The Pumpkin-Eaters

Susan Patrick is a librarian at the Ryerson Poly-technical Institute.

This collection of intriguing short stories by Governor General’s
Award nominee Braun covers a wide range of situations and character
types; yet, essentially, most of the stories deal with family
relationships, and with characters who are solitary or isolated, are
unhappy with their lives, or conceal secrets. Braun displays a
preoccupation with aging and death. The forces of nature, particularly
the weather and the plant and animal life of the Prairies, also play a
significant role. Some stories’ humorous overtones thinly veil the
current of sadness and fear that runs through the collection.