Never Say Goodbye

A compulsively readable collection of short stories that range from slice-of-life comedy and tragedy to offbeat satire and shaggy-dog historical spoofs. All are united by Robert J. Swan’s unique narrative voice, with its charming off-the cuff style, its sardonic wit and its fusion of irony and compassion.

Meet an irresistible array of quirky characters, who somehow all belong unquestionably together in the inimitable world according to Swan. There’s the compulsive but chronically unlucky gambler, who, shotgun in hand, slaps his money on the table to make the one bet he knows he can win. Speaking of shotguns, there’s also Sue, who “accidentally” pulls the trigger a few too many times on her husband. We also encounter Boy Edward, whose fondness for peanut butter results in a strange speech impediment; and much more.

The author, a trial lawyer with Irish roots, can bring a courtroom as dramatically and comically to life as he can a tavern.