Climbing the Stairs of the City & Other Short Stories

H. Lloyd Weston worked assiduously to create a compilation of short stories, some from real-life experiences, the others from the divine gift of the imagination. Each story is crafted with the author’s emphasis on originality and fluidity of thought and expression, keeping in mind the reader who will embark upon the same journey by finding enjoyment in reading these engaging stories. The author wants the reader to experience the same palpable joy and reward he received in the task of creating them.

His obsession with executing a quality batch of stories came from his love of literature and the coterie of exceptional short story writers whose works he read along the way. Among these are writers such as Anton Chekhov, Katherine Mansfield, D. H. Lawrence, James Baldwin, Eudora Welty, Katherine Ann Porter, Ernest Hemingway, and Leo Tolstoy. The reader is swept away by the gripping power of these stories-tales that are original, imaginative, and adventurous.

It is hoped that the average reader will find things pertinent to their own life experiences within these poignant and suspenseful tales; stories that afford them the chance to escape the humdrum of daily life and the headlines of today’s depressing 24-hour news cycle. It is hoped that these stories will take each reader to a place of wonder and escape to the three different geographic locations within these stories.

H. Lloyd Weston was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He is a multi-talented Expressionist Artist, an author of short stories and a poet. He was educated at St. Gorges Extension College and Grantham College, Kingston, Jamaica. He is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, USA, where he graduated with a B. A. Degree in Creative Writing and Fine Arts. After graduation, Weston embarked upon independent art studies in London, Paris, Rome and the Art Students League, New York. His artworks have been exhibited in many important venues worldwide, including The United Nations, New York and the Museum of Modern Art of Latin America, Washington, D. C. In 1989 he presented a commissioned painting to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in a ceremony at Grosvenor House, London, U.K. His artworks have been featured in many international magazines and newspapers and reside in important international collections. While a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University, H. Lloyd Weston’s writing talent was discovered by Harvard educated professor, Dr. Charles Angoff, Professor Emeritus of the English Department and Creative Writing. Dr. Angoff who previously worked with H. L. Menken at the Mercury Magazine, became Weston’s mentor and offered him a scholarship to the Poetry Society of America’s Poetry Workshop at Gramercy Park New York City. During his undergraduate years, Weston was selected President of the Becton Society, The English Club. He was also made the editor in chief of Prelude, the student literary magazine where his first short stories were published. He is the author of a Gold Seal book of poetry, The Many Silences of Love which was reviewed by the U. S. Review of Books and the Gleaner of Jamaica. H. Lloyd Weston is a member of the Academy of American Poets.

Customer Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

Shelley Fischer, MA, Civil War Historian

Climbing the stairs of the City and Other Short Stories is a collection of stories by artist and author, H. Lloyd Weston. Weston engages the reader in heart-felt memories of the shocking events of people’s Fate and Fortune during the course of their lives, like Beatrice in Dante Alighieri’s, Divine Comedy. You are either taken to hell or paradise as you read these brilliantly crafted stories. Weston’s creative style and his ability to weave the ordinary into a work of poetry exemplifies his talent as a gifted writer and artist-his words paint a vivid picture and his paintings move us to words of wonder. In the short story, A Curve in the Road, he writes, No one who ventures down the highway of life should be considered immune from the vagaries of its vicissitudes-we are all at the mercy of the forces. The story, Climbing the Stairs of the City, deals poignantly with the topic of love and ambition, unfaithfulness and revenge-topics that were as relevant to the Disco Era as they are to our own Digital Age-the never ending quest to find love and companionship in various online venues. The story also provides us with a chance to reflect upon the cultures and styles of the era-the main character of the story, the aspiring model, Sandra Davis being pitched from side to side by her blue Samsonite suitcase while walking up Eight Avenue after arriving at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City from Peoria, Illinois. There are also subtle references to real life models of the era: Cheryl Tiegs, Lauren Hutton and Christie Brinkley. The story of the Disco Era would not be complete without the sultry voice of Disco Queen, Donna Summer, providing the soundtrack for the joyous music of that era. Readers from all walks of life easily become absorbed in Weston’s characters and situations. The story, A time Remembered, a tribute to his father, serves as a snapshot portrait inviting the reader to come along for the ride as he clings tenaciously to his father’s back while swimming together in filial unity in the blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea-flesh to flesh, blood to blood, father to son. The author pays loving tribute to his mother in the story, Portrait of My Mother. He writes: My mother was a woman of sterling character. He ends it with a soulful tribute after her passing, stating, I never will stop loving you, bringing tears to the eyes of anyone who ever felt the joy of a special relationship with his or her Mom. All the stories in this book engage us in a memorable and unforgettable scenario. I highly recommend and urge everyone to indulge in the joy of reading these short stories and the journey we take with the author. There are subtle pieces of our lives in each and every chapter of this most engaging book. We thank you H. Lloyd Weston for sharing the Knighting of your talent with us.
Keanne van de Kreeke

Climbing the stairs of the city is a captivating collection of short stories that celebrates the complexity and richness of the human experience. With its diverse cast of characters, engaging plots, and undeniable charm, this book is sure to delight readers of all backgrounds.
Deepak Choudhary

H. Lloyd Weston's Climbing the Stairs of the City & Other Short Stories is a remarkable collection that seamlessly weaves together real-life experiences and the rich fabric of imagination. Each story is crafted with care, reflecting the author's commitment to originality and fluid expression. Weston's goal is clear: to share the joy he found in writing with his readers, inviting them to embark on an equally rewarding journey. The inspiration behind this anthology is rooted in Weston's deep love for literature and the influences of renowned short story writers such as Anton Chekhov, D. H. Lawrence, and James Baldwin. These literary giants serve as a backdrop to Weston's own exploration of human emotions and experiences. His writing captures the essence of storytelling—drawing readers into narratives that are both relatable and thought-provoking. The collection features a variety of stories that resonate with readers on multiple levels. Weston delves into the intricacies of life, presenting characters and situations that reflect the challenges and triumphs we all face. Whether it's a tale of love, loss, or personal discovery, each narrative offers a poignant glimpse into the human experience, making it easy for readers to find connections to their own lives.

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