Spider Robinson: Callahan's Crosstime Saloon (1987, Ace Books)
English language
Published Sept. 13, 1987 by Ace Books.
Tried picking this up again and just did not enjoy it... :( Sad, because it came with such high recommendations.
It makes sense that a well-lit Irish bar (tucked away in a quiet corner of Long Island) where the varied clientele (and the more-than-meets-the-eye barkeep) are quick to offer empathy and absolution is a great stage for some science-fiction-esque short stories. There's something about the way the narrator praises Callahan's Place, its patrons, and the events that occur there that makes you feel the same way as he. A small list of things bugged me as I read (most notably the datedness that comes from 60's pop culture references), but I quickly forgot about them once they'd passed. Rarely have I found such a light, easy read to be so memorable.
It makes sense that a well-lit Irish bar (tucked away in a quiet corner of Long Island) where the varied clientele (and the more-than-meets-the-eye barkeep) are quick to offer empathy and absolution is a great stage for some science-fiction-esque short stories. There's something about the way the narrator praises Callahan's Place, its patrons, and the events that occur there that makes you feel the same way as he. A small list of things bugged me as I read (most notably the datedness that comes from 60's pop culture references), but I quickly forgot about them once they'd passed. Rarely have I found such a light, easy read to be so memorable.
