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Showing posts with label Fiction: Short Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiction: Short Stories. Show all posts

Monday, October 29, 2018

Meghan O'Neill Returns to Laud Jendi Reiter's New Book of Short Stories



Author: Jendi Reiter
Title: An Incomplete List of My Wishes
Genre: Literary short story collection
Publisher: Sunshot Press
ISBN: 9781944977207


Reviewed by Meghan O'Neill for Mom Egg Review


Jendi Reiter’s debut short story collection, An Incomplete List of My Wishes, is an example in tension. The push and pull of one’s own sexuality, family relationships or friends and enemies, but most poignantly the tension between what is said and not said.

“Taking advantage of what she now knew to be her invisibility, her inconsequential being, Carla wove among the clusters of cocktail drinkers…” (88).

The characters in each of Reiter’s stories are united in their own perceived inconsequence. It is the reader who draws the through-line, who sees the need or misunderstandings in each, who wants to yell, “you are not alone!” in the hopes it will make it all better. But it doesn’t. Reiter isn’t pulling any punches, the direct and uncompromising tone of the writing doesn’t allow any room to make it all better. You must see life as it is.

“When your mother was dying, you’d hide at Mira’s house in the dark winter afternoons…” (122).

or

“The day begins with a dead baby.” (68).

Each story in this collection is its own entity, so much so that many have won prizes from journals like The Iowa Review, New Letters, Bayou Magazine and American Fiction. They span a wide range of perspectives and settings, everything from a reminiscing World War II solider in “Waiting for the Train to Fort Devens, June 17, 1943” to a grieving suburban business woman in “Taking Down the Pear Tree”.

Although Reiter is the editor of the online resource WinningWriters.com and the author of the novel Two Natures (which won the Rainbow Award for Best Gay Contemporary Fiction), you get a glimpse of Reiter as the award-winning poet through the lyrical prose of some of the more playfully structured stories, such as “Memories of the Snow Queen”,

“Around the bit of mirror, the bit his body hadn’t made but was fast disappearing into his tissues, the white blood cells rushed in, clumping like snowflakes, turning to ice. Plates of ice like a white knight’s armor, floors and rooms of ice spreading a ballroom over black water…” (104).

In some ways, this short story collection is the product of a wonderful mixing of novelist and poet. For each of Jendi Reiter’s stories, the tension is expertly built but never released. By exposing the fraught nature of different relationships, the reader must sit in their own discomfort, wondering about the things never said.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jendi Reiter is the Editor of WinningWriters.com, a Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers. She just released this new short story collection and is also the author of the novel Two Natures (Saddle Road Press). A review is available on this blog. Use the search engine box at the top of each post window. It was the winner of the Rainbow and Book Excellence Awards and a finalist in the National Indie Excellence. See the book trailer at http://bit.ly/twonaturestrailer. The Midwest Book Review called said, "Intense revelations about what it means to be both Christian and gay...a powerful saga." 

"Things are not what they appear to be: nor are they otherwise."
Surangama Sutra
MORE ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Meghan O'Neill reviews in several places including Mom Egg Review (http://momeggreview.com) among others. The author found her by surfing this blog.  See her quotation on using The New Book Review as a resource near the masthead of this blog. 

Meghan O'Neill Returns to Laud Jendi Reiter's New Book of Short Stories

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Midwest's Diane Donovan Reviews Jendi Reiter's "Wishes."

Title: An Incomplete List of My Wishes
Author: Jendi Reiter
Genre: Literary Fiction - Short Story Collection
Author website: http://www.jendireiter.com/
ISBN: 9781944977207


Reviewed by Diane Donovan originally for Midwest Book Review

An Incomplete List of My Wishes provides social inspections in short stories that are astute windows into society's secrets, prejudices, double standards, and individual purpose. In the course of short pieces that examine relationships and reactions to life's biggest challenges, these works offer tightly-written, engrossing inspections that are as diverse in nature as they are connected by the unifying theme of plucking elements of humanity from inhuman conditions and fiery reactions. 

Many of these works have won prizes and publication by prestigious literary journals. Their stand-alone nature lends nicely to this pursuit, but when compiled as a whole under one cover, their impact is even greater. 

Take the short story 'Five Assignments and a Mistake', for example. The piece opens with a bang ("The day begins with a dead baby.") that makes it impossible to put down, but events turn far from the compelling opener as readers learn about a college psychology student's assignment to watch a child being wrested from its mother as she pursues a degree in social work. 

The protocols she's absorbing to handle clinical emergencies are actually the same lessons Laura Sue will need to make it through life, ministering to people who could turn violent, bleed, or bite. Riding shotgun with a woman from the city's Child Protection Department provides Laura Sue with a perspective that uniquely defines the world and sets the path for her involvement in it: one that deftly contrasts reality with the possibility of a different kind of discovery about life forces ("The day begins with dark hands...in her sleep, alone, she can lift off again into the oh of discovery: how the buzzing in her limbs subsided, for the first time ever, and she was vast and powerful as a sheet. She was wind. She could lie on the ocean and nothing would stir."). 

Laura Sue has evolved to be a student, a thief, a sexual tease to her boyfriend, and a mama's girl who has learned her lessons far too well. She sports a diamond engagement ring, but the engagement dialogue in her heart is another matter. 

Like the other observational vignettes in this collection, Jendi Reiter offers no easy conclusion. The "incomplete list" slices pieces from lives that, themselves, are works in progress as yet purposeful and undeveloped, offering inspections that cement the notion of lives led in a whirlwind of self-inspection and social challenge. 

