It’s fairly normal for people of all ages to carry stories with them throughout their lives. Wisconsin author Patrick Somerville created a collection of stories that he assembled into his first book of fiction, “Trouble,” released Sept. 12, which explores important moments throughout young men’s lives.Somerville introduces his collection with story layers, choosing not to focus on one event, but rather, allow one story to directly flow into another. The tone throughout the paperback is somewhat downhearted, which leaves the reader wondering if the author has experienced quite a bit of misfortune. However, the author does a great job of allowing the reader to feel emotionally connected to the characters.
Some readers aren’t particularly fond of writers who introduce a topic and immediately veer off in a different direction. It was refreshing to read a scenario and then have the paragraph end, only to have the new paragraph give more background. The balance of having to write from the viewpoints of several characters can become challenging as a reader may become bored with trying to follow the varying dialogue. When executed properly, however, the reader can become more involved and learn more background, which aids a scene; the reader can feel more connected to the story.
Somerville shares the experiences of young boys through adult-age in a manner that leaves the reader wanting explanation. In the first chapter, “Puberty,” Brandon seeks information on why he is changing from a child to a young adult. As he shares his attempts to fit in at school and stealing glances at a woman who lives down the street, a new layer is introduced: his parents. Brandon’s parents are extremely curious about the absurd behavior of their son. What could be bizarre ends in a discovery that their child has mistakenly been taking hormones that aren’t necessarily a treatment for strength, but, rather, menopause pills.
Throughout the story, Somerville drops connections to Wisconsin such as a dream of a young child wanting to play professional baseball for the Brewers, visiting a farm in Black Earth or images of Rollie Fingers. The voice is playful, serious at times, but sarcastic. In the sixth chapter, “English Cousin,” Terry must entertain a new-found relative, Bill, who comes to visit from across the pond, but instead talks him into climbing down his girlfriend’s chimney when he has discovered she is cheating on him. Somerville is able to transition from aggravation to pure excitement from another person’s pain. The writing keeps the reader interested because it is never clear who is going to speak next.
“Trouble” has no difficulty explaining several stages in the male life. Whether it is learning a deadly martial arts technique, living a life that is unsatisfying, growing up too fast or moving on from humiliating events, this book covers all areas. What Somerville does best is describe incidents in a way that feels as though he is talking to the reader in person.
Despite some slow moments in some of the shorter stories, “Trouble” is able to allow readers a behind-the-scenes look at what many young men experience. Although it may be challenging to determine where the author is attempting to go with a thought process, eventually the story unfolds, leaving the reader more educated and humored. People of all ages can relate to Somerville’s stories and perhaps walk away with a smile.
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