If I Were the Ocean, I'd Carry You Home

The debut story collection by Pete Hsus, "If I Were the Ocean, I'd Carry You Home," explores the themes of survival and the complexities of living in a violent world, featuring children and young people navigating a world filled with fear and unexpected longings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: Red Hen Press

If I Were the Ocean, I'd Carry You Home, Pete Hsu's debut story collection, is a captivating exploration of survival in a world filled with warmth, terror, and underhanded humor. The stories delve into the lives of children and young people navigating a world where violence and death lurk in everyday places such as Vegas casinos, birthday parties, church services, and sunny days at the beach. Each story serves as a profound meditation on living in a world that was not designed for us, encompassing the pervasive fear, the adaptations we make, and the unexpected longings that arise. Hsu's writing pulsates with the raw rhythms of an unsettled human heart, creating a gripping and energetic debut that will leave readers eagerly anticipating his future works.

In the debut collection of short stories titled "If I Were the Ocean, I'd Carry You Home," Pete Hsu takes readers on a poignant journey through the lives of children and young people navigating a world filled with warmth, terror, and underhanded humor. The stories are set in various locations, including Vegas casinos, birthday parties, church services, and sunny days at the beach, and they explore the complexities of living in a world that often feels foreign and unwelcoming.

Through his vivid and evocative writing, Hsu delves into the pervasive fear that pervades these characters' lives. The fear of violence, of death, and of the unknown is a constant presence, and it shapes their actions and decisions. The adaptations they make to survive in this world are both remarkable and heartbreaking, as they struggle to find a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

At the same time, the stories also showcase the unexpected longings that arise in the face of adversity. The characters yearn for connection, for love, and for a sense of belonging, even in the most unlikely of places. They long for a world that is not so harsh and unforgiving, and they find solace in each other and in the small moments of beauty that can be found even in the darkest of times.

One of the standout stories in the collection is titled "The Paper Men." In this story, a group of young boys navigate the streets of a bustling city, selling newspapers to earn a living. They are a tight-knit group, but they are also vulnerable to the dangers of their environment. They are constantly on the lookout for predators, and they must rely on each other to survive.

Through the eyes of the young boys, Hsu explores the themes of survival, camaraderie, and the power of hope. The boys are determined to make a better life for themselves, even in the face of overwhelming odds, and they find strength in their bond with each other. They believe that there is always a way to overcome adversity, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.

Another notable story is titled "The Sea of Tranquility." In this story, a young girl named Lily finds herself stranded on a remote island after a shipwreck. She is alone, and she must rely on her wits and her resourcefulness to survive. She must navigate the treacherous waters, find food and shelter, and keep herself safe from the dangers of the island.

Through Lily's journey, Hsu explores the themes of isolation, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. Lily must confront her fears and her doubts, and she must learn to adapt to her new environment. She must also find a way to connect with the other people on the island, even though they are from different backgrounds and have different beliefs.

The stories in "If I Were the Ocean, I'd Carry You Home" are full of warmth, terror, and underhanded humor. Hsu's writing is rich with imagery and emotion, and he has a talent for creating characters that are both flawed and relatable. The characters are complex and nuanced, and they are often forced to make difficult choices that have far-reaching consequences.

One of the strengths of the collection is its ability to blend humor with tragedy. Hsu is not afraid to explore the darker aspects of human nature, but he also knows how to inject moments of levity and humor into the stories. This balance helps to make the characters more human and relatable, and it allows the reader to connect with them on a deeper level.

In conclusion, "If I Were the Ocean, I'd Carry You Home" is a captivating debut collection of short stories by Pete Hsu. The stories are full of warmth, terror, and underhanded humor, and they explore the complexities of living in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving. Through his vivid and evocative writing, Hsu delves into the pervasive fear that pervades these characters' lives, the adaptations they make to survive, and the unexpected longings that arise in the face of adversity. The characters are complex and nuanced, and the stories are rich with imagery and emotion. This collection is a must-read for anyone who loves short stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 127 x 202 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636280530