By The Silver Water Of Lake Champlain (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
I can't say much about this short story without spoiling it that isn't already in the blurb. My overall reaction to the story is heavily influenced by the ending and I don't want to give that ending away. This is a "coming of age" type of story, with imaginative children who discover an actual plesiosaur washed up on the beach - and then can't get anyone to come help them move forward with their discovery, as the adults believe that this is just the kids playing make-believe again. This isn't the first story about the consequences of not listening to children because "they're just making it up and playing games," and it won't be the last, but it's a very enjoyable read. The ending, which focuses on both the short- and long-term consequences of the adults' indifference to the children's discovery, will stick with you for much longer than it takes to read the entire story. This ebook by Joe Hill, the talented son of Stephen King, is a beautiful story that succeeds on more than one level.It is a tale that encompasses not only elements of a classic eerie and scary story told around a campfire, but it is also a touching portrait of childhood, and of child's imagination.The ending is particularly effective because of it's ambiguity. What really happened?It's like reading a story that's a cross between The Turn of the Screw and To Kill A Mockingbird.
What do You think about By The Silver Water Of Lake Champlain (2014)?
Too short... I didn't connect with the characters at all and was not at all what I was expecting.
—ang
A few children find an ancient creature washed upon the foggy shores of Lake Champlain.
—derekh999
A very effective coming of age story with a dead pleisosaur.
—Smacha
A decent short. Good but not great. Felt a bit rushed.
—kassie
kind of hard to parse. not my favorite of his.
—zlisha
