The Language of Elk
Benjamin Percy
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Buy *The Language of Elk* by Benjamin Percy online

The Language of Elk
Benjamin Percy
Carnegie-Mellon University Press
Paperback
184 pages
February 2006
rated 4 1/2 of 5 possible stars

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Carnegie Mellon University Press, a publisher known for its short story collections, has just released a phenomenal book written by Benjamin Percy entitled The Language of Elk. Benjamin Percy, a university graduate, has had numerous short stories published in the US and currently works as an assistant professor at a university in Milwaukee. One of the best aspects about the construction of this book is that the flaps on the cover can act as bookmarks.

The 184-pages comprise eight astounding tales that range from six to thirty pages in length."Unearthed" reveals a demented man who robs ancient graves. "The Iron Moth" is a small-town tale of young men finding themselves. The titular "The Language of Elk" shows readers a touching scene between an autistic child and a majestic but doomed elk. "The Colony," about communal living, has some homosexual undertones. "Bigfooting" is… well, about tracking Bigfoot, in a way. "Winter’s Trappings" brings escape from domestic violence. A twisted romance is found in "The Bearded Lady Says Goodnight." Equally twisted is "Swans," a tale that will leave many readers shocked.

The author creates a wild mix of characters perfect for the scenes in the Cascade Mountains, small Northern towns, high desert Oregon ranches or dark, musty pubs. Nature is a predominate theme; its raw and untamed emotions, ugliness and beauty can be found on every page of every story. The book vibrates with energy, its characters seething with jealousy, regret, possessiveness, sex, violence, death, love, obsession and hope.

Author Percy, a university graduate, has had numerous short stories published in the U.S. and currently works as an assistant professor at a university in Milwaukee. One of the best aspects about the construction of this volume is that the flaps on the cover can act as bookmarks. Sometimes appalling or just plain out of the norm, Percy’s stories don’t really have a conclusion. Readers will, however, be pondering the characters for some time after they turn the last page.



Originally published on Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Lillian Brummet (www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit), 2006

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