Fiction, 2007

Short story collection, in which a number of situations, often domestic and reflective in nature, are played out with well sketched, believable characters. There’s quite a variety in this collection, and while the stories often drift into the realms of the daft and the surreal, there is, nonetheless, a good deal of feeling and emotion within the pages. Some tricks, some ideas and some twists make, overall, for a rewarding and entertaining read. A good deal of the stories hinge on everyday thoughts and relationships, and while there’s often no great crescendo or battles, there’s a good deal of empathy and wonder. One or two very sad, poignant tales into the bargain.