Author: dennismantin
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
‘Remember’ Acrylic on Canvas – 60″x48″
‘Greetings’ Oil on Canvas 2005 – 36″×24″
Dennis Mantin
Snake View- Acrylic on Canvas 60″x48″ 2010
The Draping Moon
I watched her rise and fall over our sleepy little town. That dead rock in the sky, that shines over us all… Who knows the secrets here? Where? Where everyone pretends that nothing happens.
The warm salt waters of the Gulf Stream flow north from Mexico, along the eastern continental shelf, passed Cape Breton and beyond. Cold arctic air sweeps down over frozen tundra and bristles raised hairs on hunched backs, along Labrador and into the Northumberland Strait. Where these 2 meet is a spit of land that rises out of the Atlantic, just north of New York City, and is formerly known as New Scotland. It’s because of this; the north winds and the south currents that the conversations here are usually always about the weather…
To an outsider, it would appear as if nothing else goes on here but the weather. However, appearances are deceiving. Nothing is as it seems…
Reminds me of the old joke… A man from the city asks a fisherman, “What do you do around here for excitement.”
The fisherman smiles, ” In the summertime we fish and we fuck. In the winter, we don’t fish. “
Psychological
The pain is psychological, like the pleasure in my head.
The wars were pathological and replaced the living with the dead.
Said you wanted peace. But I think that you want more.
Cause peace is just a lease if you don’t make for war.
It is all in preparation. Like the proverbs wisdom tell.
It’s just a sad, sad situation. To not know heaven here from hell.
Shallow
I left her in her sadness. She was strong but such a pain.
Thought that I could love her, be shallow, and go insane.
I miss her for her beauty and the taste of just her kiss.
It gets me when I’m tired. When I’m rested I don’t miss.
Sad But True (2015)
There is a heart shaped carve in rosewood.
There’s a line drawn in the sand.
I pray there on grace and wonder,
and there’s a baby, she’s in my hand.
There’s a virtue called forgiveness.
From a force we can’t see.
It’s how I deal with darkness.
Of how I feel when you’re with me.
I struggle now to hear you.
Seek approval in your eyes.
I hate you for your beauty.
Like I love you for your lies.
It’s a sad sad situation
Department sad but true.
You fear that they are coming
And you fear what they will do.
It’s a sad sad situation
Under heading sad but true
You fear that they are coming
No one is coming for you.
Dennis Mantin
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