Sunday, October 27, 2024

From the Beginning to the End by Henry Lewi

 


Sure, there are beginnings and ends and there is all the stuff that happens in the middle.

Begin with the Big Bang and end with a distant trumpet call; understand how to send a cheese sandwich into the future, have the origin of the universe explained, and find out how to achieve immortality; and finally add in a splash of espionage. Enjoy the mix.

Henri Lewi packs a universe into a small space in his thought-provoking From the Beginning to the End.

 

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Enjoyed reading this book of short stories; all entertaining, some more quirky than others, many are thought provoking and interesting. "Immortality - is it really forever" and "A crossword Clue", like many of the others, are full of interesting details, facts and curios.. a lot of fun to read. Nicely differing lengths, themes, timespans, and genres this unique collection of stories makes for a fun and diverse read.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Blood and Electricity by Steven John

 

 

We took an excursion around the sun again this year, five hundred million miles back to where we started.’ From A Brief History of Time in Our House, a story in this collection.

There are no UFOs or extra-terrestrials in this first collection of short stories and flash fiction by Steven John. Blood and Electricity is about the vital currents that flow through and around us, powering our lonely orbits of life. We are all bright stars that appear close to one another when viewed with the naked eye, but the truth is, we’re separated by incomprehensible distances. 

RRP Paperback £7.50 / Kindle £2.30

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A hidden gem

Steven John is a master of short fiction and this collection does not disappoint. Heartfelt, poignant, sensitive and beautifully crafted, these stories are fascinating snapshots that are engaging from start to finish. If you enjoy excellent writing and story-telling, I highly recommend. 
 
Each piece beautifully written by Steven John, rich with detail and emotion. Always interesting and thought-provoking and kept me turning pages for the next story in this gorgeous collection. Can't wait for more.
 
Steven John's stories use everyday detail to reveal truths about life and growing up and relationships. They are warm and sometimes sad in their familiarity. I particularly liked the descriptions in "The Lake," and my favourite protagonists were in "The Composer's Tall Trees" and "Paunch Porsche Pooch." I highly recommend "Fashion in Men's Footwear, Late 20th Century" and "Blueberry Muffins" as well. All around a testament to the power of the short story to reflect our lives.
 
 
Listen to one of the stories 

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Beside Another Sea by David Lythgoe

 

These poems are inspired by David Lythgoe’s world-wide travels, the natural world, our place in the universe, and a (still) developing love of being alive. The poems follow a sequence in which each poem has a connection, sometimes tenuous, with those immediately before and behind. Consequently, you may find here juxtapositions where pathos is followed by unexpected joy, spirituality is intertwined with humour and mundane life engages with the cosmos.

David Lythgoe will certainly invite you to look again at nature in Beside Another Sea, his fourth book of poetry.

“I like the way it evokes the past … and yet connects with the present … at the same time containing an element of lightness – even of joking – which is entertaining to the reader.”
Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate emeritus

“David has won awards for his writing and … he unearths feelings as much as facts … his background enables him to merge a travelogue with classical literary, and scientific linguistic devices. In short this collection is a selection of gems to hold, to treasure and to reflect upon. The cliché would be to say, ‘enjoy’. This you will do, but expect also to be moved, perhaps to weep, to sigh, to laugh but, above all, to be grateful for such gifts, skill and insight that have been shared.”
Revd. Dr Andrew Pratt

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I don't usually read poetry, but I was given this book by a friend, and read it on the train journey home. The book is full of such a variety of themes. I particularly liked First Date. Who knew you could say so much in only 3 verses! I also liked Meditation about losing yourself when playing piano. Probably my favourite, is Grief, written, I imagine, by someone who's experienced the loss of the love of his life. Yet David Lythgoe has intertwined the sadness with positive advice. I'll put it in my 'Dying Tidily' file - but hope that won't be needed for a while.
 
 

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Something Very Human by Hannah Retallick

 


This collection takes the reader on a journey through life, from the innocence of young voices to the reflections of those seeking meaning as they look back at the paths they've taken.

Each story captures the very essence of being human. The characters tackle everyday challenges, face inner struggles, navigate familial relationships and friendships, fall in love and out of love, process grief, and reflect on the beautiful fragility of it all.

Something Very Human is the debut short story collection from award-winning writer, Hannah Retallick.

RRP Paperback £ 8.50

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I love Hannah’s writing styles. Each story is self-contained, but together they provide a wonderful journey through the diversity of life. It’s not just one voice or style at different ages, it’s different voices and styles.

Retallick’s stories are imbued with a wealth of experiences and emotions – exploring friendships, love, loss and longing, and the eternal search for connection. But there is humour and hope at their heart, and this warmth shines through. Our lives may be woven from what appears to be fragile thread, but this is a writer who understands the real resilience of the human heart; she knows that “however many times you’ve been let down and however drenched you become, there are always reasons to sing.” A truly accomplished debut collection.
I loved this collection of short fiction and it was great to see the list of awards, prizes and placements that each has secured.
 

Four Books by Dawn Knox

 

 
This is an anthropomorphic romp guaranteed to cheer you up in these times of gloom and doom. 
 
 

Join Crispin, the Marble Elf, in Her Ladyship's secret, fantastical Garden, where Gnomes, Cockney Leprechauns, Cherubs, Trolls and Pole-Dancing Fairies live, love and laugh. But watch out for the Shed of No Return – the clue is in the name. And keep upwind of the begonias where Gusty Bob, the flatulent Toad is usually found. Oh, and don’t trip over the Wooden Robin; he’s likely to stop at short notice to pull up his socks.
                                                     


A boring post box. Five knitters. Can one woman convert a post box into a work of artistic genius?
 

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Are You an Alien? by Sam Banfield-Keller and Rosemary Banfield

  Makhosi is curious about aliens. She looks everywhere for them and she asks everyone she meets if they are aliens. She gets to know ma...