Look Them in the Eyes

NEW BOOK RELEASE!

Look Them in the Eyes
Dennis Mantin. Friesen Press, 2023

There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.

Jim Thompson

Following the birth of his daughter, Jackie, middle-aged Zach MacIver is determined to stop what he terms “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” from plaguing his family. Over the course of two years, from the time Jackie is eight until she turns ten, Zach recounts his life experiences to her while attempting to navigate the obstacles created by her mother, Tina, who is experiencing her own version of intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction. The story begins during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world and its inhabitants face mounting daily trials and life-altering decisions. From there the narrative proceeds in a non-linear fashion as Zach recounts the roots of his own dysfunction and how his love for his daughter and his desire to be a good father forced him to face his difficulties head on. American author Jim Thompson once wrote, “There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.” This story is a great reminder of that.


Available now to purchase in eBook, paper, and hardcover from Amazon, Friesen Press, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.

ACCOLADES

Book I wish I could read again for the first time!
Dennis Mantin’s clean characterisation breathes life into the narrative, the realistic portrayal adds to the reader’s understanding of the book’s profound messages on life and people. What’s compelling about the novel is the the Protagonist’s journey, his perspective on “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” and how he’s determined to stop that from plaguing his family. The story is neatly told from Zach’s( the protagonist) perspective. It’s a non linear narrative with characters virtually jumping off the page. The characters, their presentation and Mantin’s unique writing style offer readers a fresh and deep perspective.
—Anuradha Basu, Amazon, November 21, 2023

Eons

The bad luck raised suspicions, on a path that was beat down.

No one dared to look within or see the wise men in the town.

It was happening for eons, as long as Grandad could recall.

Like a dark foreboding plank walk or a dream in which you fall.

Until the child spoke her words that, “Maybe somethings wrong with me?”

So we made a meeting with the Doc, down at the Family Psychiatry.

The doctor raised awareness and we all took a look.

Things are looking so good now, might take Grandma off the hook.

Now life is far from perfect however the family’s not so sad.

Looking in the mirror, not blaming blind luck, good or bad.

Dennis Mantin

Censorious

Have I gone too far? Maybe, not far enough. Am I too critical of the human condition? Should I remove all restrictions and say how I really feel?

Severely critical? Are you seriously considering such a definition in this age of sensitivity?

Questions deserve answers until they don’t.

Is it sometimes better to just keep things to yourself? Rarely.

Definitely.

Dennis Mantin

Contentment

I was breathing in contentment.

Spirits hovered in the mist.

Like a heavy fog just fades away.

In bright light, something missed.

Gall heaped high at breakfast.

I couldn’t take it anymore.

Contentment left with harmony.

I can hear dark thunders roar.

Dennis Mantin

Learning Goodbye

The opportunity to know certain people who are a pleasure to be with doesn’t happen often, and when it happens, it is beyond the beyonds. However, it does happen, and when it does…

We must learn to say goodbye.

Perhaps without all those tears and blubbering!

Just concentrate on what a pleasure it was and is to be in the presence of THIS!

Dennis Mantin

Sipping Tea

Sipping tea on a Saturday.

All day, morning, afternoon.

At midnight, I’m a senior.

This growing old has come so soon.

I thought I’d die much younger.

I was wrong, guess I am blessed.

Don’t know why time does fly.

I’m so guilty. There; I’ve confessed.

Dennis Mantin

Cheating

Everyone is cheating.

Except for you and me…

Options here? Slim and none.

Really, none that I can see.

The dreamers left the highlands.

Rumors are they’re coming back.

To the hope of honest smiles.

Where good story fades to black.

I was lost last night in forests.

Traveled far and deep with you.

There was peace and not much cheating.

Then I woke. That’s what I do.

Dennis Mantin

Sweats and Dreaming

I was weak with sweats and dreaming.

In a fever wretched with guilt.

No one spoke or shared a thought.

Not a whisper, and silence built.

I was swimming in a blue zone.

Dark hues spun and mixed with grays.

The smell of fear filled our lungs.

Not one thought of brighter days.

Here it is, soon Christmas Eve.

First year without a tree.

The world didn’t end, and I’m still here.

So many things are still to be.

Dennis Mantin

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus wrote, ‘When you arise in the morning think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-to breathe, to think, to enjoy and to love. ‘

Now there’s a meditation.

It might be important to note that Mr Aurelius was the last of what was considered to be in Rome…

The 5 Good Emporers. ‘ A period of about 200 years that ended in 180 A.D.

Marcus was also a Stoic Philosopher.

Dennis Mantin

Second Chance Quiet

All is quiet here at mid-day.

Had my fill of sleep and dreams.

The plot was holding true to form.

Not a thing is as it seems.

We all smile for masks and photos…

Except the ones who care no more.

They stand screaming in the shadows.

Outside the corner coffee store.

The poverty is crippling.

The addictions sing and dance.

Me, I’m with my baby.

Keeping quiet, Second Chance.

Dennis Mantin