If I Were to Write a Blurb

Fausto's Afternoon, a collection of short stories by Jarda Cervenka is unlike anything else I've read this year. Where Thoreau went to the woods to live deliberately, Cervenka goes to the world. He unveils characters and situations that few Americans will ever experience -- especially since so many of us are caught up in trying to get "a grip on things" . . . meaning things that can be bought. Returning from Africa to American suburbs, many of his characters experience what Cervenka calls mal d'afrique -- a longing so strong to go back to Africa that it feels almost like a sickness. Closing Cervenka's book, I can only call what I'm feeling a slight case of mal d'faustoique.

This is one to buy and, as I've said before, it supports a small press.