The Crossing

Abstract

The short stories in this collection focus on small but revealing moments in the lives of the various characters. The stories take place in a short period in which choices present themselves. Finding themselves paralyzed in their own inertia, the characters see the problems facing them yet choose the path of least resistance.<p> As implied by the title, The Crossing, many boundaries, ideas, and expectations are crossed over but not resolved. The characters come to greater understandings of themselves and their situations, but have yet to act on them.<p> In all but one story, the point of view is in third person, which narrows the focus and heightens the intensity of emotion. The action is quiet, often focusing on gestures rather than explosions. The characters and conflicts are not extraordinary, and it is in this that the stories gain their verisimilitude. <p>