Forms of Devotion: Stories and Pictures

Ronald Charles Epstein is a Toronto-based freelance writer and published poet.

Forms of Devotion, by the internationally acclaimed Kingston writer
Diane Schoemperlen, consists of 11 short pieces copiously illustrated
with wood engravings and other historical art forms.

Schoemperlen’s willingness to take risks is reflected in such pieces
as “Innocent Objects,” which chronicles the activities of a
middle-aged small-town resident and a burglar. The latter’s progress
is tracked in a series of bracketed and italicized statements. This
literary device straddles the line between welcome novelty and tiresome
gimmickry.

Sly humor energizes more conventional works. Perhaps would-be writers
can learn “How to Write a Serious Novel About Love,” but they should
not mistake this work for a Writer’s Digest how-to article.
Schoemperlen’s humor is silent but deadly. In “How Deep Is the
River?,” she states: “Some of the residents of City X think that it
is the center of the universe. They are no longer completely convinced
that the rest of the country still exists.” Many Canadians attack
Toronto’s alleged insularity; this criticism is effective, although
“City X” is not named.

Nostalgia is accurately skewered. Readers are advised to publicly yearn
for simpler times, while privately expressing gratitude for today’s
technological toys. The author notes that one such convenience, the
“electronic sound machine,” enables users to enjoy nature’s noises
while avoiding its privations and dangers.

Forms of Devotion can be very amusing and perceptive, but much of it is
clearly aimed at women. Therefore, the book is recommended only for
those men who are comfortable with female-oriented material.