To: MdMackey
Re: There Could Be Tigers
Overall:
Needless to say, this is a wonderful story. I read a bit about you
in your portfolio and noticed you consider your writing is "simple and
to the point." This is true. I admire your ability to tell this story
with just enough background and descriptions to paint your characters
and your surroundings sufficiently that we can see and will remember them.
Characters:
While there are three characters--Casey O'Hannon, Jason Cantor, and
the tiger--the story is rich and never feels as limited as your main
character's life is for a time . We want to know this man as
soon as you introduced your lady character to him. I have to admit, I
wondered how much his agoraphobia would limit the story's potential
to be interesting and memorable. I was glad to see your story move past the laundry room.
Dialogue:
This is a story that is built on conversations--not always easy to do. Except for visits to the doctors and Jason's encounter with the tiger, your story's
success depends entirely on your communications. Almost immediately, we
begin thinking about Jason's potential to move beyond his apartment.
I accompanied you on your walks and watched while Jason becomes
absorbed in his conversations with you sufficiently that he enjoys the
walks and slips past his imagined boundaries in ways that are no longer
painful.
The Role of the Tiger
While the tiger is not exactly the most likely way we'd expect Jason
to grow beyond his limitations, I decided his arrival on the scene
is a wonderful metaphor that reminds us "the next time someone tells you that there could be tigers, you had better believe him."
Last but not Least:
Having read that you are "retired after 37 years in healthcare -- caring for individuals with multiple disabilities." It's clear you know about and understand what it is to have a disability like Jason's. Your knowledge
and compassion added considerably to the depth and richness of your
story.
In Closing:
It is not surprising that this story won a wonderful prize. I bet this won't be the only time this story is recognized !