This was an interesting collection of stories. Some of them I enjoyed quite a bit, while others felt a little stiff and outdated.

Wow!
I can't believe I've never read anything by Theroux before!

What an accomplished author. His work is concise and polished, and this collection of short fiction showcases his talents. I particularly enjoyed the last section of the book where the stories give us glimpses into a writer's world at various stages of his life, from childhood to old age.

I've already added some of Theroux's novels to my to-be-read stacks. He may turn out to be a new favorite writer.

I first encountered Paul Theroux in the early 1970s when I read some of his stories in popular magazines. I was impressed by the quality of his writing and developed a mental image of him as a middle-aged man. Surely, it would have taken him years to travel the world and gain the experience and maturity to pen these tales. My opinion was occasionally reinforced when I encountered novels like “The Mosquito Coast” or some of his travel writing. So, I was surprised when I had the opportunity to read “The Vanishing Point,” his latest short story collection through NetGalley. I first thought this had to be a posthumous collection because the Paul Theroux I envisioned would have been a centenarian by now. Instead, Theroux is very much alive and, at 83, hasn’t missed a step in terms of writing quality. “The Vanishing Point” reflects the same experiences and worldview I first encountered a half-century earlier, tempered by the growing awareness of advancing age.

“The Vanishing Point” comprises 18 stories, all appearing to have been written recently. Some were published previously online or in other collections, others appeared online, and others were new here. The author sets some of them in the exotic locales he’s visited in his lifetime in Asia, Africa, and semi-exotic Hawaii. Only one story is told from a female point of view, and that’s one of the weakest in the collection. The other protagonists are men, usually of advancing years, reflecting on the decisions they’ve made (that often haven’t turned out well). Some stories resemble Shakespearean tragedies, and none of them are what I would consider light reading. The storylines are sometimes familiar, but the author puts a unique spin on them.

The best story in the collection is one of the longest, “A Charmed Life.” Felix, the narrator, discovered at a young age that people he encountered who did ugly or evil things soon met terrible fates. You can probably guess that a power like his could come back to haunt him, but it takes decades for him to learn exactly how. During that time, he mostly led a quiet life as a teacher in third-world countries, mainly keeping to himself until he returned to Hawaii to retire. I can easily picture Stephen King writing a story based on this same plotline, but Theroux turns Felix’s eventual fate into a byproduct of Eastern mysticism and spirituality.

The protagonist of “Love Doll” is younger, but burdened by a life of poor decisions. Blanton is a teacher in Honolulu trapped in an unhappy marriage with a wife and baby. To make ends meet, Blanton teaches English as a second language to a night class of international students. He’s infatuated with one attractive Vietnamese student and follows her to learn more about what she does after class. This story also has elements of classic tragedy.

Not all the stories in “The Vanishing Point” are gloomy. “Navigational Hazard” is a tale of righteous revenge as the captain of a luxury yacht based in Singapore works for years based on a handshake agreement with the boat’s owner that the yacht would one day be his. Everyone knows what a handshake agreement is worth, as the captain learns to his dismay. Turnabout is fair play, however, as readers eventually understand the meaning of the story’s title. “Father X” is one of the few genuinely uplifting stories in the collection. When his father dies, a middle-aged man learns that the father’s birth certificate is fake, and there is no record of his birth anywhere. Dad had an unusual occupation, ghost-writing Catholic sermons for priests whose Biblical, literary, and oratorical skills weren’t the world’s best. He also published columns in local newspapers under the byline of Father X. The son realizes he had no idea who his father was. His quest leads to an unusual discovery.

Some stories deal with the perils of academic life. “Home Cooking” is about a failed author who has a knack as a chef. He started a catering business in the college town where he lives, which soon became quite popular. He wants to keep the menus and recipes simple. Still, his customers make increasing demands on his time and eventually turn his business into something entirely different (and far less satisfying) from what he originally envisioned. “Ghost Fest” also has some supernatural elements and occurs at the same fictional Willard College where “Home Cooking” was set. The narrator, Andy Parent, is an aging writer who attends the annual Ghost Fest at the college. (Parent also narrates five other stories in the collection.) The event is a gathering of students and others who related “real” paranormal encounters. Before attending Ghost Fest, however, Parent attended a scarier, real-life meeting with a former colleague now confined to a nursing home for those with dementia. The author merges the real-life grimness of aging with a different type of encounter.

About two-thirds of the stories in “The Vanishing Point” are excellent. None are poorly written, but a few seem pointless. I was especially disappointed in “Camp Echo,” the first story narrated by Andy Parent. It takes place in the 1950s, where a pre-teen Andy attends a summer camp where he is assigned a cabin with the other boys whose names begin with P. There, he learns about racial, religious, and anti-gay prejudice as well as generalized bullying. These lessons may have been new to a sheltered 1950s Boy Scout, but not to modern-day readers, and I felt the story lacked the immediacy that the best coming-of-age stories have. Still, I can picture this as the basis for a movie if someone punches up the script a bit.

