Edges Of Existence

About the Book

The three works in this volume concern people either slipping from or trying to grasp needed levels in life. In “The Case of Arlene,” a mental patient will only reveal her traumatic past to an itinerant part-time worker, creating intrigues within their facility. “The Lightweight,” written in verse, is essentially an epic poem about a “regular guy.” His story offers meaning in its commonality with the aspirations and weaknesses of many other people. In “The Celestial Opera,” a reunion of two old friends at a funeral leads to deeper understanding of life, death, and what may lie beyond.

About the Author

James I. McGovern is originally from Connecticut but has lived primarily in the Midwest. He earned a graduate degree in literature and this disposed him to write as an avocation. After some success with articles and short stories, he published a number of novels, including Aura of Purgatory and Beyond the Failure Club. A previous group of shorter works was published as The Twin Fortunes and Other Stories. Having retired from government service and teaching, Mr. McGovern currently resides in northern Illinois.