These stories, as the title suggests, are concerned with the borders between civilized man and the wild... the wilderness. These are not really plot driven stories. (even, "myths of bears" which is a chase story, seems to have a foregone conclusion due to heavy foreshadowing). They are instead concerned with the unraveling of the human mind, the unforgiving but beautiful face of nature, the primal force of desire. One is compelled to read on, fascinated. The language is sparse, but poetic. It really does the job. "The myths of bears" is defintely the selling point here... one of the best short stories of the last 20 years. The rest is certainly interesting, especially "Where the sea used to be" which seems sort of like a sketchbook leading up to his masterful full legnth novel of the same title. These are stories that you'll find yourself reading over and over. Really amazing stuff. There are some images I just can't get out my head.


The Myths of Bears will be a classic!   March 21, 2000
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Although the title story is more descriptive than plot oriented, this book is worth buying just for "The Myths of Bears". The brutal violence and the animalistic-like characteristics of the two main characters makes for one of the most original reads you are likely to find. The story is INTENSE! The second novella, "Where The Sea Used To Be", adds a great balance to this book, providing the reader the chance to cool down their nerves after "The Myths of Bears" with a greatly relaxing story about an oil seeker. A great book!