In 'Dynamite Hole', Jake has been living wild in the hills of Knockemstiff since he took exception to the drafting process in World War II. When he witnesses an act of sexual transgression by the pond, things start swirling around inside him 'like a storm cloud', and Knockemstiff is soon to have a few more empty beds.
In 'Real Life', a trip to the drive-in with his parents winds up in bathroom brawl and a hasty departure for seven year-old Bobby. Looking back on his childhood, Bobby finds in that evening an isolated piece of paternal pride.
Part of the Storycuts series, these two stories were previously published in the collectionKnockemstiff.
Don Pollock grew up in Knockemstiff and worked in the Mead papermill for thirty-two years before leaving to become a writer. He teaches literature and composition at Ohio State University.
