traditionson's review
5.0
Initially received a free copy for honest review but loved it so much that I bought my own. If that is not enough to convince you then... oh well, read on.
I love the series in general and the way the books are written makes you wonder what is going on in the either above us. Are we really here or are we in one of Quince's lives trying to get enough experience. Meet Quince, completely this time, see more of his inner workings, the world he inhabits and Bob. The soul with more within him than most and an itching desire to learn more about the afterlife and what happens after these poor souls become more intact. Follow the chaos that ensues between Quince, Bob and Silverlight the mistress of the forges. See more of the world and the life before life.
Also enjoy some short stories that are quick, easy to read, enjoyable and will leave you thinking about long after you have finished them.
I love the series in general and the way the books are written makes you wonder what is going on in the either above us. Are we really here or are we in one of Quince's lives trying to get enough experience. Meet Quince, completely this time, see more of his inner workings, the world he inhabits and Bob. The soul with more within him than most and an itching desire to learn more about the afterlife and what happens after these poor souls become more intact. Follow the chaos that ensues between Quince, Bob and Silverlight the mistress of the forges. See more of the world and the life before life.
Also enjoy some short stories that are quick, easy to read, enjoyable and will leave you thinking about long after you have finished them.
stephbookshine's review
5.0
Jamie Brindle writes huge ideas in tiny stories.
His writing style is beautifully crafted and whimsical; sometimes darkly bitter and sometimes sweetly light.
Each of the tiny stories in this collection stands alone and each one left me feeling pensive, contemplative, hopeful and satisfied.
The titular novella, Diminishing Returns is a slightly longer version of the author’s miniature tales. The characters and setting grab you immediately, and there is exciting action, driving an interesting plot, but again the main take-aways from the text are the feelings and thoughts invoked in the reader.
The sense that things may not be quite right, but they can be fixed, and if they can’t then maybe that’s ok too. The idea that our lives are bigger than our daily grind, and consist of a multitude of tiny moments and actions that contribute to a much bigger picture. The beauty in the small things.
Miraculously the author manages to explore these concepts (as well as the political, the religious/spiritual, the environmental and more) without sounding preachy or pedantic, but with a light, humourous touch that never forgets the entertainment aspect of story-spinning.
I wholly recommend this book to anyone looking for a short, easy read, full of wonder and meaning.
Most people spend their lives asking the wrong question, which is, “What happens after you die?” The right question is of course, “What are you going to do now that you are alive?” But that is a much bigger and scarier question, so most people generally just stick to the death one, and hope that life will sort itself out while they are busy worrying about something else.
– Jamie Brindle, Diminishing Returns
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/06/27/diminishing-returns-jamie-brindle/
His writing style is beautifully crafted and whimsical; sometimes darkly bitter and sometimes sweetly light.
Each of the tiny stories in this collection stands alone and each one left me feeling pensive, contemplative, hopeful and satisfied.
The titular novella, Diminishing Returns is a slightly longer version of the author’s miniature tales. The characters and setting grab you immediately, and there is exciting action, driving an interesting plot, but again the main take-aways from the text are the feelings and thoughts invoked in the reader.
The sense that things may not be quite right, but they can be fixed, and if they can’t then maybe that’s ok too. The idea that our lives are bigger than our daily grind, and consist of a multitude of tiny moments and actions that contribute to a much bigger picture. The beauty in the small things.
Miraculously the author manages to explore these concepts (as well as the political, the religious/spiritual, the environmental and more) without sounding preachy or pedantic, but with a light, humourous touch that never forgets the entertainment aspect of story-spinning.
I wholly recommend this book to anyone looking for a short, easy read, full of wonder and meaning.
Most people spend their lives asking the wrong question, which is, “What happens after you die?” The right question is of course, “What are you going to do now that you are alive?” But that is a much bigger and scarier question, so most people generally just stick to the death one, and hope that life will sort itself out while they are busy worrying about something else.
– Jamie Brindle, Diminishing Returns
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/06/27/diminishing-returns-jamie-brindle/
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