Fish-Eye Lens, published by Belle Isle Books in 2012, is a novel about of how a few boozy, gossipy women on the remote island of East Taino managed to discourage the efforts of a sleazy, culture-deaf developer to turn their paradise into yet another Paradise Lost.
The story unfolds as the trio talk to a camera wielded by a member of an ecological documentary team ... and as they manage to also insinuate themselves into their interviewer's life and problems. There are twists and secrets and the realization that there's more to the life of an island than cocktails and beach chairs.
Fish-Eye Lens is available from Belle Isle Books, www.belleislebooks.com; www.amazon.com; www.barnesandnoble.com; and www.smashwords.com/books/view/114554 (ebook options)
The story unfolds as the trio talk to a camera wielded by a member of an ecological documentary team ... and as they manage to also insinuate themselves into their interviewer's life and problems. There are twists and secrets and the realization that there's more to the life of an island than cocktails and beach chairs.
Fish-Eye Lens is available from Belle Isle Books, www.belleislebooks.com; www.amazon.com; www.barnesandnoble.com; and www.smashwords.com/books/view/114554 (ebook options)
In addition to Fish-Eye Lens, North Caicos Island has inspired a number of short stories that attempt to capture the essence of real island living. Some have been published; others await their time in the sun. I welcome feedback on both, so if you'd like to read one or more, send me an email (jrathgeb@earthlink.net) and I'll send you copies (all are copyrighted). Short-short stories, also known as flash fiction, are marked with (F).
Published stories
"The Mermaid of Pelican Point" published in The Battered Suitcase, Vagabondage Press, winter 2010, www.vagabondagepress.com A young girl saves her island from a new landowner who wants to modernize it.
"Chickens" published both online and in print by The Ink-Filled Page, 2010, www.inkfilledpage.com Recently widowed, a Richmond banker remembers an island funeral.
"Bush Medicine" and "John Glenn Orbits the Earth" published by Tongues of the Ocean, winter 2010 and 2011, www.tonguesoftheocean.org Shark and Vera have been married a long time, but the bushman has always been her soul mate; estranged brothers reunite and recall the incident that changed their lives.
"Slave Hands," listed in the Top 10 of the Women on Writing spring 2011 contest, www.WOW-womenonwriting.com A young boy is teased about his large hands. (F)
"Sisal Leaves" published by The Caribbean Writer, September 2012, www.thecaribbeanwriter.org Franklin's children break his heart in different ways.
"The Proper Way to Make Conch Fritters" published by Persimmon Tree, 2013,
www.persimmontree.org The rivalry of old schoolmates resurfaces when they share a kitchen.
"Delia Gone" published by Quail Bell Magazine, December 2013,
http://www.quailbellmagazine.com/2/post/2013/12/short-story-delia-gone.html An island folk song reaches into the life of a young woman new to the island.
"My Jumby" published by The Caribbean Writer, 2014. www.thecaribbeanwriter.org. An American is haunted by an island spirit.
"Signals" published by Quail Bell Magazine, January 2015, www.quailbellmagazine.com. A grocery store cashier sees an escape from her humdrum life. (F)
"Underwater Piano" published by The Caribbean Writer, 2015. www.thecaribbeanwriter.org. Jamey's dreams are drowned when he returns to his home island.
"Thieves" published by Poui, literary journal of the University of the West Indies, 2015. A newly-minted police woman sees the other side of her case.
"Flamingo" published by The Caribbean Writer, 2016. www.thecaribbeanwriter.org. Devon dreams of a life beyond his dying island. (F)
"Uncle Jeep" published by The Caribbean Writer, 2018. www.thecaribbeanwriter.org. The spirit of a young writer's uncle leads her to an unusual collection of stories.
Unpublished stories; feedback welcomed!
"Daddy's Girl" Antagonistic sisters face a new rival.
"Fishermen's Bar" A boatman for a resort makes his complaints. (F)
"Remembrance" The girlfriend of a pilot must cope with the island's snubbing when she is the only survivor of an airplane crash.
"Look Away" A recluse and a mentally ill woman bond and learn about living invisibly.
"Shoe Tide" Beach detritus brings change to an island. (F)
"All About the Dog" Love for a dog rejuvenates a troubled marriage.
"Block Game" Love and friendship are the winners in a game of dominoes and religious differences.
"Opening the Door" A government secretary reveals a secret about the old man who opens the door for customers.
"Listing" A realtor chooses between making a sale and protecting an island treasure. (F)
"Best Wishes" An old man makes some last requests from his family.
Novella
"A Dose of Spirits" The spirits of slaves in Richmond and on Middle Caicos catch Rebecca between her present as a promising pharmacy student and her past in the islands.