This Side of Water: Stories

This Side of Water by Maureen Pilkington is a gorgeous collection of short stories that deftly weaves human emotions through the lens of personal relationships and the touching moments that shape the lives of the characters. The collection is an exploration of longing, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of memory, deftly interweaved with vivid imagery and sharp dialogue. What does it feel like for a young girl to watch her parents’ infidelity at a beach club? Can a married woman resurrect her father? In the “Float,” the author examines childhood innocence juxtaposed with adulthood's harsh realities.

In “Blue Tip Shore Club, New Year’s Eve 1969,” Pilkington captures the nostalgia and melancholy associated with aging. The story follows Dan and Marie Cowley, a couple reflecting on their past during a celebratory New Year’s Eve. The sharp contrasts between their vibrant memories and the reality of their aging bodies create a resonant narrative that arrests readers' attention. “Turquoise Water Behind Him” follows Margo, who visits her ailing fiancé, Paul. The interactions highlight the fragility of human life and relationships, particularly the sense of duty and the unquenchable longing that permeates Margo’s existence. Essentially, the story gives voice to the internal struggles of caring for a loved one while struggling with one's desires and aspirations. “In the Beach Chair” offers a different perspective through the eyes of a daughter dealing with familial tension at her aunt's funeral. The story skillfully captures the sharp edges of grief, family dynamics, and the raw emotion associated with loss.  “Dreaming Over the Monongahela River” tells the tale of Lawrence, who dreams of escape as he works in the mines and struggles with marital obligations. The story's exploration of hope and aspiration is moving. 

Maureen Pilkington is a skilled storyteller who infuses each tale with rich sensory detail, evoking images like the sun-kissed summer atmosphere while simultaneously highlighting the dark undertones of the characters’ lives. In This Side of Water, Pilkington's prose sings with lyrical beauty, making each story a vivid and unique experience. The collection balances well-crafted narratives with emotional depth, successfully evoking a spectrum of feelings in the reader. As Pilkington unfolds layers of her characters’ lives, we are left to ponder our relationships with time, memory, and the people we love. It is simply gorgeous and contains a beautiful story that will resonate with readers of diverse tastes.