Critical Reviews of John Eric Vining’s short story, The Train in the Night

The Train in the Night is contained in John Eric Vining’s anthology, Tales of the Midwest: Growing Up and Growing Old in Rural Small-town, U.S.A. (Trafford Publishing, 2015).

 

Review For The Train in the Night

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Gripping! Vivid imagery–thunderheads choking…into darkness– excellent comparison to train rumbling–you masterfully convey your terror. Good luck. Cheers. LIZ

 

Review For The Train in the Night

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I have heard of the sound a tornado makes when near–that of a train. You did a good job expressing its effect on you. It is amazing how tornadoes skip and hop over the landscape. You and your brother were so close to dying. It is so sad about your neighbors. I understand how this was a life-changing moment. Thanks for sharing and best wishes.
Respectfully, Jan

 

Review For The Train in the Night

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An account of a tornado that grips the reader’s attention from the start – the description of the sound of the tornado as being akin to a train is extremely effective for the reader – talented writing skill very evident here -wish I had a 6 left. Zanya

 

Review For The Train in the Night

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I cannot begin to imagine what terror you felt as that “train” rumbled through your home. Your best scene is the one where your brother goes to investigate, then throws himself on top of you under the piano. Work on your ending. Focus more on the aftermath of the storm, how YOU FELT after seeing all the destruction and hearing neighbors were dead. Because this is a contest, DETAILS are important. Remember the first rule of writing: Show, don’t tell. RodG

 

Review For The Train in the Night

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This was a great true life story about something I have never experienced personally. I read it throughout with interest and I was glad to read that your family made it through OK. Susan X. Smith