The Glass Gift and Other Stories

Author Lloyd Lim’s third collection of fifteen short stories spans multiple genres and runs from the tragic to the comic. He explores the universal themes of human frailty and resilience. Love, loss, moral dilemmas, hypocrisy, hubris, injustice, the banality of evil, and the absurd—all find a place in Mr. Lim’s storytelling. Settings range from a small-town funeral parlor to a battleground in France during World War I to the first human colony on Mars. The collection also includes three short stories from a prior collection which have been adjusted and four humorous poems. This set stands out due to its philosophical undertones and plot twists. The introspective tone and diversity of narrative styles and genres are key features. A range of narrative voices and perspectives are used. This collection should appeal to a broad range of readers, but particularly those drawn to reflective, philosophical narratives and character driven plots. If a film rating were attached to these stories, it would go no higher than PG-13. The stories vary in length, but are on the shorter side of “short,” so that they will not unduly burden those with busy lives. Because Mr. Lim has teaching experience, he has included in the introduction some thoughts that will be helpful to aspiring writers in any genre.