Throughout the years, I have been an avid consumer of books, both fiction and nonfiction, and have read a considerable number of short fiction anthologies. Theodore Jerome Cohen’s Flash Fiction Stories for the Religiously Inclined shows how fiction that deals with themes of faith and spirituality will never grow old, and it will always have a strong following. Cohen offers selected tales from his treasure chest of flash fiction as well as from his two short story anthologies. The title seems limiting, as it appears to appeal only to the religiously inclined. But Cohen (aka Alyssa Devine) has written tales that can draw the attention of anyone who has a penchant for good stories. Most of his work here is only 250 words or fewer. Essence captured in brevity is what you’ll get.

Cohen’s work in this volume may well be described as narrative therapy. With its religious/spiritual theme applied to a personal relationship with God, such personal identity stories enable you to reflect and make you feel that you have been in a similar situation—a sort of recollection that perpetuates your need for spiritual nourishment. Some of the stories are metaphysical, while others are downright empirical. Consider the story Unforgiven, which is about a young man’s promise to his late veteran father to represent him in reconnecting with his World War II buddies. As you read the conversations, deconstruct the situation, and explore the unique ending, it gives you that reassuring feeling and renews your faith in humanity, if not in God. I am not a religious person, but Flash Fiction Stories for the Religiously Inclined convinces me that faith, despite its mysterious ways, is a great thing to have. Whether you are religious or not, these tales will stir something in your heart and soul that will make you feel good.

If you like short stories and want to spend a few pleasant hours in the company of a witty and intelligent book, then Flash Fiction Stories for the Religiously Inclined by Theodore Jerome Cohen (and his pen name, Alyssa Devine) is the right read for you. With a very original style, Cohen (and Divine) have put together some exciting stories which now make you think, now make you smile. As the title suggests, this book presents 47 short stories inspired by as many images, with characters who, in various ways, have a religious inclination. This means that the reader will find situations related to sacred rites, such as weddings, funerals, and first communions, although the settings of the stories are extremely varied.

Flash Fiction Stories for the Religiously Inclined is not the first Cohen/Devine book I have read, and this, like the others, left a positive impression on me. What I liked the most is the spirit of each story, which is to say, of the entire book. While not all the stories have a happy ending (like The Death of Madam Ophelia) and others have a bitter flavor (I think especially of Unforgiven), Cohen/Devine writes brilliantly. You regret that some of the stories are very short, sometimes less than a page long. This, however, is precisely the reason why you appreciate Cohen's bon mots, especially if they are at the end of the story (as in Zipper). Overall, Flash Fiction Stories for the Religiously Inclined is a wonderful book that I am sure will thrill anyone who decides to read it.