Subscribe in a reader

Ghoti: It Just Died
by Mike Boyle

Ghoti: Issue No. 15

Mike Boyle’s “It Just Died” is a spunky, down-to-earth tale loaded with gritty, blue-collar gusto–but in the end it’s not sure where it belongs.

Two lovers, Jack and Samantha, make their way to a beach for a relaxing getaway. When their car breaks down, they encounter an old couple, Paul and Martha, who extend them hospitality and a lift to the train station. Jack holds Samantha as she falls asleep on the train.

The beauty of the story is in the author’s ability to create textured, authentic characters. As Jack and Samantha seek refuge after their car dies, they engage in a delightful encounter with a near-retiree and his wife. The author captures the essence of Paul, the old, seasoned blue-collar worker, perfectly: “Had two boys. One just graduated from college and one finishing his last year at Penn. Both of them will have better lives than I’ve had’ … Paul drove for a bit more, then looked over at them. ‘You two. You should see yourselves from these eyes.’” In his wisdom, Paul believes Jack and Samantha belong together, but do they believe it for themselves?

Start writing reviews on ORS now!

The relationship between the characters of Jack and Sam is delightful, but incomplete. There’s a sense of hesitant devotion between the two—they clearly care for one another, but they’re unable to connect. Two people who, for whatever reason, are unwilling to devote themselves to the other. Are they uncertain about aspects of their own character, or their partner? Do they truly belong together, or is the relationship fated to fail?

In the end, it is inexplicably revealed that Jack has a drug problem. This unexpected twist definitely makes Jack a more interesting character, but what does it have to do with the story? Does this development change the relationship between Jack and Sam. If so, how? Is the author trying to suggest that these characters are tragically flawed?

Jack and Samantha each appear to be tragically flawed, but troubled partners can sometimes develop a lasting bond of mutual dependence. There are hints of that present throughout the story–“‘I’m quitting, I swear.’” “‘I believe you,’ she said. She fell asleep like that and he looked over her mop of hair at the lights going by in the night, feeling her breath on his neck.” Whether that’s accurate or not is uncertain; the story leaves readers to speculate.

Not withstanding its deficiencies, the expertly-crafted characters are by themselves worth the price of admission. But in all, “It Just Died” is an entertaining tale that expertly captures the essence of working-class America, but the details necessary to make it wholly meaningful are absent.

Check the story out for yourself.

About the Reviewer
Robert Lewis graduated from California State University - Sacramento in May 2007, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Composition and composed sports features pieces for the college newspaper publication. He currently writes for Associated Content in his idle time.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts