Short Story Press Presents Dad's Down Under by Chad Collins
Dad's Down Under chronicles the tumultuous— and often humorous— funeral of an emotionally abusive husband, told from the point of view of the man's eighteen year old son. Present are the distant relatives and immediate family, all of whom have different recollections of what kind of man he was. His immediate family views him as a monster, while his side of the family remembers him as a kind, loving, and generous man.
• A semi-autobiographical account written from the young mind of someone who has witnessed many of the events in the short story.
• The perspective of an eighteen year old provides fresh and keen insight into the issue of domestic violence and how it impacts children in such harrowing circumstances.
• The short story structure allows for a swift— albeit emotionally satisfying— journey through the funny and, at times dour, narrative.
• The funeral setting allows for readers to relate to similar experiences of their own.
• The narrative element of an uninvolved paternal figure is something many young readers will be able to relate to. Chad's journey may also provide a source of comfort for youth unaware of how their similar situations will play out.
Written by a prospective writer. The short story will be his first foray into the world of publishing.