The title story, "Old Route 7, " introduces the reader to the people who live along the road through five separate narratives. "Anna's Story" recounts her husband's aspirations and eventual ownership of a motor court for tourists. Once the new Route 7 and its shopping plaza are built, however, travelers bypass the town and his business begins to fail. Although he confronts the change with optimism, one day he loses all hope. Through the voices of Seige, Red, Dave, and Maria the reader comes to understand and, perhaps, ...
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The title story, "Old Route 7, " introduces the reader to the people who live along the road through five separate narratives. "Anna's Story" recounts her husband's aspirations and eventual ownership of a motor court for tourists. Once the new Route 7 and its shopping plaza are built, however, travelers bypass the town and his business begins to fail. Although he confronts the change with optimism, one day he loses all hope. Through the voices of Seige, Red, Dave, and Maria the reader comes to understand and, perhaps, sympathize with the stagnant town of self-described losers and the contented elderly farming couple who were there before any of the others. All of the stories in this collection take place in New England and are unified by a sense of individual and communal identity. A strong sense of belonging is also prevalent in the stories. Characters such as Houghton, the octogenarian in "Good Neighbors, " draw a distinct line between islanders with deep ancestral roots and newcomers like the narrator. "Houghton and his people have lived in that house for over a hundred years. They're island. And islanders don't like change." Other stories gracefully slip from the mundane into the fantastic. In "Aaron's Rod" a drunken dowser taps into an aquifer that is a little too close to a cemetery, and the town's past suddenly comes to life. Although many of the stories deal with dark issues such as alcoholism, illness, violence, and ultimately death, they are leavened by a wry comic touch and deft lyric prose.
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Add this copy of Here on Old Route 7 to cart. $15.50, very good condition, Sold by The Haunted Bookshop rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Iowa City, IA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by University of Missouri Press.
Add this copy of Here on Old Route 7 to cart. $17.39, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by University of Missouri Press.
Add this copy of Here on Old Route 7 to cart. $26.00, very good condition, Sold by Bungalow Books, ABAA rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Pueblo, CO, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by University of Missouri Press.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. 0826211291. Signed by Connor, "For Kay, with gratitude for your sharp eye, kind words, and hospitality--oh yes-and the ride. Joan Connor." Creasing to the covers. The author's first book, a short story collection set in New England.; 139 pages; Signed by Author.
Add this copy of Here on Old Route 7: Stories to cart. $47.43, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Univ of Missouri Pr.
