by Monnie

Created on: September 25, 2010

Just After Sunset is the most recent collection of short stories from gifted writer Stephen King. When asked to edit the 2006 volume of Best American Short Stories King relays in the forward of this book he was hoping to recapture a spark. His spark for writing short stories. Anyone who is a fan of Stephen King will tell you some of his best work exists in his fairly large library of short fiction. While many love his longer works like The Stand, It and The Shining there are many gems to be found in King’s bibliography which never reach the one hundred page mark. His previous collections of short stories which includes Night Shift, Nightmares & Dreamscapes, Everything’s Eventual and Skeleton Crew all have amazing stories tucked between the covers. Just After Sunset follows tradition. While there are weaker stories (also similar to previous works of this nature by King) there are some fantastic moments of writing in Just After Sunset.

“Willa” is the story of a young man who is waiting for a train to come at a remote station in Wyoming. His fiancée is nowhere to be found and he believes she has wandered off into town looking for something to do. Eventually, despite the warnings of others not to do so, he decides to go looking for her. He leaves the station and hikes up the road until he gets to a roadside bar in the middle of nowhere. He goes inside hoping to find Willa there. He finds Willa but he also finds out the truth of his situation.

The story isn’t the best he’s written. King even acknowledges this in his notes at the end of Just After Sunset. Yet, he explores some interesting themes and ideas in this short story. He explores his concept of the afterlife, romance and grief in an interesting situation. David is a nice guy all the way around and the reader realizes just how much he cares for Willa. Willa is a likeable, free spirit as well and we soon realize why he likes her. So the characters are interesting enough to keep you reading.

“Willa” is a story one might appreciate more the second time they read it. The story is far more subtle than the tales King usually gives readers. The story is hauntingly romantic. While this isn’t even close to the best short story King has pounded out the depiction of the young couple has a quiet dignity. If a reader loves King’s more outlandish tales this will probably seem boring. Yet, King proves he can do something more restrained with this piece of work. When included in a collection featuring bizarre tales as well, the controlled pace and feel of Willa stands out. While it wouldn’t be my first recommendation from Just After Sunset, it wouldn’t be my last either.

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