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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Storekeeper by David Beshears is a short story adapted from a three-act play. It centers on the interactions between a storekeeper and his customers, revealing their personal stories against the backdrop of a small, rural general store. Various characters converge in the weathered store, making it a focal point for their interactions while emphasizing themes of connection and isolation. The storekeeper has an enigmatic quality, seemingly aware of details about the characters without them revealing anything. His behavior provokes curiosity about his role and the store's essence. As the narrative unfolds, new characters join, each contributing to the growing mystery. Their exchanges with the storekeeper enhance the intrigue.
The theme of time recurs throughout, with the storekeeper asserting it is perpetually eight o’clock in the morning. This idea challenges the characters’ perceptions of reality. The general store symbolizes life’s journey, where characters face their pasts and pursue fresh starts. Each character readies for a mysterious train journey that has substantial meaning. As a guide, the storekeeper alludes to the unpredictability of who will board the train and its destination. His insights and manner suggest a profound awareness of their destinies. As the train nears, the characters grapple with the reality of their imminent departure, and the emotional burden of leaving their current lives becomes evident. David Beshears employs a variety of literary devices to create atmosphere, deepen themes, and build the metafictional narrative: allegory, symbolism, foreshadowing, personification, irony, repetition, and dialogue as characterization. These devices create a thought-provoking story that blends speculative fiction with philosophical inquiry. The Storekeeper is a uniquely engaging novella that showcases Beshears’ incredible writing talent.
