Shooting the Stars by John Metcalf

This book compiles three novellas by British-born (but long-time Ottawa resident) John Metcalf. Within these pages we are introduced to a housekeeper who sells the furniture of her unwitting employers, a man who has a strange experience with a dating service, and another man who recounts -- in very funny and clever details -- the history of his sexual awakening as a boy.

At his best Metcalf is a fantastic writer. The last story in particular is quite clever, with hilarious (and all too true) anecdotes of the sexual yearnings of a young man. At other times, however, his writing seems a bit forced, as if he were a student in a creative writing class trying to impress his teacher. This being said, this is an enjoyable read and I will definitely seek out more books by Metcalf.

3 out of 5 stars