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June CSR Feature: Anthologies by Mark Arbour


This month I thought we'd try something a little different. Instead of a single story, I picked two of Mark Arbour's shorter works (instead of his epic series, sorry to his fans!) from his anthologies. I hope you're in the mood for a trip into the past, something Mark does all too well, with his stories from the Carpe Diem and the I'd Never Do That anthologies. 

 

Furlough      War's End

   by Mark Arbour

Furlough

Length: 4,853

Description: Two wounded men meet in Paris during World War I. One is wounded on the outside, both are wounded on the inside. Will their accidental meeting help heal both of them?

A Reader Said: I found this beautiful story very touching. I think the war setting added a tension and immediacy to the encounter between the two men, causing me to feel compassion for them quite deeply. Thank you ~ DonR2D2

 

War's End

Length: 6,287

Description: World War I is coming to an end, but for two men, both former soldiers, peace means a return to their separate homes and their separate lives.

A Reader Said: 

Stop!  Read Mark's story Furlough  before reading this story which is more than an epilogue!

 

This is a fitting finish to Furlough and is a fast and scintillating read!  

 

As always with Mark's stories, there is a bit of sex, a lot of love and much thought.  ~ Daddydavek

 

Don't forget to come back on the Discussion Day, Monday June 25th, to share your thoughts!! 

 

  • Like 7
  • Love 1

7 Comments


Recommended Comments

northie

Posted (edited)

I'm a sucker for short stories, and for stories that look at people and WW1 in different ways. Unusually for me, I went off and read both stories straightaway. They are well worth it - well-crafted vignettes that immediately transport you to that time and place, and tell a poignant, emotional tale. In fact, I may well go back and read them again ...  :P

Edited by northie
  • Like 5
Timothy M.

Posted

I've read those stories several times. They always make my eyes blur with tears but warm my heart at the same time. I cannot recommend them enough. :heart:

  • Like 4
Headstall

Posted

I just read the two of them. Thanks for pointing me in this direction, Cia. And, yes, these two belong together... they create something beautiful in a time of ugliness. Kudos to Mark! 

  • Like 4
Northern Dutch Guy

Posted (edited)

They are very different from Mark's other stories. For they are short. 😉 .

Absolutely beautifull short stories. Gems in my POV. A must read... ahh yes again in my POV.

Written in a setting and time that is so different for gays nowadays. Both stories made my hearth cry for the main characters and I was touched by their compassion deeply.🤗

 

Mark thanks, ND

Edited by Northern Dutch Guy
  • Like 4
Daddydavek

Posted

These two stories are some of the best short stories on the site and definitely belong together.  Thanks for bringing them to the attention of some new readers!

  • Like 3
CassieQ

Posted

I'll have to check these out, though I think the Poetry anthology from 2011 will always be my favorite. ;)

  • Like 3
impunity

Posted

I read these a while ago. Both are beautiful. Will add to the re-read pile. :wub:

  • Like 3

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