The Past Never Dies: 10

Charles Bentley, a retired English professor at Opal College, was present at the tragic death of an American soldier during the war in Vietnam. He now finds himself among the people being threatened by the grandchild of that soldier, who is seeking revenge against those who were involved in the incident. Although he doesn't feel responsible for the death, it brings up all the bad feelings he still harbors from that time in his life. At the same time, Charles is also tasked with directing the students' fall play, Shakespeare'sTwelfth Night. The students wish to put in a gay version of the play, which the ninety-five-year-old Shakespearean scholar advising them strongly opposes. Charles mediates between the two factions while looking over his shoulder for the killer, seeking revenge. Vietnam, gender identity, and Shakespeare are interwoven in n this story, which poses one of the most significant challenges yet for Charles.

Pages: 90, Paperback, As You Like It Press