Reviews

We Could've Been Happy Here by Keith Lesmeister

gspar's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

bookhawk's review against another edition

4.0

This was a fantastic book of short stories. I happened upon this book in a Decorah, Iowa coffee house on a birthday weekend. The author teaches at Luther College in that small town. The stories are quirky and thoughtful yarns. This is the kind of book I would be unlikely to find searching on Amazon but purchased on a whim. I am hoping this Goodreads review prompts someone to discover it and enjoy it as well. 4+ stars and highly recommended.

jamesfigy's review against another edition

5.0

A solid debut from Keith Lesmeister, WE COULD’VE BEEN HAPPY HERE is a collection of stories that are not just set in but of Iowa. These stories of crime, addiction, and our complicated relationship with animals get at the heart of being human—of making missteps, on accident or otherwise, and figuring out how to move forward in our lives.

thecuriosityhourpodcast's review

5.0

This is a fantastic collection of short stories. Each one is masterfully written and draws you in immediately, and each one--while absolutely satisfying--leaves you wanting to know a little more about the story, an excellent quality for a short story.

In particular of note are the two bookended stories ("Nothing Prettier Than This" which starts out the collection, and the title piece, which closes it. There is a heartache that connects these stories that is subtle and thoroughly enjoyable.

I LOVED "A Real Future" that was both hopeful and filled with an underlying dread, which speaks to the skill with which this writer has crafted these stories.

HIGHLY recommend. Absolutely.

michaelavk's review

5.0

Solid collection of short stories. The folks at MG Press (publishers of Midwestern Gothic lit mag) have given us another gem in their growing catalogue. These are heartbreaking (and also uplifting) slices of real life (with one story perhaps a little more "heightened" reality). The endings are a lesson in experiencing/witnessing without getting a tidy conclusion. These lives spin out of your grasp and you hope for the best for them. Faves include Nothing Prettier Than This & We Could've Been Happy Here and Today You're Calling Me Lou. Etc. Cheers.