Lover: The Cruel Dark Companion Novella by Bea Northwick presents the events described in the author’s novel The Cruel Dark from the perspective o4.5⭐
Lover: The Cruel Dark Companion Novella by Bea Northwick presents the events described in the author’s novel The Cruel Dark from the perspective of Callum Hughes.
I truly enjoyed this novella and was glad that it answered most of the questions that I felt were left unanswered in the novel. Consistently paced fluid narrative, elegant prose and well-developed plot points made for an immersive read. The author has done a wonderful job of conveying Callum’s thoughts and emotions, shedding light on what was going on parallel to Millicent’s experiences, thereby providing a well-rounded perspective on Millicent’s story.
Please read this novella only after having read the novel.
The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman picks up five years after the events in The Bookstore Sisters. The Gibson sisters, Sophie and Isabel, who have The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman picks up five years after the events in The Bookstore Sisters. The Gibson sisters, Sophie and Isabel, who have since returned to Brinkley’s Island, run the Once upon a Time Bookshop with a bakery section selling delectable treats based on their late mother’s recipes. Isabel and Johnny Lenox are planning their wedding for the fourth time, after their last three plans fell through at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances.
The narrative follows Isabel and Sophie as they navigate the challenges that come their way as they plan for Isabel’s wedding.
“Love makes you do unexpected things. It’s never what you think it will be.”
This is a lovely story that revolves around themes of family, sisterhood, love, second chances, community and of course the therapeutic value of books and reading. Stories such as these are rarely unpredictable, but what makes them special is the journey to the end and Alice Hoffman does not disappoint! I loved the bookstore setting and the author’s depiction of the close-knit community and how everyone banded together to support the sisters in their time of need was truly touching. A few emotionally heavy themes are woven into the narrative and the author addresses the same with compassion. I loved the literary references and the baked treats with their enchanting names. Beautifully written with endearing characters (including a dog named Hank, who has a very important role to play), and full of hope and heart, this is a heartwarming story and a wonderful addition to this short story series.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
“He informed her that a famous philosopher had written that people lived their lives forward and only understood them when they looked backward. But by the time that happened, there was usually very little time left. Life would slip away before you knew it, so you had to live every day as if it was your last, for it just might be. Today would soon be the distant past, and you would have to strain to remember what you did or who you spoke to.”
This was my Amazon First Reads selection for July 2024.
With varied themes and interesting characters, The Book of Witty Women features an interesting mix of fifteen short stories written by women writers. With varied themes and interesting characters, The Book of Witty Women features an interesting mix of fifteen short stories written by women writers.
Given the title and description of this anthology, I was hoping for a light-hearted read, but unfortunately, “laugh-out-loud” funny or “witty” it was not. I won’t be sharing individual ratings for the fifteen stories in this anthology like I usually do in my other reviews, simply because I have mixed feelings about most of them (arising from my preconceived notions for which I blame the title and the description, once again) and had I not been expecting a stronger element of wit or humor, this anthology would have garnered a higher rating.
As with most anthologies, I did like some more than others. Double Date by Lucy Vine, Care Home Capers by Wendy Hood and Go Your Own Way by Kimberley Adams were entertaining reads and I was mildly amused by a few others (Jenny Bean, Calamity Queen by Julia Wood, Glue by Clare Shaw and Hapless by R. Malik). Shopping For England by Kim Clayden, The Art of Genital Persuasion by Kathy Lette and Sorry, Delivery by Paula Lennon featured interesting premises but needed to be explored further.
Two of these stories surprised me in that they just broke my heart, which I’m quite sure wasn’t the intent of this book. I’m sorry, but I can't be that person who finds any kind of humor/amusement in certain themes. (view spoiler)[ A story that features a woman being fat-shamed and blamed for her childlessness by her mother-in-law ( Ways With Mince by Kathryn Simmonds) or one about a woman on a cathartic and emotionally draining journey as she coming to terms with her role in the dissolution of her friendship with her childhood best friend (Nothing Compared To You by Annemarie Cancienne) (hide spoiler)]. Unbound by Jean Ende was a moving read, but You Can't Get There From Here by J.Y. Saville, Fake It Till You Hate It by Sadia Azmat and Poets Rise Again by Josie Long failed to make an impact.
