The writing exudes an elementary charm I don't normally find appealing. I am slightly repelled at first. We're introduced to a fairly non-descript married couple living in what I assume is a normal suburban neighborhood with a normal 11 or 12 year old daughter. Not roping me in. But things start to get interesting. We travel through time without the least hint of turbulence, and suddenly the simplicity - I should say straightforwardness - of language feels a boon and, actually, an accomplishment. A kidnapping. A late night phone call. Something about a dubious past with an old ex-girlfriend. I'm suddenly anticipating an explanation for the title of "Permanent Record."
Author Andrew O. Dugas is a skillful writer. I say this for several reasons:
FIRST He presents his information in a timely fashion. That means without overemphasis.
SECOND Throughout the story he provides us with just enough detail to sate our senses. Switching between backstory and the present moment is seamless because we are always touching the ground; there is always a detail that brings us into the moment.
THIRD He is not trying to say anything specific; he is legitimately telling a story. As it progresses he presents us with varying impressions that each breathe on their own: when the protagonist, Mark, thinks he sees the mysterious ex-flame, he tries to resume reading his magazine but cannot find the place (an ironic and clever way to ground us in the moment); the first time he sees this Bethany we are shown her happiness as she cracks her parents up by "making mock serious faces. Her father, tanned and amiable like a retired golfer, called Mark Tiger whenever he made a request. Can I get a refill over here, Tiger?; we are warned, but with appropriately little preparation, that we are in the midst of an interrogation: "the lieutenant slaps the table hard with both hands. The ashtray jumps and clatters, spilling cigarette butts across the gray metal. 'DO WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER?'" The auxiliary characters are just as real as Mark. One does not get the impression that Andrew has narrowed his vision to tell one man's story; instead, he presents us with an accurate depiction of circumstance and all it entails.
FOURTH There are no bells and whistles here, neon signs, radioactive devices. This is a writer who clocks in and grapples the craft to do it honor. The result is a story without distraction.
Not only will you find suspense, mystery, and resolution, but with that resolution a question. And the question will linger. Despite the fact that the story is all tied up in a neat little bundle it is sealed with the mark as though a package with ribbon. Unwrap it.
Can Mark really be guilty of the crime for which he's accused? Certainly, and to Andrew's credit, there is an unquestionable autonomy between the character of older and younger Mark. As the story develops he questions this character. But I don't think I ever did. We like the protagonist; if he is just the normal half of a "non-descript" couple that threatened to bore me in the beginning, what does it mean that he could have committed a grievous crime and lived as though it never happened? Why do we still like him?
In only 3,500 words, this story is quite the accomplishment. You can (and should) read its entirety here.
More from Andrew O. Dugas
Watch him read during Litquake's Barely Published Authors.
Watch him read at Beckett's Pub.
Follow his daily haikus!
Read from his novel, Sleepwalking in Paradise.
Go to his site for more (and the latest) information.
This review was brought to you by the same spirit that inspired Rob Brezsny's Pronoia is the Antidote to Paranoia: How the Whole World is Conspiring to Shower You With Blessings. You can learn more about Rob here and about this fascinating and fun and challenging book here.
Additional strength came from the wisdom of Living Life as a Thank You: The Transformative Power of Daily Gratitude, by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons.
More on these two books coming soon!
Wish my articles were organized by topic in a handy table with feature pictures? They are!
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