Book Review: "The Sadness of Beautiful Things: Stories" by Simon Van Booy

I've read a lot over the years, so I've had the immense pleasure of experiencing the work—and the words—of countless authors. Some I remember more for how their books made me feel, what they made me think, or how they got my pulse racing or my tear ducts primed, while some I remember for the sheer beauty of their writing.

When I first read Simon Van Booy's story collection Love Begins in Winter back in 2009, I couldn't help marveling over the utter beauty of his prose. I mean, I loved those stories, but I remember wanting to go through the book with a highlighter simply to recall every gorgeous sentence which captured me. I've read a number of his books since then, some I've liked more than others, but every single time his words linger in my head.

His latest collection, The Sadness of Beautiful Things, is no exception to that rule. These stories are apparently based on things he has heard and been told on his travels. On their surface, many of these stories seem to be somewhat simple, but the deeper you delve into them, you realize how complex they are, and how deftly they explore emotions and the human condition.

There are eight stories in this collection. I really liked six of them, but still recognized the emotional power of the other two. Among my favorites were: "The Saddest Case of True Love," in which a man recounts a story told to him by a woman he met one night while on a trip to Florence, about the strange relationship of her parents; "The Green Blanket," which told of a man who turns to a very unorthodox treatment for what ails him; "The Pigeon," about a young boxer who turns the tables on his mugger in an unusual way; and "The Doorman," about interesting and poignant connections expressed through jazz music.

These stories are beautiful and heartfelt, and I found myself wanting to savor them at the same time I was tearing through them. Van Booy's writing is on majestic display once again, and I am reminded that his artistry with words and images is truly amazing. Even when the stories didn't quite work for me, it was more the quirkiness of their plot than the way they are told.

Not everyone is a short story fan, but I also enjoyed two of his novels, The Illusion of Separateness and Father's Day, although the former may be considered more a collection of linked stories that form a novel. No matter what narrative form you choose, I hope you'll be as dazzled with Van Booy's talent as I have been.