Underground Christmas

by: Jon Hassler

Published by: Afton Press

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Jon Hassler was a Minnesota treasure. Born in 1933 he died on March 20, 2008. The literary world lost a powerful voice when Jon Hassler died.

Jay is nearing fifty and his life has been turned upside down. He’s divorced, (his wife left him for a man and then a woman) his only son, Bob tried suicide (death by hitting a power pole) but lived because he wasn’t wearing a seat belt. Since Jay is lacking any personal belongings and stability, thanks to the divorce judge, he’s taken a temporary teaching position at St. Andrew’s College, his alma mater (which looks a lot like St. John’s College in Minnesota).

We first see Jay in the potting shed of the college. He’s surrounded by several men that are sharing stories while drinking beer and smoking some pretty fine cigars. Jay is unhappy, and when he leaves the potting shed, he realizes it is Christmas Eve. He leaves to visit his son and learns that young Bob is not only on the mend following his battle with the power pole, drugs and alcohol, but is becoming a wise young man. And after years of not ‘connecting’ with each other, they might change that situation, over a game of pool.

The beauty of a Jon Hassler story is the simplicity; taking an everyday situation and giving it a little twist. One is always surprised by the outcome. Underground Christmas is a short story really, but it is a powerful story. It delves into the mind and matter of a troubled man who is grieving about life.

And in the end, Hassler shows us the bright light of hope. It’s a good thing.

Armchair Interviews says: A perfect gift. (Read tribute to Hassler in our Reader’s Place.)