The Book of Duels

The contesting spirit of "one last chance at revenge" sets the stage for this riveting flash fiction collection composed of tripartite narratives of battles both historical and imagined. In Garriga's debut work, two opposing combatants voice their account of events leading up to the conclusive moment of their duel, followed by a third perspective of a witness. This unique form allows for an intimate study of individual motivations and their final decision for combat, told in a descriptive and lyrical language that transports readers across time and continent, seamlessly occupying minds of both the famous and unfamiliar. In "First-Called Quit: Pelham v. Vanderhosen," a plantation owner fights a foreman of another plantation for roughing up his slave. Enraged at the blatant disrespect, he vows, "no matter the rules, I'll not call quits or hear them neither until I am satisfied." Abel and Cain duke it out just East of Eden in "Slouching Toward the Land of Nod: Abel v. Cain" with God as their Eternal Witness. In "It's a Family Affair: Sellers v. Sellers," a family in Iowa pits their troubles against each other in couples counseling. While some stories are stronger than others, overall Garriga triumphs in his compelling portrayal of the tension between vengeful characters as justice is duly served. (Mar.)