The Complete Short Stories of Gary Troia: The complete stories from, Spanish Yarns and Beyond, A Bricklayer's Tales and English Yarns and Beyond (The Complete Ray Dennis Series)

ABOUT Gary Troia

Gary Troia
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Gary Troia was born in South-East London and studied Spanish and Philosophy at Middlesex University and the Universidad de Deusto.
In 2010, he left behind a career in education and moved to a small Spanish village, where he began his lifelong dream of writing. His first boo More...

Description

For the first time ever, this collection of short stories by Gary Troia brings together, in chronological order stories and memoirs from Spanish Yarns and Beyond, English Yarns and Beyond and A Bricklayer’s Tales into one complete volume.

 

 

 

 

"Excellent! A collection of short stories about depression, alcoholism and drug use. Very compelling reading. I read this short story collection all in one go." (Maria, Goodreads.)

 

 

A Bricklayer's Tales is the ultimate "I hate this job" story, written as a collection of short stories and memoirs, each one revealing a snapshot in the life of Ray. Troia captures the tedium of working in a low paid, menial job and living hand to mouth. This book of short stories is sad and questions the reader to ask questions about their own life. This book achieves clarity without trying.

 

 

 

 

Ray has three expensive hobbies: drinking, drugs, and running away. Without the income that Bricklaying provides, he would not be able to maintain his chosen lifestyle, so he compromises his principles and continues with his trade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A collection of short stories and memoirs that include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cuckoo's Egg. Boyhood antics lead to tragedy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Grandfather's Shed. The making of an English key

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Comb on the Cock. Gypsies, champion fighting cocks, and career choices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I Did In My Summer Holidays In 1000 Words. Could having an idea ever be considered a criminal act?

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Best Mate’s Head. Did a weekend of boozing save Ray from certain death?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Shetland Isles. A trip to sunny Benidorm, a chance meeting with some Glaswegians, and a cold, miserable job in Lerwick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pointing a House in Islington. Too much alcohol and cocaine don't mix well on building sites!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angel Dust. The peculiar story of a man whose new life in America leads to conversations with Ancient Greek philosophers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peyote. Hippies, LSD and an idyllic refuge

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return Ticket. Handcuffed and ready for deportation. A sad departure from the States

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I Joined a Cult. Sober dating as Ray discovers religion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bilbao. How very, very English!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching Other People. The grass is always greener-the escape from bricklaying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Week in the Life of Ray Dennis. With the prospect of no money for food or alcohol this Christmas, Ray has to find work quickly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catania. A meeting with a Sicilian fox, some Neapolitans, and a man with a camel haired coat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advert In The Art Shop Window. Will a new building job in Spain be the start of a new life?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaudi. A flight to Barcelona for a kebab, and a look at the Sagrada Familia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Day My Soul Left Me. "To be or not to be? That is the question"

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Not to Travel to The Alhambra. Hung-over, the wrong fuel, the car breaks down. Will they ever make it to Granada?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Road To Ronda. A terrifying drive to Ronda, was it worth it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poking A Carob Tree. A new home and new neighbours, just in time for Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spain Reborn.No more commuting to London. Lets celebrate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home From Home. A parallel world where the Spanish have taken over Weymouth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Common Carp.An epic battle with a whale and marlin it is not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. McClintock. An absurd farce in which a Glaswegian couple retire to Spain

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steak, Egg and Intensive Care. A harmless dinner leads to hospitalisation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Unchangeable Chameleon. Can a leopard change it's spots?

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Bricklayer's Tale. The story of a disillusioned, alcoholic bricklayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

A collection short stories and memoirs of British dark humour.