Genre: Short Story Collection, Literary Fiction

I love when life leads me to a book that I appreciate and enjoy as much as I have Sidle Creek by Jolene McIlwain. I acquired the book to read in order to participate in a book discussion at a nearby library with Jolene McIlwain. I am always fascinated by an author event - primarily because I am interested in all things author and writing. That this one is local to me and features our region in her work increased my interest even more. Further, I have always been fascinated by the short story genre - having read and taught them for years. How happy I am to have been led to this title.

McIlwain eloquently captures the voice of our region - Western Pennsylvania Appalachia. We talked a great deal at the discussion about the importance of our region being represented honestly by someone who knows it. McIlwain does just that. She captures the spirit of its small town and communities. Her stories feature neighbors who pull together in a variety of circumstances to support each other. The love that she portrays is simply real - illustrated often through both loss and grief. She also reveals darkness - so well that she took my breath away more than once. Some of the stories are harrowing and horrifying. I guess I want to say, THAT can’t happen around HERE! But, of course, I know better. Part of McIlwain’s success is that she captures both extremes and everything in between. She also writes about the natural life that I take so for granted in a way that will have me paying better attention to the world around me. We also discussed the beauty of her writing. McIlwain talks freely of the hard work entailed in creating her work - including the input of other writers, and constant revision. She mentions choices - in terms of symbols and metaphor. She talks of inspiration from her life to paintings to a slip of paper in a writing class. Her dedication and work are clear in the finished product. Even the shortests of the stories are complex and layered. If I were not a retired English teacher, my AP students would be analyzing some of her work.

I love to hear authors talk about writing. I have always sought out articles and anything I could find when teaching to see if I could find authors’ reflections on their own works. So last night was a privilege. You should read Sidle River by Jolene McIlwain. You won’t be sorry.