One of the things that make us happiest here at One Story is when we publish writers for the very first time. “Safe Passage” is Ramona Ausubel’s first published story, but you would never know it from the sure and practiced hand she uses throughout this strange and beautiful journey. When I first read “Safe Passage,” I was entranced by the first line: “The grandmothers–dozens of them–find themselves at sea.” There is a quiet confidence to these words, and I was not surprised when I read Ramona’s Q&A and discovered that this sentence was the starting point for the entire story. As I continued reading I found myself really, really liking Alice–the tiny bits of information about her two husbands and children were all I needed to get a full understanding of her character. I got choked up and teary-eyed when the grandmothers said their goodbyes to fishy. And the wonderful surprises of the Santa Claus dolls and mounds of yellow roses falling from the shipping crates, along with Alice’s final dance in the water, all added to the overall feeling in this fantastic tale that death does not always have to be a tragedy. It can be a transformation, and a joyous one, at that.
Can’t wait to get it in the mail. I sent out my check last week so you should get it soon.
An auspicious debut — original, moving, and full of memorable images. I, too, was mesmerized from the first sentence. What hooked me was the language — so beautifully modulated. Even the punctuation is perfect. For instance: “Even here, evening comes and then night.” Great decision not to add a second comma.
Thanks for introducing this writer. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for more of her work.
Since I am in the twilight of my years, I truly enjoyed this story. I too was captured by the opening statement. As I continued to read, I savored the pictures Ms. Ausubel painted. For example, the grandmothers touching and talking and humming – becoming of one mind. This juxtaposed with the stark reality of impersonal nursing homes and rehab facilities brought to my mind, even more, the importance of caring, companionship and love. A wonderful story. Kudos to Ms. Ausubel and One Story.
I admit this one was well written but I think I just didn’t “get” it. And when “Fishy” came up on an unbated line, I passed aside this latter fact and immediately thought, “Oh, so she was watching Finding Nemo when she wrote this part.” I didn’t find the episode tied to death enough to make it fully relatable, and I didn’t find the end very hopeful or inspiring. This is the first of my One Story stories that I don’t think I’ll keep. No offense meant – like I said, the prose is well-written. The story just didn’t strike a chord with me.
“Safe Passage” left me in tears. I found the sense of whimsy a fantastic parallel to the more earthly themes. I think it was the most moving story I’ve received yet. Well done, Ms. Ausubel! Thanks to One Story for sharing it.
“Safe Passage” blew me away. I eagerly await Ramona Ausubel’s future work. Thanks for sending such an absolutely inventive, moving, and beautiful story.