Grabinski, Stefan - Orchard Of The Dead
First encounter with this author. Spectral tales, ghost sightings, haunted locations, and sexual bouts that go awry. So, a bit unbuttoned.
“At Sarah’s House” combines two of these themes, the unearthly and the erotic. After Wladek fails to aid a friend, wasting away toward death, he is soon drawn to the widow. A gorgeous, exotic creature, fragrant with an overpowering scent of desire.
The piece of land had a long, troubled history. Buildings erected there, burned down. Nevertheless, the location was fantastic! And outsiders, newcomers, never believed in old wives nonsense about the “Burning Ground”.
“Orchard Of The Dead” proves a gentle change. Set in the cemetery – children’s cemetery – where fruit trees flourish. Villagers dare not eat the fruit, though, for fear of where the tree roots tap.
As if from old habit, station master Szaten still walks from Ziklicz to Kniejow every night after his shift concludes. The latter station was long dismantled, yet Szaten has fond memories that he cherishes more than the day to day. “Szaten’s Engrams” is a haunting finish about the power of memory, the sadness of fading memories, and the lengths some will go to preserve memories.