“Exaltation”
Stories of Spiritual Adventure
By Duane L. Herrmann
Cyberwit
Copyright 2024

Review by LB Sedlacek

I am familiar with Duane L. Herrmann’s work as a poet having reviewed a couple of his past poetry books. I have also enjoyed hearing him read his poems at some of the same online poetry open mics we have both attended. 
It’s with delight, that I opened his newest book which is one compiled of all short stories. Herrmann states in his Preface that his stories are placed in the book in chronological order. His stories begin in the 1860s ranging to the 20th century to even the future!
Herrman invites readers into these somewhat interconnected narratives. His stories welcome reflection, adventure, and possibly spiritual exploration.
The first story is a thought-provoking narrative of life on a farm as well as an homage to the human spirit. The reader navigates through a day in the life, so to speak, of the narrator.
Each story offers a unique vision into the human experience. Herrmann’s words are contemplative and vivid.
He also uses his storytelling to examine questions about his own life’s purpose. Writers often write about what they know using their struggle for meaning or as perhaps a vehicle for their own personal transformation which is evident in his story “Second Chance.”
Make no mistake, Herrmann blurs the lines between what might be a mundane real life experience evolving his paragraphs, his narrative into one that transcends into relatable yet entertaining stories to read. Each story seems to call for a reckoning of sorts whether it be from one of the characters in the story or from the narrator. 
His stories are appealing because they capture moments as well as crossroads for the characters. Each story creates a balance between the narrative and the overall story within.

From the short story “Suspicious Words”:
“As he walked closer, Terrance noticed that all the cords, connecting
all the lights, had been cut. The electrical decorations had been destroyed.
He would have to replace them all. New ones would be on sale in the
fall, just before Christmas. He could get more, that was no problem.
That would be easier than cleaning the paint from the bricks on the
front of his house. He’d never cleaned paint off brick before. It didn’t
look like it would be an easy job. The spray paint on the letters could be
painted over.”

Herrmann is a master of capturing the tone of each character creating an intense sense of importance. His stories are grounded in emotion which makes this new collection accessible illustrating his skill as a writer.
“Exaltation” offers stories that could be considered a catalyst for the discovery of self, the invitation into a quest of spirituality, and an approach to confronting what one might know to what one prefers to be. It invites you into his personal landscape of struggles, doubts, hope, and spirit, just some of the ways we all connect with one another.
Herrmann’s book is a rich storytelling experience. The stories will surely resonate with readers allowing them to discover themselves and more.

~LB Sedlacek also reviewed Duane L. Herrmann’s poetry books “Zephyrs of the Heart” and “Remnants of a Life.” She is the author of several books of poetry including “Unresponsive Sky,” “Poem Medicine,” “The Poet Next Door,” “Simultaneous Submissions,” and “Ghost Policy.”  Her short stories books include “The Jackalope Committee & Other Stories” and “The Renovator & Motor Addiction.” Her poem novel is “The Blue Eyed Side.”