Though I did like several of the stories in this anthology, I can't help feeling a tad disappointed. I respect the fact that the same book/story might evoke different reactions from its readers, and while I wouldn't discourage anyone from exploring this anthology, in my humble opinion it would be wise to approach it keeping in mind that it might not be as entertaining as the description suggests.
Many thanks to Farrago for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book was published on April 25, 2024.
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story featuring three retired professors who meet weekly to reminisce about their lives and careers over cheese and thI thoroughly enjoyed this short story featuring three retired professors who meet weekly to reminisce about their lives and careers over cheese and their beverage of choice. Their discussions turn to the topic of one of their common friends, Fern, a writer who was targeted in a coordinated effort instigated by a fellow writer to ruin her literary career years ago. The friends believe that this incident created a situation that exacerbated her declining health. We follow them as they go about devising a plan to avenge their friend (who is unaware of their intentions). As they weigh their options with meticulous precision, it soon becomes evident that framing and executing a foolproof plan might prove to be a tad more complicated than they had anticipated.
Touching upon themes of aging, friendship, loyalty, revenge and professional jealousy Cut and Thirst by Margaret Atwood, is a quick entertaining read. I loved the banter between the friends (strong Golden Girls vibes!). With sharp dialogue, more than a few laugh-out-loud moments and interesting characters, this short story is perfect if you’re looking for a palate cleanser or just a good laugh in between more serious reading. Don’t overthink this one and just enjoy the ride!
This short story was my Amazon First Reads choice for April 2024.
Until August by Gabriel García Márquez (translated by Anne McLean) revolves around forty-six-year-old Ana 3.5⭐ (rounded up because I liked the ending)
Until August by Gabriel García Márquez (translated by Anne McLean) revolves around forty-six-year-old Ana Magdalena Bach and her annual visits (on the 16th of August) to the island where her mother is buried. Ana’s itinerary includes a visit to the cemetery where she places a bouquet of her mother’s favorite flowers and indulges in a one-night stand with a different man every year before she returns to her family – her musician husband of over two decades and her two adult children. One of her trysts ends in a humiliating gesture and she carries both the emotional and physical reminder of the same through the years. Every visit to the island and her experiences with the men she meets inspires her to reflect on her actions, her marriage and her family. In sparse prose we are given insight into her hopes and motivations, her internal conflict and much more in a journey of self- explorations with a thought-provoking ending.
A departure (in terms of theme and approach) from the nature of Gabriel García Márquez’s more famous works, this is not the author at his best but for those of us who have enjoyed the author’s work in the past, it won’t be difficult to appreciate the segments that shine with author’s brilliant writing. But sadly, that is all we can expect from this short novella. I have no doubt had this manuscript been developed into a full-length novel with well-fleshed-out characters, and their motivations and relationships explored deeper; this would have been a worthy addition to the author’s oeuvre.
Please read the Preface to the novel where the author’s sons discuss their decision to publish this novella posthumously despite his wishes to discard the draft manuscript. A segment of this novella (translated by Edith Grossman) was previously published (1999) in the form of a short story.
I appreciate the publisher including printed pages from the author’s unfinished manuscript in the end pages of the hardcover edition. This in itself makes this a copy I will cherish as a part of my personal collection just like my treasured hardback edition of Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky that includes similar material between its covers.
- Do I regret reading this book? No - Do I think this unfinished manuscript should have been published as a novella? Probably not. - Am I happy that I could read part of what could have been another masterpiece written by one of my favorite authors? Absolutely
Many thanks to Knopf for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Note: The short story Meeting in August (translated by Edith Grossman) was published in the December 6, 1990 issue of The New Yorker Magazine and is available in the Archives section. I don't think this can be accessed without a subscription, but I am sharing the link here
When a cleaner at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao discovers a pair of young lovers in a passionate embrace during her morning shift – a naked man 3.5⭐
When a cleaner at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao discovers a pair of young lovers in a passionate embrace during her morning shift – a naked man and a woman in a wedding dress - everyone, including Detective Aitor Larramendi who is looking into the case, is flummoxed by how they entered the museum and spent a whole night there without being caught on security cameras. As the indignant Detective interrogates Bibiña Aranda and her lover Indar Zubieta, their accounts of the events from that night and how they ended up together leave him with more questions than answers.
