Reviewed:
A bare bones *short* story, that seems to follow the worst case option at almost every decision point! The writing style here is terse and compact, and makes the bank balance almost the main character. Certainly there is little here to let you engage with the character or generate deep feelings. The odd gut laugh - oh yes!
I have often daydreamed about winning life changing amounts of money, and would love to believe that money wouldn't change the 'me' that friends and family know and (mostly) love. Or change them. Hope springs eternal. One common thread of my dream is spreading largesse freely and widely, and only retaining sufficient to secure a comfortable version of our current lifestyle. This story left me new room to rethink - could I really be altruism personified it the amount was truly outrageous? Would my loved ones be as grateful as I hope? Would my gifts endow fiscal sensibility to the recievers? Probably? Possibly? Maybe not... Fascinating.
This authors written style varies enormously from the small sample I have read, and this is a very accessible introduction to their writing. Their style varys hugely (smallish sample size), and whilethe readability of some could be improved by an external editor, this is pretty clear and the flows well.
If I was feeling uncharitable, I might compare this story to either a synopsis, or a book pitch: but it is a stand alone story. Just saying, but I would *definitely* read that book!
Anyway this tale is so short that small spoilers are already piling up, but from here - you may want read it FIRST! You have been warned ;D
The last lottery winner story I read wound up living in a missile silo with hot girlfriends. This story is not at all like that. It is however a fascinating, if somewhat soulless, recitation of the evils of government and greed, seemingly validating the mantra that it is the love of money at the root of all 'evil'. Or maybe the love of litigation. Possibly nearly the same thing?
It is largely narrated first person past tense, bare bones. It is a painfully believable story, with USA centric assumptions about courts and family values. I could hope that reality couldn't follow fiction in the real world, but actually, starting with divorce? Yep, I can see it happening. Being sued by the kids? Sadly believable right now. Ripped off by the system? Fair point. Having to hide out? Yes, OK, real life is as strange as fiction.
For me, having the reveal both in the title and opening paragraph wastes narrative opportunity. Could it have have worked better with a gradual progressive build up/descent? Don't know, won't know. This kind of question is probably why I review rather than write stories - Kudos to all who publish their efforts!
Fancy reading a truly alternative viewpoint on winning big? Quick read, unexpected progression, great fun! Give it a go.
Myth