For the first time ever, this collection of short stories by
Gary Troia brings together, in chronological order stories and
memoirs from Spanish Yarns and Beyond, English Yarns and Beyond and
A Bricklayer's Tales into one complete volume.
Few have brought this world to life with such despair, black
humour and indifference as Gary Troia. He paints a beautifully sad
portrait of a truly messed up person with potential, struggling to
keep his messed up mind from drowning in cheap wine and
self-loathing. Ray's spirit is trapped in a world of endless grey
mundanity.
"A Bricklayer's Tales" is the ultimate "I hate this job" story,
written as a collection of short stories and memoirs, each one
revealing a snapshot in the life of Ray. Troia captures the tedium
of working in a low paid, menial job and living hand to mouth. This
book of short stories is sad and questions the reader to ask
questions about their own life. This book achieves clarity without
trying.
Ray has three expensive hobbies: drinking, drugs, and running
away. Without the income that Bricklaying provides, he would not be
able to maintain his chosen lifestyle, so he compromises his
principles and continues with his trade.
A collection of short stories and memoirs that include:
The Cuckoo's Egg. Boyhood antics lead to tragedy.
My Grandfather's Shed. The making of an English key
No Comb on the Cock. Gypsies, champion fighting cocks, and
career choices.
What I Did In My Summer Holidays In 1000 Words. Could having an
idea ever be considered a criminal act?
My Best Mate's Head. Did a weekend of boozing save Ray from
certain death?
The Shetland Isles. A trip to sunny Benidorm, a chance meeting
with some Glaswegians, and a cold, miserable job in Lerwick.
Pointing a House in Islington. Too much alcohol and cocaine
don't mix well on building sites
Angel Dust. The peculiar story of a man whose new life in
America leads to conversations with Ancient Greek philosophers
Peyote. Hippies, LSD and an idyllic refuge
Return Ticket. Handcuffed and ready for deportation. A sad
departure from the States
When I Joined a Cult. Sober dating as Ray discovers
religion.
Bilbao. How very, very English
Teaching Other People. The grass is always greener-the escape
from bricklaying.
A Week in the Life of Ray Dennis. With the prospect of no money
for food or alcohol this Christmas, Ray has to find work
quickly.
Catania. A meeting with a Sicilian fox, some Neapolitans, and a
man with a camel haired coat.
Advert In The Art Shop Window. Will a new building job in Spain
be the start of a new life?
Gaudi. A flight to Barcelona for a kebab, and a look at the
"Sagrada Familia."
The Day My Soul Left Me. "To be or not to be? That is the
question"
How Not to Travel to The Alhambra." "Hung-over, the wrong fuel,
the car breaks down. Will they ever make it to Granada?
The Road To Ronda. A terrifying drive to Ronda, was it worth
it?
Poking A Carob Tree. A new home and new neighbours, just in time
for Christmas.
Spain Reborn.No more commuting to London. Lets celebrate
Home From Home." "A parallel world where the Spanish have taken
over Weymouth.
Three Common Carp.An epic battle with a whale and marlin it is
not.
Mrs. McClintock. An absurd farce in which a Glaswegian couple
retire to Spain
Steak, Egg and Intensive Care. A harmless dinner leads to
hospitalisation.
The Unchangeable Chameleon. Can a leopard change it's spots?
A Bricklayer's Tale. The story of a disillusioned, alcoholic
bricklayer
A collection short stories and memoirs of British dark
humour.
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