The Complete Short Stories of Gary Troia: The complete collection of English Yarns and Beyond, Spanish Yarns and Beyond and A Bricklayer's Tales

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. Few have brought this world to life with such despair, black humour and indifference as Gary Troia. He paints a beautifully sad portrait of a truly messed up person with potential, struggling to keep his messed up mind from drowning in cheap wine and self-loathing. Ray's spirit is trapped in a world of endless grey mundanity. 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: Boyhood antics lead to tragedy. The making of an English key Gypsies, champion fighting cocks, and career choices. Could having an idea ever be considered a criminal act? Did a weekend of boozing save Ray from certain death? A trip to sunny Benidorm, a chance meeting with some Glaswegians, and a cold, miserable job in Lerwick. Too much alcohol and cocaine don't mix well on building sites! he peculiar story of a man whose new life in America leads to conversations with Ancient Greek philosophers Hippies, LSD and an idyllic refuge Handcuffed and ready for deportation. A sad departure from the States Sober dating as Ray discovers religion. . How very, very English! The grass is always greener-the escape from bricklaying. With the prospect of no money for food or alcohol this Christmas, Ray has to find work quickly. A meeting with a Sicilian fox, some Neapolitans, and a man with a camel haired coat. Will a new building job in Spain be the start of a new life? A flight to Barcelona for a kebab, and a look at the "To be or not to be? That is the question" Hung-over, the wrong fuel, the car breaks down. Will they ever make it to Granada? A terrifying drive to Ronda, was it worth it? . A new home and new neighbours, just in time for Christmas. .No more commuting to London. Lets celebrate! A parallel world where the Spanish have taken over Weymouth. .An epic battle with a whale and marlin it is not. An absurd farce in which a Glaswegian couple retire to Spain A harmless dinner leads to hospitalisation. Can a leopard change it's spots? The story of a disillusioned, alcoholic bricklayer