Reviews

A super collection of short stories by an author I have grown to trust. Each of these short stories is full of character and detail. I'm not a lover of short stories usually because many times I never get a chance to engage with a character. Here I did. There was not one story that missed the mark. But, if you are looking for joy and light, then you will not find it here. these stories cover marriages where there is no happiness, child abuse, misogyny and the characters are real. I can recognise them, their simple lives that are full of longing and in some cases misery. The emotion in these stories is raw at times as the plot unfold with silences between the character, with gestures and conversation. Add into this mix, symbolism and folk lore. If I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be Walk the Blue Fields which about a priest who reflects on his memories and his choices while officiating at a wedding where he observes the bride struggling through the ceremony. After the wedding, he walks through blue fields looking for answers. But the others are just as wonderful. The Parting Gift is an emotional read about a young girl about to leave for America, about to leave a home that has not been safe. Wonderful stories, real characters and the landscape that unfolds before your eyes. Loved it.

anaabo's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

3.5

shksprsis's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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