by Gary Troia (Author) In this short story collection, Gary Troia shares his adventures, travels and memoirs from his life. "Excellent A collection of short stories about: depression, alcoholism and drug use. Very compelling reading. I read this short story collection all in one go." (Maria, Goodreads.) "Gary manages to take the mundanities of life and elevate them to brilliance. in this short story collection" (Sara Fell) "Author, Gary cements growing reputation...A Bricklayer's Tales touches on real-life experiences in the building trade." ( Salina Patel, Hounslow Cronicle) Anyone who has ever done building work for brutal wage slavery and wondered if they were going mad, will recognise the life of Ray Dennis, (Troia's alter ego) which evokes a vision of mind-numbing, soul-destroying workplaces and workmates. His is the voice of discord for the marginally employed, the creatively frustrated working Joe, who turns to a life of drink and drugs to elevate the monotony of life. Few have brought this world to life with such despair, black humour and indifference as Gary Troia. He paints a beautifully sad portrait of a truly messed up person with potential, struggling to keep his messed up mind from drowning in cheap wine and self-loathing. Ray's spirit is trapped in a world of endless grey mundanity. A Bricklayer's Tales is the ultimate "I hate this job" story, written as a collection of short stories and memoirs, each one containing a snapshot of the life of Ray. Troia captures the tedium of working in a low paid, menial job and living hand to mouth. This book of short stories is sad and questions the reader to ask questions about their own life. This book achieves clarity without trying. Ray has three expensive hobbies: drinking, drugs, and running away. Without the income that Bricklaying provides, he would not be able to maintain his chosen lifestyle, so he compromises his principles and continues with his trade. A collection of short stories and memoirs that include: Angel Dust, the peculiar story of a man whose new life in America leads to conversations with Ancient Greek philosophers Mrs McClintock, an absurd farce in which a Glaswegian couple retire to Spain A Bricklayer's Tale, the story of a disillusioned, alcoholic bricklayer What I Did In My Summer Holidays In 1000 Words, could having an idea ever be considered a criminal act? My Grandfather's Shed, the making of an English key Peyote, hippies, LSD and an idyllic refuge Return Ticket, handcuffed and ready for deportation.