With elements of magical realism, romance and humor Lovers at the Museum: A Short Story by Isabel Allende is a delightful read. Though all my questions weren’t answered (the story was a tad too short to explore the fantastical elements mentioned in the narrative), I found the characters interesting and was both amused and entertained. I enjoy Isabel Allende’s writing and would love to read more short stories by this immensely talented author.
This story is currently available as one of the March selections for Amazon First Reads and is expected to be published on April 1, 2024.
“We need a moral: let us be patient with each other and with ourselves, and suffer the diverse paces at which we move through one another’s time and s“We need a moral: let us be patient with each other and with ourselves, and suffer the diverse paces at which we move through one another’s time and space.”
Ladies' Lunch and Other Stories by Lore Segal revolves around a group of friends in their 80s and 90s. While many of the stories have been previously published throughout the author’s illustrious career, a few are relatively newer. Through the course of ten of the sixteen short stories, we follow Ruth, Bridget, Farah, Lotte, and Bessie, friends for over four decades who have a lifetime of memories they share over their luncheons, as they also confront the challenges of aging, loneliness, loss of friends and family, the COVID lockdown and much more. Though the ladies’ luncheons and their discussions form the larger part of the collection, we also get a handful of “other” stories ranging from themes of childhood memories, the Holocaust, age related ailments, and nostalgia.
Insightful, heartfelt and bittersweet, I enjoyed the author’s sharp writing, sparse prose (occasionally, a tad abrupt) and realistic characters. The tone of these stories does tend toward sad and melancholic, but the author injects a steady dose of witty observation to balance the sadness. My rating reflects my opinion of the collection as a whole. While some stories were more impactful than others, overall, I found this collection to be a thought-provoking read. My favorites among the stories were The Arbus Factor, Dandelion, Making Good and Ladies' Zoom.
Many thanks to Melville House Publishing and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book was published on September 26, 2023.
So Late in the Day: Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan is the most recent collection of the author’s short stories comprising three of her prevSo Late in the Day: Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan is the most recent collection of the author’s short stories comprising three of her previously published works. Even though I had already read two of the three short stories in the collection, I was more than happy to read them again. That’s the beauty of Claire Keegan’s work. Every reread provides something new to ponder upon.
In the first story So Late in the Day (4/5), we meet the protagonist, Cathal, in the course of his routine workday. The date is a significant one (which is revealed later), and throughout the day, his thoughts often drift to Sabine, the woman with whom he had been in a relationship. As he reflects on the relationship – the highs and the lows- he is compelled to assess how his attitude toward Sabine and women, in general, contributed to the end of their relationship.
In The Long and Painful Death (4.5/5), we meet a thirty-nine-year-old writer in residence at the seaside home of Heinrich Böll. When she meets a German professor who insists on visiting the property, her interactions with him ( though not entirely pleasant) just might inspire the direction of the story she is currently writing and much more.
The final story, Antarctica (4.5/5), revolves around a married woman who plans a weekend intending to experience what it would be like to sleep with another man. As the story progresses, we follow her as her brief tryst turns into a situation she had not expected. “As a child, she had been told that hell was different for everyone, your own worst possible scenario.”
Revolving around themes of loneliness, regret, commitment, fidelity and self-perception, these stories will stay with you long after you have finished reading. Complex characters, sparse prose, minimal melodrama, sharp observations on the human condition and plenty of food for thought – what more could we ask for in a short story? I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!
Many thanks to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This collection was published on November 14, 2023.
When true crime writer and podcaster Harley Granger arrives in the small town of Little Valley, New York, just days before Christmas, bookstore 3.75⭐️
When true crime writer and podcaster Harley Granger arrives in the small town of Little Valley, New York, just days before Christmas, bookstore owner Madeline Martin is compelled to revisit a traumatic event from her past. It has been over a decade since Madeline survived a vicious attack that left her seriously injured. On the same night, her close friend Stephanie was murdered and two other girls, also friends of Madeline and Stephanie, disappeared. Madeline’s then-boyfriend Evan Handy was convicted of the crime and was sentenced to life in prison. Madeline survived, though her memories of the events of that night remain cloudy. She has made life for herself in her hometown, keeps busy with the bookstore and takes care of her ailing father who was once the Sheriff of the town, but is wary of romantic relationships. Evan Handy maintains that he is innocent, and Harley Granger is in town to find out as much as can about the old case as well as the most recent disappearance of a young woman – one of three women who have disappeared after Evan was convicted.
