Review of “Somewhere in Minnesota” by Jayna Locke

Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
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Somewhere in Minnesota by Jayna Locke is a collection of short-stories that intricately weaves together the lives, emotions, and experiences of characters rooted in or passing through Minnesota. The book explores universal themes such as love, loss, self-discovery, and resilience, all set against the evocative landscapes and unique culture of the region. Each story brings a fresh perspective, showcasing Locke's ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships and everyday moments with subtlety and grace.

The stories are grounded in Minnesota's distinct environment, from icy lakes and small-town theaters to bustling coffee shops and suburban homes. The setting becomes a character in its own right, influencing the mood and choices of the people within.

The stories tackle themes like family dynamics, the struggle for independence, the push and pull of relationships, and the courage required to face life's uncertainties. Locke’s characters span a variety of backgrounds and life stages, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives. Each protagonist faces a unique challenge or turning point, making the collection varied yet cohesive.

The narratives are filled with moments of introspection, humor, and heartbreak, offering readers a chance to see themselves in the characters’ joys and struggles.

Many of the stories offer quiet life lessons or provoke thought about human nature and relationships. Whether it’s through a near-tragedy on thin ice, a father’s return after years away, or the unexpected poignancy of a small act of kindness, the stories leave a lasting impression.

While each story was unique and compelling in its own way, three in particular stood out to us as extra special and relatable: “The Picnic,” “Prodigal Father,” and “Ripples.”

“The Picnic” focuses on Josh and Megan, a couple who have been together for three years. Megan is a planner—she circles a date on the calendar in January for a picnic in late May, which seems absurdly far in advance to Josh. Josh is more laid-back and spontaneous, preferring to live in the moment rather than plan for the future. Their differences in personality create a subtle tension in the relationship, one that comes to the surface as they prepare for this seemingly simple event.

Megan’s need for control and structure is contrasted with Josh’s casual attitude toward commitment. While Megan eagerly plans every detail of the picnic, Josh remains skeptical, thinking that anything could happen before May. Their interactions are peppered with small disagreements that hint at deeper issues in their relationship. For example, Megan dislikes Josh’s driving and subtly questions his career advancement based on his choice of clothing, all while Josh feels constrained by her need for control.

The turning point in the story comes when the couple meets their friends Neil and Rashmi at a coffee shop. During the conversation, Neil reveals that he has cancer. This news shifts the tone of the story, forcing Josh to confront the uncertainty of life and the impermanence of his current relationship. While Megan continues to focus on the picnic as a hopeful event in the future, Josh becomes more introspective, wondering if their relationship is heading toward a future he actually wants.

Neil’s diagnosis becomes a metaphor for the unpredictability of life, and the picnic serves as a symbol of Megan’s desire to create certainty and stability in a world that is anything but. As Neil undergoes treatment, Josh finds himself more attuned to the fleeting nature of time and begins questioning whether he and Megan are truly compatible.

By the time the picnic date arrives, Neil’s condition has improved, but the cracks in Josh and Megan’s relationship are more evident than ever. The story ends on an ambiguous note, with Josh still unsure about their future, while Megan remains optimistic, oblivious to the growing distance between them.

What resonated with us so much about this story is that it highlights the tragedy and beauty of the passage of time. Time catches up with us all. Just look at Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul the other night. However, the very fact that time is passing is the very reason we should be treasuring and making the best of it. Just because a character has a terminal illness doesn't mean that they have nothing left to live for. It doesn't mean they can't enjoy and appreciate life. In fact, they arguably have even more to live for, more to treasure, more to enjoy, and have a great appreciation.

This story also resonates because many of us are in relationships with super-organized, ultra-detailed people who obsess over each and every aspect of their plan. When they go on trips, they have to list every single activity they do each hour of the day with little to no room for flexibility or adaptability.

That can get annoying, but it's also a valuable drive and skill. Organization is usually a good thing, but you also need someone who's going to balance things out and remind you that things don't always go according to plan. Sometimes, you have to think on your feet. Sometimes, you just have to realize that some things aren't in the cards for you rigt now.

