Of Daniel Griffin’s three stories, The Promise, has stayed with me the longest. Two brothers, different in temperament, maintain a relationship due to their connection with their mother. Both have failed marriages. One has moved on in a comparatively mature way and the other is causing concern all around. The Promise ends with an intense jolt that, for me, is the hallmark of a great short story.
Coming Attractions (1980-2009) has been a forum for Canada’s best new young fiction writers. Past editions have been peopled by no less than: Rohinton Mistry, Frances Itani, Peter Behrens, Lisa Moore, Dennis Bock, Neil Smith, Diane Schoemperlen, Timothy Taylor, Bonnie Burnard, Sharon Butala, Steven Heighton, Mary Swan, Caroline Adderson, and Gayla Reid.