Al V Hartman

The Benches Between Al V Hartman

An avid fisherman and dog lover heads out to sea on a routine fishing trip to capitalize on a great fishing season. His journey is interrupted when an unexpected storm comes and winds up on an unfamiliar coastline. Seeking refuge, he's introduced to a group of individuals that seem strangely familiar. His mission changes from fishing, to facing his fears, and how he perceives time. The noise of daily life is quieted where he is able to see inside himself like he has never experienced. There are lessons to be learned from both the pets and the new acquaintances that he finds in this strange place. Al wondered where he was? Who were these new and fascinating people? Should he stay or should he go? Would he ever be the same again? We all have a safe place, a place where we go either physically, or in our thought and dreams. Sometimes what we think is safe, is a facade. Sometimes we find ourselves, on The Benches Between. Al Hartman's story is a mixture of Gulliver's Travels, Old Man in the Sea, The Wizard of Oz, What Dreams May Come, and Gilligan's Island. He has a well-crafted and intriguing story masterfully set on the brink of reality and the supernatural. His love of animals is also quite evident. Any dog lover would be well suited for this novella.