Does this mean Evan was innocent? If so, who was responsible for the events from all those years ago? Are the most recent disappearances connected to the old case?
Told from multiple perspectives, Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger is an engaging read. The author seamlessly weaves past and present events into a gripping narrative that had me engaged from the very first page. The author depicts Madeline’s trauma and how it casts a shadow in her present life with much sensitivity. The ending did feel a tad rushed and was not entirely unpredictable, but I enjoyed this novella and thought that the plot was well structured, consistently paced and overall, well executed.
This was my first time reading Lisa Unger and look forward to exploring more of the author’s work.
Many thanks to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Christmas Presents was published on October 24, 2023.
Never Whistle at Night :An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr features twenty-six stories written by iNever Whistle at Night :An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr features twenty-six stories written by indigenous authors. Surrealism and the supernatural, indigenous folklore, traditions, beliefs, racism, legacy and generational trauma are only a few of the themes that are explored in this collection of “dark” fiction. I wouldn’t describe the vibe of these stories as nightmare-inducing but more than a few will leave you feeling unsettled and pondering over what you just read. Do take your time with these stories as they are heavy reads despite the short length.
My ratings for the individual stories are as follows:
As the story begins, we find lawyers Olufemi (Femi)Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd once again tasked by now-retired Roderick Tanner, KC to peruse a b3.5⭐
As the story begins, we find lawyers Olufemi (Femi)Hassan and Charlotte Holroyd once again tasked by now-retired Roderick Tanner, KC to peruse a bundle of correspondence between members of The Fairway Players, a community theater group from Lower Lockwood who are again embroiled in a mystery involving one of their own.
The Fairway Players are gearing up for their Christmas production. This time it’s a pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk and the proceeds are meant to go to repairing the church roof. Leadership within the community theater group has changed hands and though much effort is being made toward casting, rehearsals, costumes and of course, set design which includes an old but impressive beanstalk, there is quite a bit of tension between old and new leadership. Opening night is not without mishaps and some not-so-pleasant surprises, including a body in a Santa suit on stage. As the narrative progresses, we follow the investigation in the aftermath of the incident.
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett is a thoroughly entertaining read. Humor, drama and secrets with a murder mystery at the core make for an engaging story. The narrative flows well and is presented to us through email correspondence, WhatsApp messages, Christmas letters and police transcripts, similar to The Appeal. While I found The Appeal a tad long drawn, given the short length of this book, I thought the structure and format worked well. However, I thought that the “mystery” element should have been introduced earlier in the narrative ( the body is discovered after the halfway mark), which would have made for an even more interesting read.
I would suggest reading The Appeal before approaching this novella for the backstories of the characters and an understanding of past events that are mentioned in the narrative.
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The Christmas Appeal was published (in the United States) on October 24, 2023.
It has been thirty years since Ashley Smith, an American Art History student in London, spent her Christmas holidays at her classmate Emma Chapman’s fIt has been thirty years since Ashley Smith, an American Art History student in London, spent her Christmas holidays at her classmate Emma Chapman’s family home in Clevemoor. Ashley, far from home and with no close family, was excited to have company during the festive season. Ashley is in awe of the Chapmans’ manor home and initially enjoys the company, trips to the local pub and the idyllic village, not to mention the attention she gets from Adam, Emma’s handsome twin brother whose company she particularly enjoys. However, Adam is suspected of having brutally murdered a local girl with whom he is said to have been romantically involved. Ashley also notices some strange occurrences around the house and is a tad confused with her host’s strange behavior. Needless to say, Ashley’s holiday might not be quite as idyllic as it seems.
The first half of the narrative is presented through Ashley's journal entries dating back to 1989 after which we switch to the present day where we get to more about the events from thirty years ago and the aftermath of the same.
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson is an exceptionally well-crafted, atmospheric and absorbing read. The setting, gothic tone, complex characters and shocking twists kept me hooked till the very last page. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and would not hesitate to recommend it to those who enjoy dark, twisty reads.
Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The Christmas Guest was published on October 17, 2023.
Dragon Palace by Hiromi Kawakami ( translated by Ted Goossen) is a fascinating collection of short stories that revolve around themes of transformatioDragon Palace by Hiromi Kawakami ( translated by Ted Goossen) is a fascinating collection of short stories that revolve around themes of transformation, human behavior and emotion and surrealism.
In the first story Hokusai (3/5), we follow a strange encounter between a depressed young man and a person who claims to have once been an octopus. In Dragon Palace (4/5), a young woman is visited by her great-grandmother, who was once a god who used a creative method of manipulating her followers. Fox’s Den(3/5) follows the relationship between a fifty-three-year-old caregiver and her elderly patient. In Mole (5/5), we meet an anthropomorphized who holds an office job in the human world and shelters unhappy and lonely human beings in his home in an underground hole. We follow a married young woman, unhappy with her life and interactions with her boyfriend, neighbors and the deity that inhabits her kitchen in The Kitchen God (4/5). The Roar (3/5)chronicles a young boy’s life as he grows u in the boy grows up in the successive care of his older sisters, each of whom is very different. We meet a woman who is in a relationship with her four-hundred-year-old ancestor in Shimazaki (3.5/5). A woman who was once asea horse recalls her life on land, her yearning for the ocean and her thoughts about her husbands and children, one of whom is like her in Sea Horse (5/5).
With simple language and striking imagery and symbolism, the author takes us on an enthralling journey with unique characters and their interesting (to put it mildly!) backstories. The stories are inspired by folklore and myth and heavily rely upon metaphors and magical realism to present the human condition and the similarities and differences in human and animal instincts. Though I can’t say that I enjoyed all the stories in equal measure, overall, Hiromi Kawakami does not disappoint!
Many thanks to Stone Bridge Press and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this collection of stories. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This collection of stories was published on September 19, 2023.
As is the case with most anthologies, The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2023 was also a mixed bag. The anthology fAs is the case with most anthologies, The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2023 was also a mixed bag. The anthology features twenty-one short mysteries written by contemporary authors and a bonus story by Edith Wharton. I liked that each of the stories began with a brief introduction about the author and enjoyed getting to sample the work of so many authors, many of whom I had never read in the past. Some of the stories also end with a note by the author about the inspiration behind the story. I must mention that the Introduction by Amor Towles, in which he discusses how the “Mystery” genre has evolved, was a fascinating read.
My ratings for the stories are as follows: The first story, “Blind Baseball” by Doug Allyn (3.5/5), revolves around a tontine insurance scheme. This was a gripping read but ended abruptly. “The Adventure of the Misquoted Macbeth” by Derrick Belanger (4/5) is a mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes and is one of the stories that I thoroughly enjoyed. The circumstances surrounding a mysterious break-in are explored in “Princess” by T.C. Boyle (3.5/5) In “Cold Hands, Warm Heart” by Joslyn Chase (3.5/5), a cold case is reopened after the discovery of a body. In “New Kid in Town”(2.5/5) by Andrew Child, Jack Reacher helps in investigating the disappearance of a young girl.
A resident of a hotel housing near the border sheltering undocumented immigrants takes justice into her own hands in “Death at the Sundial Motel” by Aaron Philip Clark (4/5). A young deputy gets more than he bargained for when he is tasked with assisting a Marshal for the Witness Protection Program in “Dodge” by Jeffery Deaver (4/5). In “The Landscaper’s Wife” by Brendan DuBois (3.5/5), our protagonist finds himself tangled in a complex web of manipulation, blackmail and murder. Co-passengers in a train decide to pass the time guessing solutions to real-life situations they share in the group in “Strangers at a Table” by Kerry Hammond (4/5). “Miller and Bell”(2/5) by Victor Kreuiter follows the story of a career criminal who resorts to his old ways of switching identities to evade those who have an axe to grind with him.
