Silent Voices Volume III

Peter A. Balaskas
Ex Machina Press (2007)
ISBN 9780977276349
Reviewed by Dr. Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (3/08)


As the reader first began reading “Silent Voices Volume III,” she has great difficulty understanding the concept of this literary journal. After putting it down several times and trying to get motivated to read the contemporary stories, I just decided not to have any expectations and go into reading with an objective point of view.

I certainly admire Ex Machina Press for their courage to jump into the literary field with this unique approach.  These short stories are not for those who want light-hearted reading or something that is an easy read. One really has to think about what each of these authors is presenting, and sometimes you might have to read it a couple of times.

The one short story from “Silent Voices Volume III” that I did enjoy reading, “War in Babylon,” by Marlon James speaks to current societal issues of how people can afford to buy guns but can’t put food on the table for their family.  It also addresses the larger issue of younger children having access to guns and don’t hesitate to use it if someone gives them the wrong look. In this story the author is really saying that we need to take a look at society as a whole and address the violence that is going on today.

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