, in which an Ottawa woman examines her life along the coast of Ecuador. Henighan's prose is forceful, and he portrays a range of characters with skill. Adding his descriptive powers in depicting the landscape, and it's easy to feel you are with the tellers of each account. There is no detachment here, you are intimate with each of his protagonists as they impart their lives, fears, aspirations and travails. The only thing missing is achievements. There are no grand heroics nor meaningful obstacles overcome. Nearly all Henighan's stories end abruptly. You aren't left hanging, but a sense of unresolved crisis typifies his style. This technique prevents you from moving quickly to the next tale as you reflect on where the teller is and what steps might be taken next. Henighan's passionate writing may leave the unreflecting reader rather exhausted, but boredom is never a threat. These are real people challenged by circumstances appropriate to the new worlds they've entered. Each has made the conscious decision to intrude in alien environments. Henighan takes us through their responses to those novel conditions with captivating skill.There are those who argue that it is false to write in the voice of another gender or another culture. Henighan refutes this contention admirably, here. If you doubt a WASP male cannot represent the thoughts and feelings of a woman or a Latin American, this book should refute that fallacy. He is at ease with many cultures and personalities and none of his depictions rings falsely. The book is something to be taken up with anticipation that while there may not be relief and relaxation, there will be much fulfillment. There are no illusions or fantasy here, but a rich treasure of thoughtful experience.

Excellent insight into Latin America and revolution.

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories. They are tightly written, and effectively evoke the emotions of North Americans experiencing Latin America. I found the stories relating to revolution in Latin America to be poignant and exciting. I recommend this work to anyone interested in feeling "part" of a different world.