“Prodigal Father” is another memorable story, though it is a bit on the generic side. It's also SUPER relatable. Why? Well, who hasn't had an awkward family gathering? Who hasn't had to share space with someone they fought with or had a falling out with?

“Prodigal Father” is a short-story narrated by Max, a 12-year-old boy whose father, Jay, left the family when he was just five years old. Max, his two sisters, Penny (15) and Jillian (7), and their mother have grown accustomed to life without their father. One day, without warning, Jay shows up at their doorstep, looking disheveled and tattered like a "bum," according to Max's initial perception.
The story delves into the family’s reactions to Jay's sudden return. Max is mostly indifferent, Penny is angry and hurt, and Jillian, who barely remembers Jay, is confused. Their mother, however, tries to handle the situation calmly, allowing Jay to stay for Thanksgiving.

As Jay tries to reconnect with his children, it's clear that the years of absence have taken their toll. Max and Penny are cynical, while Jillian is too young to grasp the gravity of his abandonment. Tension mounts during a backyard fire that Max builds to entertain his sisters. Penny, particularly resentful of Jay’s return, expresses her frustration by distancing herself from him and the family.

The story reaches its emotional peak during the Thanksgiving dinner. Jay, who appears to be intoxicated, tries to fit back into the family dynamic but fails. His attempt at reconciliation is clumsy and ends disastrously when he drops a bowl of mashed potatoes, shattering it. This incident leads to his abrupt departure, symbolizing his inability to take responsibility and reconnect with his family.

In the aftermath, Max reflects on his father’s actions, realizing that Jay has been broken for a long time and will likely never be a permanent part of their lives again. The final scene reveals that Max's last real memory of his father is from a Thanksgiving years ago, just before Jay left the family for good. The family is left to pick up the pieces, and the story concludes with the realization that Jay has, once again, abandoned them.

“Ripples” probably ties with “The Picnic” as the most powerful and though-provoking story.
What would you do if a loved one fell through thin ice or was washed out to sea? Many of us say we'd risk our lives without a moment's hesitation, but would you? What if the circumstances were different? What if there was little to no chance of survival for either of you? What if it put other lives in danger?

How would you feel if someone you saved completely dismissed, forgot, or misinterpreted/misremembered your sacrifice?

In “Ripples,” a toddler named Jeffy wanders out onto the frozen surface of a Minnesota lake, unaware of the danger beneath his feet. His parents, Madeline and Mitch, are distracted with household chores—Madeline is raking leaves, and Mitch is cleaning the boat. They each assume the other is watching Jeffy, but when they realize he's missing, they spot him walking on the ice, chasing a red ball that has rolled out onto the frozen lake.

The story explores the terror that grips the parents as they realize their child is in danger. Mitch wants to run out onto the ice to save Jeffy, but Madeline convinces him to stay back, knowing that the ice won’t support the weight of an adult. Instead, Madeline spots a canoe they had pulled out of storage, anticipating spring. She seizes on an idea, using the canoe as a makeshift lifeboat to rescue her son. In a tense and emotional scene, she slides the canoe out onto the ice, urging Jeffy to stay where he is, even as cracks begin to form around him.

Just as the ice is about to give way, Jeffy runs toward his mother, who pulls him into the canoe. The rescue is successful, but the incident leaves a lasting impact on the family. In the aftermath, Madeline and Mitch have differing interpretations of the event. Madeline feels empowered by her bravery, while Mitch struggles with guilt, feeling that his inability to act quickly enough makes him less of a protector.
Years later, when the family reflects on the incident, their teenage son Jeff (formerly Jeffy) remembers the day differently. He dismisses the danger, believing that he would have made it back to shore on his own. This divergence in memory highlights the subjective nature of fear and trauma, as well as the invisible fissures that can develop in family dynamics after such an event.

This is a remarkable collection of short-stories!

Check it out on Amazon!