Again, let me repeat. There are no bad stories in “The Vanishing Point.” Some don’t quite meet the standards of the best in the collection. Those are worth a second or third reading to pick up on the nuances. Reading “The Vanishing Point” made me extremely happy that Paul Theroux hasn’t yet vanished from the literary scene.

NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.

Paul Theroux is a prolific author who, at 83, is reflecting on life and aging in his new short story collection, The Vanishing Point. The stories are mostly unrelated (except for the last section, which focuses on the character Andy Parent). However, they all deal with the moments in a character’s life when all their decisions and circumstances converge to leave what seems to be an endpoint but is more accurately the unknown.

Each story is filled with multifaceted, vivid characters caught in the movement of their lives. One of my favorite stories, Dietrologia, tells the story of an unhappy old man recounting his life story to a group of children before he finally recognizes what has been right in front of him all along. Dietrologia is an Italian principle advocating for skepticism toward surface meanings and encouraging a search for a deeper hidden significance. Every story compels the reader to engage in dietrologia. While it may be argued that all art demands this practice, the stories in this collection particularly thrive on it.

Readers who enjoy short stories will enjoy The Vanishing Point. Paul Theroux is a master of the form, and his new book does not disappoint. Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for providing me with an advanced copy for review consideration; all opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, each of these short stories is slow, uneventful and about a really boring man. Maybe I am just not the intended audience for this collection. 2.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

I was excited to discover this new collection. Paul Theroux was an early influence for traveling. He's a fine writer with a lean, yet at times cutting style. The stories center on convergences and dwindling possibilities, as shown in art by the vanishing point that gives perspective. Although the darkness here rarely erupts in outright horror, the undertow of mortality and loneliness is as real as a riptide.

Paul Theroux is a master of quiet tension. I felt the weight at the edges of certain stories leaning inward and experienced relief from the inevitable breaking. Other tales center on irrevocable decisions. Unsettled feelings with women and brief, unpleasant thoughts, terms, and images emerging in culture clashes form tension lines that caused me to examine my experiences.

He has an uncanny ability to be smooth and raw within the same story. There were grisly and disturbing moments. "Adobo" will likely stick with me the longest.  This won't be a comfortable read for everyone, but I don't think it's meant to be.

Aging, loneliness, loss, mortality, failed relationships, life as an outsider, pain, powerlessness, endings–none of it becomes oppressive in this carefully observed and haunting collection.

For me, the unhappy, limited-range heterosexuality was a bit off-putting, particularly because the women are marginal. Fortunately, not all of the stories fall into this.

It took awhile to find my footing within the unusual titular story, yet as it progressed, it pulled me in and I’m still thinking about it. This is literary writing in the best sense of the term.

Recommended for readers who are comfortable with male-centric literary stories. Thank you, Mariner Books for the eARC for consideration. These are solely my own opinions.

I read Mosquito Coast waaay back in 9th grade in the late 90s, then during and after college I read several of Theroux's travel books. They gave me a huge amount of wanderlust - I did end up visiting Africa eventually after reading Dark Star Safari and dreaming about it! (different countries from where he went however.) It has probably been 12 or 13 years plus since I've read any Theroux so I figured I'd give his new short fiction a try. I will say it took me a few stories to get into it, but overall I enjoyed these. He is an excellent writer and captures time and place well. I liked the last several stories that followed the same character the best. Some of the stories were kind of poignant for me as I deal with thinking about my parents' end of life stages. Any previous fan of his should enjoy these and I may pick up a print copy for sharing around.

The theme of vanishing point was persistent throughout the book. I really struggled to get through these short stories. They all appeared to be about the failures of men and lust. The last half of the book was confusing where they were short stories but about the same named person - Andy Parent. Overall, I did not like this book and would not recommend them. Thank you for the opportunity to read from the author.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Literary Fiction + Short Stories

The Vanishing Point is a collection of stories exploring aging, memory, and identity through reflective narratives. Several stories have blurring lines between real life and imagination, highlighted in the personal experiences of these characters. The tales capture moments that feel simultaneously real and dreamlike. Some even show us how personal perception can alter the understanding of one’s reality, especially as a person ages.

The stories contain rich descriptions of diverse cultures, reflecting the societal experience of the characters. Each story presents unique cultural backdrops that significantly influence the characters’ behavior.

The characters reflect deeply on their lives and the lessons learned over time, where aging brings awareness of missed opportunities and life’s fleeting nature. These characters navigate personal desires and confront their attainable dreams and wishes, along with often experiencing profound loneliness and isolation.

The author’s writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, ensuring that readers are not only entertained but also left with deeper insights into the complexities of life. He excels at developing complex characters that have lots of depth. These characters are very relatable and authentic.

Stories in The Vanishing Point are multi-layered, exploring relationships, societal norms, and personal dilemmas. Most of the characters in them are elderly people with lots of life experience. I enjoyed some of the stories more than the rest, but they are all fantastic. The author’s beautiful writing made them all fascinating. It is the first time that I read a book by Paul Theroux, and I’m very excited now to explore his other work.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book.

