Home, War and Dogs

By Ian C. Sutherland

In HOME, WAR AND DOGS, writer Ian C. Sutherland examines themes of trauma, stress and ambition through four unique, short stories. In "Trenches", a WWI era private named Anton tries to protect his mother's best cake recipe as he trudges through the battlefield. "Best Friends" finds Telly and Miguel, two low level criminals ruminating on life before a heist that could make or break their careers. In "Flinch", Jacob, an Iraq war veteran returns home from work to find his front door unlocked, triggering a PTSD episode that takes us through key moments in his life. "Doggy" is a condensed account of a relationship told through an unusual, singular moment of stress - Marla and Derrick are locked in a hotel bathroom with a menacing doberman trying desperately to get in. All four stories throughout are told with a blunt elegance - tonally dark and starkly real, even when dipping into the absurd.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian C. Sutherland
• Release date: Mar 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463869710

Ian C. Sutherland

Ian C. Sutherland is a Chicago based screenwriter and director. He is nearing completion of his BFA in Creative Writing through Full Sail University. Specializing in Magical Realism, Horror and Sci-Fi, Sutherland has always been drawn to the dark corners and the seedy underbelly of stories. Sutherland has worked closely with Chicago’s local music scene, notably directing the music video for up-and-comer Nnamdi Ogbonnaya’s "Let Go Of My Ego".He has also worked extensively as a freelance copywriter and videographer. Ian is excited to turn his engagement into a marriage, and spends most of his free time exploring Chicago’s coffee scene. He can be contacted via email: [e-mail]

Book preview

Home, War and Dogs: Short Stories

By Ian Sutherland

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2020 Ian C Sutherland

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Table Of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Trenches

Best Friends

Flinch

Doggy

About The Author

For Christopher - Always.

Trenches

There are only four men left when the last shell is launched.

Anton, the youngest, sits near the entrance to the trench. He circles his thumb over a small piece of paper. He traces over every wrinkle. A receipt from four months ago.