A Poor Boy’s Piano, by Susan D. Rogers

Can music mask pain? That’s what I’m left wondering after reading Susan D. Rogers’, A Poor Boy’s Piano (via the blog, Quick Brown Fox.) It was an interesting short story. Printed from the website, it was only four pages. There was a lot packed into that limited amount of words. The plot arched and the main character seemed to learn or at least remember something good. I really like the description of Vancouver and felt that I got a little taste of the city’s personality and its inhabitants (this was probably written pre-riots).

I wanted to rave about this story. I don’t know why. Is it the blog it came from, the picture and description of the author, was it the title? I’m not sure. I liked the story. At first, I felt as though I should feel sorry for the main character, then I realized I might hate him. Was the ending supposed to make us feel sorry for him? Maybe. It was a sad, sweet ending, but perhaps it was too sweet. Without it, though, it might seem like he didn’t learn anything. I don’t want to give too much away for those who want to read the story. I think it’s a decent read; worth the time I’ve spent with it. I am curious how others react. It feels like some people might love it and others hate it.

Thanks to John Mutford for hosting Short Story Monday.