In “Two Sharks Walk into a Bar” by David Krugler (3/5), a hustle results in dire consequences for a pair of pool sharks. In “Pobre Maria: A Capitán Guillén Mystery Of Ecuador”(3/5) by Tom Larsen, a seasoned law enforcement official investigates the suspicious death of the daughter of an influential man. “Playing God” by Avram Lavinsky (3.5/5) takes us through the mysterious circumstances revolving around a man’s suicide. “Ears” by Jessi Lewis(3.5/5) is a heart-wrenching story about a young girl’s bond with her dog. Though there wasn’t much ”mystery “ in the plot, it was a good read. “The Smoking Gunners”(2.5/5) by Ashley Lister follows a murderer apprehended at the scene of the crime as she attempts to justify her actions.
A small-town reporter investigates a murder that was caught on camera by a peeping tom cat, whose owner had a camera fixed on his collar in “What the Cat Dragged In” by Michael Mallory(4/5). In “Sundown” by Lou Manfredo (3/5) we follow the lead detective as he investigates the death of a young woman, often consulting with his grandfather, a retired law enforcement officer, to gain perspective. There’s much more to the kidnapping of the daughter of an affluent man than meets the eye in “Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday” by Sean McCluskey(2.5). A detective is haunted by a promise he made to a murdered young girl’s father in “The Promise” by Annie Reed (3/5). A man tries to help his neighbor after a murder in their apartment building in “Glass” by Anna Round (3/5). A hitman’s latest assignment has him curious about the motive in “Crime Scene” by Joseph S. Walker (3.5).
The final story, “A Bottle of Perrier” by Edith Wharton (3/5) follows a young archaeology scholar on his visit to an archaeologist’s home in the middle of a desert in a foreign country where he finds his friend’s domestic staff’s answers to the owner’s whereabouts vague and misleading.
Overall, I found most of the stories rather predictable and only a handful stood out.
I received a digital review copy from the publisher via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson is a remarkable collection of loosely connected short stories featuring a cast of interesting character4.5⭐️
Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson is a remarkable collection of loosely connected short stories featuring a cast of interesting characters (enchanted and otherwise) combining elements of speculative fiction, surrealism, mystery, fantasy and folklore, humor, drama and much more. These stories revolve around themes ranging from dystopian, evolution and conservation of our planet and its resources, the human condition and life choices , accountability and consequences, family and motherhood, among others.
The collection begins with a story of an apocalyptic event that selectively affects humans and other living species (Void). A vicar’s daughter’s questions about and fairy tale about lost fairy queens and princesses might lead to some surprising revelations (Spellbound). A deceased woman reflects over her life , marriage and her previous assumptions of the afterlife much more while trying to recall how she met her end in Blithe Spirit. A middle-aged divorcee lamenting over missed chances and the growing distance with her adult children as she struggles to find a sense of purpose finds herself in an unexpected situation in Shine, Pamela! Shine! . The fate of a young girl’s toys hangs in the balance as the owner’s family experiences much upheaval in their lives in Existential: Marginalization. In Puppies and Rainbows, we meet a Hollywood movie star whose new romance with a high-profile individual might not be the solution to all her problems. An advertising professional’s divine responsibilities prove to be much more stressful than her day job in Gene-sis. More than one story revolves around Frank (Dogs in Jeopardy, The Indiscreet Charm: of the Bourgeoisie, Classic Quest 17 - Crime and Punishment) , a television producer, as he navigates his early struggles, career highs, his love life and some encounters with some very interesting characters, to say the least. Several threads from other stories intersect in the final story , What-If.
Witty and humorous, fantastical and chilling yet wise and thought-provoking, author Kate Atkinson’s sharp writing and masterful storytelling render this an immensely enjoyable read. Given the nature of the overlap in the stories and the recurring characters whose arcs are stretched over more than one story, I am not rating each of the stories separately as I usually do. However, I will mention that my favorites in the collection were The Void, Spellbound, Classic Quest 17 - Crime and Punishmentand What-If.
Finally, I love that cover!
Many thanks to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In turn, imaginative and fantastical, thought-provoking, humorous and unsettling Disruptions by Steven Millhauser is a remarkable collection of short In turn, imaginative and fantastical, thought-provoking, humorous and unsettling Disruptions by Steven Millhauser is a remarkable collection of short stories varying in theme, length, and subject matter – a testimonial to the author’s magnificent range and versatility. The collection comprises a total of eighteen stories, some new as well as several that have been previously published.
