Quests: Flash Fiction Stories by William Colson In Quests, William Colson reveals a unique talent in flash fiction to describe the insidious moments when lives change, almost always without notice, and often without compassion. The stories traverse diverse times and places: the post-war America and Europe, the Soviet Era, the backwoods of mountains, the odd diner, distant forests, the lives of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. Every single story is a brave emotional illustration of acts of mourning, love, trust and doing what has to be done. The style is concise, observant and humane. Colson's characters-children, soldiers, fathers, wanderers and survivors-are almost always at the threshold of a life changing act, meeting or moment of realization. These aren't massive, heroic quests. They are internal and deeply personal. Every single story is a world of its own. Yet taken as a whole, the stories are a convergence of thoughts on the essence of fortitude and the nature of suffering. The book is a delight for: The readers of literary flash fiction and short stories Introspective stories focusing on character development Readers of historical fiction and stories reflecting the essence of humanity Readers looking for the impact of stories long after the last line has been read Quests is a book intended for those who prefer substance to size, and who are convinced that even the minutest stories can contain enormous truth.