Far-Away Stories

This book will have you shivering with sentiment and frowning in deep thought with every ending.

It's a collection of short stories by William J. Locke. They display unconventional romance and appreciation of arts, especially music. The endings are usually shocking.

One of the stories, Ladies in Lavender, was adapted into a 2004 movie starring Judie Dench and Maggie Smith.

It's about the intricate relationship two aged ladies develop with a young violinist who mysteriously washed up on their beach. Although they cherish him, the rest of the townsfolk become increasingly suspicious of his abrupt appearance.

Another story, The Song of Life, is about a musician's unwavering dream of enjoying the perfect piece, he spends decades trying to create it with no success, but things become unexpectedly complicated when he meets a young, talented composer.

"But why "Far-Away?" Well, the stories cover a long stretch of years, and all, save one, were written in calm days far-away from the present convulsion of the world."

~William J. Locke