Among my favorites in the collection ( 5⭐ ) are : After the Beheading examines the aftermath of life in a town after the public beheading (guillotine) of a killer. Guided Tour takes us on a very realistic trip around an old city whose fame has its roots in a popular fairy tale. The Summer of Ladders follows the residents of a town as their obsession with ladders in the summer results in an almost competitive quest to climb to the highest altitude that results in dire consequences for some. The Little People studies the dynamics between humans and a community of tiny people who live in their midst. In The Column Dwellers of Our Town, the top of the columns in the city provide sanctuary to those looking to live out their lives in solitude. In Theater of Shadows a unique show performance in a new theater in town inspires the residents to drastically change their way of life. In Green, we follow a community whose idea of beatification of their neighborhoods involves the removal of all greenery.
My ratings for the remaining stories -
4⭐-Late , A Tired Town, A Common Predicament and The Circle of Punishment
3.5⭐- The Fight , A Haunted House Story , Thank You for Your Patience, Kafka in High School 1959, The Change and He Takes, She Takes.
3⭐- One Summer Night
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this superbly penned collection of stories. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is my first time reading Steven Millhauser and it surely won’t be my last.
“Game theory is a paradigm of life, unless life is a paradigm of game theory.”
Zero Sum by Joyce Carol Oates is a collection of twelve short stor3.64⭐️
“Game theory is a paradigm of life, unless life is a paradigm of game theory.”
Zero Sum by Joyce Carol Oates is a collection of twelve short stories that revolve around themes of obsession, loss, motherhood, mental health, and much more. Crisp writing, insightful observations on the human condition and an honest, almost brutal look into the darker side of human relationships and emotions make for an absorbing read.
In the first story, Zero-Sum (3.5), we meet a graduate student whose desire to impress her professor triggers a downward spiral. In Mr. Stickum (4), a group of teenagers devises an elaborate plan to punish sexual predators in their town who prey on trafficked young girls.
Lovesick (4) revolves around a young woman who confides in her former lover about receiving threatening messages from an unknown person, triggering conflicting reactions within her confidante. In Sparrow(3.75), a shocking family secret comes to light when a young woman discovers an old photograph while helping her elderly mother move into an assisted living facility.
We meet a woman who struggles to recover after a miscarriage in The Cold(4). Take me, I am Free (3.5) depicts a darker side of motherhood where a mother, unhappy with her young daughter, attempts to give her away.
The Suicide(3.5) is a bleak, almost stream-of-consciousness narrative that delves into the mind of a writer who contemplates taking his own life. Dark and immersive, this is the longest story (a novella, to be precise) in the collection.
In The Baby-Monitor(3.5) A new mother is conflicted over the need for her baby’s safety and her need to enjoy her privacy.Monstersister(3.5) revolves around a young girl whose family dynamic shifts after bizarre events follow the discovery of a strange growth on her head.
A Theory Pre-Post-mortem (2.5) follows a couple whose recent vacation exposes them to a deadly virus. In This is Not a Drill (4), A dystopian take on a pandemic-ravaged world where the desire for human connection pushes a man to take desperate measures to interact with the outside world. M A R T H E: A Referendum (4) takes us into a futuristic setting inhabited by AI citizens.
As with most short story collections, this was a mixed bag for me. I found a few of the stories captivating, others not so much! But overall, predominantly dark and disturbing, with genres ranging from family drama to dystopian/speculative fiction, this collection is a testimonial to the author’s exceptional diverse range and writing prowess.
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“Unhappiness looks to the past. Happiness, to the future.”...more
Emergency by Kathleen Alcott is an exceptionally well-written collection of seven short stories that revolve around themes of marriage and relatio4.6⭐
Emergency by Kathleen Alcott is an exceptionally well-written collection of seven short stories that revolve around themes of marriage and relationships, friendship, regret, conscience and guilt, poverty and addiction, and ambition and compromise to name a few.