A great collection of short stories that grab you from word one and keep you engaged until the last sentence.

I've read a lot of short story collections this year, and this one ranks among my top reads. THE VANISHING POINT is simply wonderful. I adore Theroux's spare writing style, and these stories are thoughtful and wise. I'm also impressed with the pacing -- it's hard to find a short story collection that is a real page turner. I'm delighted to have found this one!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

This is my first time reading anything by Theroux and I have to say, I was deeply intrigued. The short stories were all so unique and captivated me, without overwhelming me. Would I recommend this to others to read? Absolutely. It was a nice change of pace from the genres I normally read and I would like to read more of Theroux's work!

I don’t know what I was expecting but this really caught me off guard in the best way. Theroux’s writing is so sharp and poignant, and the pacing of the short stories are great.

I got through most of the short stories pretty easily. It’s not my typical kind of reading, but i’m glad I was to receive an ARC from NetGalley!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Paul Theroux’s The Vanishing Point is a masterful collection of short stories that explores the fleeting moments and pivotal junctures in life where everything changes. 

Each story delves into the concept of vanishing points—those critical moments when life’s paths converge, and the future becomes uncertain. Theroux’s characters are often at crossroads, facing decisions that will irrevocably alter their lives.

In one of the standout stories, “The Last Train to Paradise,” follows a retired engineer who embarks on a nostalgic journey through the Hawaiian islands, only to confront the ghosts of his past. Theroux’s vivid descriptions and emotional depth make this story particularly poignant, capturing the essence of memory and regret.

In “The African Queen,” a young woman travels to Africa in search of adventure but finds herself entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal betrayal. Theroux’s ability to weave complex narratives with rich cultural backdrops is on full display here, making for a gripping read.

“The New Englander” offers a stark contrast, set in the quiet, contemplative environment of rural New England. This story examines the life of a widower who must come to terms with his solitude and the passage of time. Theroux’s subtlety and empathy shine through, providing a deeply moving exploration of loss and acceptance.

Theroux’s writing is characterized by its precision and insight. He captures the nuances of human behavior and the intricacies of relationships with a deft hand. Each story in The Vanishing Point is a testament to his ability to create compelling, multi-dimensional characters and immersive settings.

The Vanishing Point is a brilliant addition to Paul Theroux’s illustrious body of work. It is a collection that invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of life and the moments that define us.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Theroux or new to his writing, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Until recently, I never noticed NetGalley had a "Novellas & Short Stories" category. I really like reading short stories, but often don't like the contemporary ones I read. Many I find totally unreadable. All the ones in this collection by Paul Theroux were readable, although I did stop reading two long before the end. I didn't find any of the stories particularly memorable, however, except for the one about the wild pigs. Onward to more short stories . . . .

(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)

Another knockout punch from this author! A big thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The writing is sparse, descriptive, and tickles each of the reader’s senses. It’s literary in approach, but commercial in pacing. I love that when it involves short stories.

I recommend this to anyone who appreciates a solid read. Well done!

I have read other books by this author, and I was not disappointed. There quality of writing was the same, and I couldn't put it down. I came into it wondering if I would enjoy it as much since it was a collection of short stories versus one long novel. The author did an amazing job through each story, and I would recommend this to others. Thank you Net Galley ARC!

Another solid entry into Theroux’s writings. As always each story is very insightful with a thought of passages that really make you think. Each story is unique with lots to take away. Overall a fun read!

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From the bestselling author of The Mosquito Coast, Paul Theroux’s newest book The Vanishing Point is a poignant and melancholic collection of short stories.

Theroux is a new author to me and has sparked a desire to uncover more. He writes with ease but with deep curiosity and wisdom. There seems to be a constant need, a hunger, to know more; of never fully being satisfied.

Each short story follows a different character in a different place and time, but all seem to have the similar tone and theme –looking for happiness and contentment in life but also fearing the end, the vanishing point. Death.

“It’s a point... it doesn’t really vanish.”

The stories encourage the reader to reflect on what it is we love and know about our world, then leave it. Walk away. Become detached from money, possessions, complicated family dynamics, government... Slow down and take in life from a different perspective.

There are a handful of uncomfortable moments. Theroux’s use of offending stereotyping or descriptions or lifestyle choices made me wince a few times. It forced me to analyze... was this his intent? I think so. In this way, it takes the veil off the reader’s eyes to fully display the effects it has on the person that this is being said to or done. It puts emphasis on the importance of passing the torch to the next generation. Which values and beliefs will die, and which will continue to live on?

This is a fantastic collection. My mind and soul are better for having read it.

Thank you @MarinerBooks and @NetGalley for sending an Advance Reader’s Copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Paul Theroux's The Vanishing Point is a masterful collection that deftly captures life's poignant moments of convergence and loss with his trademark insight and empathy.