Heather’s Bookshelf: Gray Man: A Story
Author: Marc Van Bulck
Released: 05/03/22
Genre: NA Fictional Novella
“The island was connected to the mainland by two short causeways, one on the north side of the island and one on the south. Liam usually took the north causeway because it was quicker, but if traffic was backed up, he would need to take the south connector instead. That meant driving across the marshes.”
“Gray Man: A Story” takes place in Pawleys Island, South Carolina as a hurricane is approaching the small island town.
The story introduces Liam, a young man faltering through live after the loss of his mother. He lives in a small apartment, follows a monotonous routine, and keeps to himself. He’s estranged from his family and lacks connection to others around him.
One of his only connections is a young woman named Aubrey. As the storm approaches, Aubrey becomes concerned about the safety of her mother who undergoes in-home dialysis.
Meanwhile, stories of a presence on the island, strange occurrences, and realistic dreams haunt each of them and Pawley’s Island. Will they heed the warnings and escape the approaching storm?
Trigger Warning: story of death
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The author actually approached me for a review as we were waiting on Hurricane Ian to make landfall. Our part of the state was spared, but many were not as lucky. Living in Florida, hurricanes are an unfortunate commonality and often the locals seem to downplay or blow off pending storms. But when a storm does come, the damage and the quiet it leaves is terrible and eerie. I felt the author captured this eeriness with the depictions and stories of the gray man perfectly. The depictions of the marshes also stuck with me and simultaneously reminded me of that terribly sad seen in the Neverending Story and the bog people in the National Museum of Ireland. Super creepy. It’s a short read and moves along quickly. But for such a short story, I did feel connected to the two main characters of Liam and Aubrey. However, I needed more hints at the past or connection between them. I think they were friends in high school or maybe dated at some point? Obviously Liam cares enough about Aubrey and her mother to go way out of his comfort zone to help them, but knowing more about their connection may have added more to their individual character development as well. Liam’s arc throughout the story was well done, but the ending still seemed a little abrupt.
I checked out this story on ebook and Audible. I really enjoyed the cadence and soothing tone of the narrator.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A character-driven local ghost story meets coming-of-age tale that ends a little too abruptly.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Marc Van Bulck
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or Audible
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