'Scar Vegas' a compilation of the human soul

by Holly Schreiber
FOR THE POST

Never underestimates the absurdity of civilization.

From 1994 to 1999, Tom Paine published short stories in magazines such as The New Yorker, Playboy and Harper's. But this is the first time they all come together in the compilation Scar Vegas.

This is a genuine, haunting and hilarious look into a variety of eccentric characters pushed into bizarre situations.

In the short story named after the compilations' title, Johnny has just been released from prison in Galveston, Texas. He heads for Las Vegas to visit his sister, Fruit, who is about to get married to a Sarasota Panthers football player, Breezy Bonaventure.

Although she's not married yet, Fruit is romping around a Vegas casino in her wedding dress - and soon a neck brace after trying to defend herself against a drunk man hitting on her. The casino manager gives her, Johnny and Breezy one of the best suites in the casino for their inconveniences.

The story, narrated by Johnny, turns strange when Breezy's teammates show up. They rough up a lonely guy crudely doing things to himself in the window that faces Fruit's room. Breezy, being a jealous guy, doesn't let such a display continue. So he gathers up a gang to get the man.

With all the attention turned on Fruit, Johnny heads to the casino bar where he meets the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and she is also a teacher from Iowa. Or at least that is what she says.

But shortly after beginning to talk to her, he suddenly ends up two days later in the hospital, with one of his kidneys having been surgically removed, and not by a doctor in the hospital.

The doctor tells Johnny that there have been similar cases before - two or three to be exact - of someone having a kidney removed to be sold on the black market.

But Johnny's reaction to having one of his kidneys stolen is more bizarre, hilarious and even more heartbreaking than the act itself.

Paine's other stories involve strange occurrences. No two stories are alike, but they fit together to create a collection that focuses on the power and oppression of civilization. Paine never deviates from his originality, hilarity and, most importantly, his genuine feelings for each of his characters.

Paine's curiosity about each individual is what makes Scar Vegas a worthwhile read. And one that will make readers sit momentarily in silence, giving praise and gratitude to a splendid piece of work.