Across the Border by Anthony Pond is a collection of fifteen interconnected stories. It follows a young man’s quest for meaning in life. Tragedies push him across various borders, both international and emotional. This is not faith-based fiction, but a clean read.
We meet Ryan as a boy in a horse corral, where he confronts death for the first of several times. Throughout the transition into young adulthood, Ryan faces losses. However, tragedy doesn’t equate to a morose set of tales. Pond weaves punchy dialogue and vivid details immersing readers in Ryan’s adventures. Across the Border takes the reader on a jeep and camping trip through Baja California, sailing on a Hobie catamaran with his beloved, and an escape to the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the jungles of East Africa.
Although Ryan acknowledges his lack of religiosity, Pond prompts readers to reflect on their own responses to loss and regret—both being parts of life’s journey.
My only critique lies in the initial jarring sensation as stories shift between events and an unresolved storyline that spans several stories. Pond says he’s working on another collection of stories. I hope he ties up the loose ends by then. Despite this, his smooth storytelling, thoughtful character portrayals, and craftsman’s attention to detail leaves me eager for his next collection.