The title story, “Emergency” (4/5) revolves around a woman whose life post her divorce creates a ripple in her former circle of acquaintances. In “Worship” (4.5/5) we meet a woman who moves halfway across the country only to discover that there was a lot she did know about the man with whom she was about to begin a new life. A woman finds a photograph of her late mother in a compromising position on display in a museum exhibit that compels her to reflect on her own life and choices in Natural Light (5/5). “A World Without Men” (5/5) follows a couple, married for over forty years, as they are forced to take stock of their relationship while forced to shelter in place during the pandemic. In “Part of the Country” (4/5) we follow a woman who strikes out on her own as she contemplates ending her marriage. In Reputation Management (4.5/5) a young woman experiences a moral dilemma when torn between her professional commitment and personal accountability. We follow her as she is plagued by feelings of guilt and finds it increasingly difficult to remain detached when she learns of a tragedy that she feels could have been prevented. The final story in this collection, Temporary Housing (5/5), revolves around the complex feelings of nostalgia, guilt and despair our protagonist, now a successful adult, experiences as she reflects on the friends and the life she has behind.
The women in these stories are flawed and real and the situations they find themselves in are believable and relatable as are their reactions. Not all of these characters might come across as particularly likable (some will find it easy to judge them) and while we may find some of their choices questionable and express disbelief at the poor judgment they exhibit in crucial moments, the author provides enough insight to allow us to attempt to understand them and their motivations. The tone of these stories varies between reflective, melancholic and defiant with a few moments of dry humor peppered in between.
Do not mistake these stories to be easy or light reading. Despite the length of these stories, the author achieves a level of depth to these characters and the storylines that I could not believe could be possible in a short story format. Each of these stories is thought-provoking, insightful and intense. Exquisite prose, complex characters and the varied themes that are explored make for an absorbing read.
My favorite quote: “We’re born knowing everything, which is why we wail. We begin to forget, which is how we can stop. And here’s the thing: here’s the thing: here’s the strangest, loving thing, which helps until it doesn’t, which is kind until it’s wicked: At the end of your life, you’ve forgotten the most.” (Temporary Housing)
Many thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The book is due to be released on July 18, 2023.
After the Funeral and Other Stories by Tessa Hadley is a remarkable collection of short stories that examines everyday relationships both in their
4.5⭐
After the Funeral and Other Stories by Tessa Hadley is a remarkable collection of short stories that examines everyday relationships both in their simplicity and in their complexity. Revolving around themes of family, friendship, marriage and relationships, these stories examine human behavior and how one copes with shifting dynamics in close relationships impacting their priorities, self-perception and worldview.
The author writes with insight, compassion and great emotional depth. After the Funeral (4.5) follows nine-year-old Charlotte in the years following her father’s demise wherein she takes it upon herself to hold her family together. In Dido’s Lament (5), a chance meeting between former spouses triggers moments of fond memories, regrets and hidden resentments. After their mother is hospitalized after a fall, three sisters return to their childhood home triggering a cascade of memories in The Bunty Club.(4)
On the day of her mother’s wedding to a much younger man, a surprising series of events reveals a more complicated dynamic between the mother, her husband-to-be and her adult daughter in My Mother’s Wedding (4.5). Funny Little Snake(5) revolves around the complicated relationship between a recently married young woman and her stepdaughter. In Men(4), two estranged sisters, see each for the first time in fifteen years but find that some distances are too hard to traverse.
In Cecilia Awakened(5) a perceptive teenager learns a life lesson when she begins to see her family members and herself as distinct individuals with their own set of flaws and shortcomings vis a vis what they project to the outside world and each other, while on vacation.Old Friends (5) follows an affair between a married woman and her husband’s close friend and how it is impacted by a shocking tragedy. In Children at Chess(5), a middle-aged man is shaken when learns of his older sister’s ill health and impending demise.
A middle-aged woman meets a woman who had a scandalous connection to her late father, dredging up painful memories in The Other One (4). In Mia(4), a young woman meets an affluent, seemingly happy woman on a private catering gig but soon realizes that having everything might not necessarily ensure happiness. Set during the pandemic, a middle-aged woman caring for her elderly mother finds herself drawn to her elderly neighbor’s caregiver in Coda(4).
The stories vary in length, setting and tone. Though the writing is crisp with no excesses, the characters are exceptionally well-fleshed out and the author is diligent in her attention to detail while establishing the setting for each of the stories. Overall, I found this collection to be a through-provoking read that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven short stories. This is my first time reading this author and I look forward to exploring more of Tessa Hadley’s work.
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for the digital review copy and the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
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