Town and Country

Town and Country: Voices from the Mid-Ohio Valley by Carl Parsons is a book of stories that delve into the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of small-town and rural existence. Through two distinct sections—“Stories from the Town” and “Stories from the Country”— Parsons weaves together a collection of characters and experiences that reflect the essence of life in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
In the first section, “Stories from the Town,” Parsons captures the essence of small-town life. The opening story, “Regrets,” introduces a protagonist who returns to his hometown after many years, driven by an undefined yet pressing need to confront his past. This story delves into his reflections on missed opportunities and accumulated regrets, set against the backdrop of a town that has both changed and remained the same.
Other stories in this section, such as “Judith and Phillip” and “Hot Date,” explore the intricacies of relationships, both romantic and platonic, within the confines of a close-knit community. The characters are vividly drawn, their struggles and triumphs rendered with childlike empathy and insight. In “Day Star” and “Jocelyne’s Romance,” Parsons delves into themes of love and loss, capturing the fleeting nature of happiness and the enduring impact of past choices. The final story in this section, “Wind and Rain,” is an exploration of the passage of time, as characters confront the inevitability of change in a town that seems both timeless and ever evolving.
The second part of the collection, “Stories from the Country,” shifts the focus to the rural landscape, where isolation and simplicity shape the lives of the inhabitants. “The Hermits of Locust Hill” is a standout story, offering a glimpse into the lives of reclusive individuals who have chosen solitude over society. Parsons’ portrayal of these characters is both sympathetic and unflinching, revealing the complexities of their inner worlds and the reasons behind their withdrawal from the world.
One of the more intriguing stories within Parsons' collection is "The Postmistress," set against the rugged backdrop of Zion Ridge, West Virginia. Here, the Ohio River’s descent is halted by steep cliffs, forcing it to veer west before continuing its southern journey. This wild, untamed landscape contrasts sharply with the tight-knit, rural community atop the cliffs, where scandal brews around Livia Perkins, the fiery postmistress, and her long-time lover, Harvey Satterfield. Despite the dense forest and cliffs that isolate Zion Ridge, Livia’s parlor-turned-post office becomes the heart of the community, a place where mail is sorted and secrets are exchanged. Parsons captures the tension between Livia’s defiant independence and the moral judgments of the townsfolk, weaving a narrative that explores the complex dynamics of love, reputation, and the human need for connection in even the most remote corners of Appalachia.
Parson’s anthology is compelling, capturing the essence of his characters' lives with lyrical yet grounded prose. His writing comes straight from the heart. Each story is imbued with a sense of place and stands on its own, without transitions between them, yet they are bound together by common themes of love, regret, and the passage of time. These stories possess the power to transport readers back in time, evoking memories and emotions that are deeply personal.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
Town and Country is an enthralling collection of short stories by Carl Parsons. These tales are set in the Mid-Ohio Valley in America and feature a colorful array of characters. An old man returns to his hometown where he grew up, hoping to reconnect with old friends, only to realize everything has changed. Two childhood sweethearts struggle to accept the oncoming possibility of their separation forever. A caretaker in a nursing home witnesses the inevitable fate of a patient. A librarian with an introverted husband unwittingly draws the attention of other men through her beauty and charm. While trying to find a spot to fish, two brothers come across hermits who know their grandmother. The postmistress of a rural town draws the ire of the local church-going women due to her unmarried status.

Town and Country is a riveting collection of slice-of-life stories that shed light on the different facets of the human experience. Carl Parsons brings the ambiance of rural/small-town America onto the pages of this captivating anthology. The characters display various aspects of human behavior in different situations. These characters are grounded and have a salt-of-the-earth aura about them that makes them so compelling to the reader. Each character is distinct and has a lively personality of their own. The author really captures the way people in rural America speak with the dialogue, and it is delicious to savor. On the whole, this book is tailor-made for short fiction lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology, and I heartily recommend it to readers who enjoy short slice-of-life stories.

Town and Country: Voices from the Mid-Ohio Valley by Carl Parsons is a collection of short stories divided into two parts, each offering a glimpse into the lives of small-town and rural characters. The book delves into the experiences, regrets, and sometimes peculiar situations that define life in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Parsons brings to life a world filled with nostalgia, longing, and an ever-present connection to place, capturing the essence of this region through a cast of vividly drawn characters.
Right away, Parsons’ knack for setting the scene stands out. The details pull you in. The first story, “Regrets,” hits hard with a wave of melancholy. The main character returns to his hometown, and the changes he sees stir up deep emotions. The descriptions and streets once familiar have now been altered by time—strike a chord. They spark a bittersweet sense of longing. His journey through old memories are heartbreaking and real. Small moments, like feeding his cats or driving past old spots, anchor the story in a way that feels personal and true. At times, the writing takes its time, allowing the reader to fully immerse in the scene. In “Hot Date,” the banter between the poker buddies is a perfect example. The dialogue is realistic, capturing the easy flow of conversation among friends. While the exchanges linger, they effectively portray the laid-back pace of small-town life. Parsons skillfully uses these moments to create a vivid sense of place, grounding the reader in the leisurely rhythm of everyday life. Themes of love, regret, loss, and time are timeless but Parsons gives them fresh life. “Judith and Phillip” is a standout. The story explores young love and its inevitable heartbreak. The innocence of their relationship shines through. Their separation feels gut-wrenching. Parsons doesn’t sugarcoat reality. Things fall apart, and the pain lingers. This story, like others in the collection, taps into emotions we all recognize. But it does so with a voice that feels distinctly Mid-Ohio Valley.
Town and Country is a reflective, thoughtful collection. It resonates with anyone who feels a deep connection to a place, whether with love or a sense of being stuck. This book is for those who enjoy literary fiction. It’s for readers who appreciate character-driven stories and settings that come alive. If you’re drawn to tales of small-town America, full of complexity and heart, Carl Parsons’ work is well worth exploring.
Rating: 4