The result is a vivid literary and psychological collection especially recommended for those who like their stories passionate yet observational, their psychological depths presented in sips rather than explosions of flavor, and their stories nicely imbedded with social and spiritual reflection alike. 

An Incomplete List of My Wishes offers the kinds of inspections that leave readers thinking far beyond the curtain call of quiet dramas in lives lived on the edge of self-realization and social engagement. 

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jendi Reiter is author of the novel Two Natures (Saddle Road Press), a Rainbow Award winner and finalists at Book Excellence Award and National Indie. See the book trailer at http://bit.ly/twonaturestrailer. Midwest Book Reviews called it "Intense revelations about what it means to be both Christian and gay...a powerful saga"  Jendi is also editor of WinningWriters.com, a Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers. "

"Things are not what they appear to be: nor are they otherwise."  Surangama Sutra
Midwest's Diane Donovan Reviews Jendi Reiter's "Wishes."


MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG AND GETTING REVIEWS

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Social Networking Reviewer Gives Short Story Five Stars

Title:  First Kisses: A Short Story
Author: Dina Littner
Genre:  Literature & Fiction, 30 minutes (12-21 pages), Teen & Young Adult, Genre Fiction, Coming of Age
ASIN #:   B0175KVX80
Reviewer's Rating: 5 star
Where people can purchase the book


Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads
Rating: Five Star


What an amazingly sweet story! The innocence of youth and wonderment of what a first kiss would be like. You're nervous about it, excited, scared and filed with all sorts of anticipation. WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE? 

Dina Littner wrote this delightful short story and did a fantastic job. She captured the feelings perfectly, blend in the trio of best friends and what better ways to have your first kiss than by one you trust? 
I SO look forward to reading more of Dina's work. I actually look forward to reading more about these characters too!


MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dina Littner connections:

ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Tracey Quintin connections:
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19886187-tracey-quintin

MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG

 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ) that covers 325 jam-packed pages covering everithing from Amazon vine to writing reviews for profit and promotion. Reviewers will have a special interest in the chapter on how to make reviewing pay, either as way to market their own books or as a career path--ethically!

This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Short Story Collection Called "Enchanting"



Title: The Quest - A Collection of Short Stories
Author: Yannis Kyrlis
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
ISBN 9781786932099 (Paperback); ISBN 9781786932105 (Hardback)ISBN 9781786932112 (eBook) 
Purchase from Amazon 
About the book and reviewers' ratings:

I wish I had written this book! However, I have been so lucky to indulge myself reading the manuscript in Greek and to be so deeply involved in the text, that I decided to translate it into English. I was enchanted by the depth and the richness of diverse meanings, the dream-tinged, surreal and weird writing style. Every time I read the story “THE THREAT” it blows my mind. Any time I read it again, I want to cry and laugh at the same time, excited about its imperceptible irony. 

Although his every story is surprisingly different from the others, they are all immersed into a dreamy atmosphere. In a conversation with the author, Yannis Kyrlis, I asked him about the role of dreams in his writings and I was touched by his reference to our inner scriptwriter, whom we often ignore, but who has something to tell us. The writer’s use of dreamy imagery initiates the reader into this surrealist scriptwriter and self-knowledge.
The book covers a wide range of situations and feelings, from lack of awareness and conscience, to despair and remorse, from a child’s innocence to the lack of personal responsibility and the psychology of the mass, since in many cases a crowd is similar to a herd of animals (this is the subject of the short stories “THE QUEST” and “THE COURSE OF A CRISIS”). 
The author has not given names to the heroes of his stories (most of the time), emphasizing the timeless nature of human behaviours and emotions. The hero of the short story “THE QUEST” is in pursuit of his internal integration through self-knowledge. In “THE LITTLE GIRL WITH CLOTH LEGGS”, the path towards the hero’s internal integration passes through the restoration of harmony and balance between the two parts of a human being, the male and the female energy. The little girl with cloth legs symbolises a man’s undeveloped female energy (compassion, empathy…)  
Twelve strangely brilliant stories: The more I read and go deeper into them, the more I get enchanted by them.




ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Author and artist of painting Maria Georgala was born in Greece. She studied Philosophy and Archaeology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Yoga of Bihar Yoga Bharati system. Her art has been exhibited in Greece and Germany. She also contributes to Greek magazines in Athens, Duesseldorf and Chicago. Her work as an author includes fiction, plays, screenplays and children’s literature. Learn more about her at: 

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND BOOK 
Purchase from Amazon 
About the book and reviewers' ratings: 


MORE ABOUT THIS BLOG



 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is her most recent How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically (http://bit.ly/GreatBkReviews ). This blog is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Romantic Stories Perfect Gift

Letterbox Love Stories
Authors: Jenny Twist, Lindsay Townsend, Cara Marsi, Marie Laval, Gemma Juliana, Helena Fairfax, Denyse Bridger, Rose Anderson, and Lynn Crain. 
Genre: Romance, anthology
ASIN: B01HJ41MKQ
Buy Link: myBook.to/LLS



Reviewed by Lynnette Sofras for Manic Scribbler



 Since I was already familiar with some of the authors featured in this anthology, I knew I could look forward to an entertaining read when I received this book, and I’m glad to say I wasn’t wrong.  It’s a diverse collection of stories ranging across genres, place and time and thematically linked by the arrival of a letter bringing unexpected news and adventures – what a great idea. 

There are too many to mention in one review, so I’ll just select the three most memorable.  Madeline Archer is a new author to me and her sweet historical fantasy ‘More than Wishes’ immediately transported me back to the childhood delights of first discovering the stories of the Arabian Nights. I found this story of sibling love and rivalry between twin Djin princes nothing short of enchanting.

Lindsay Townsend writes the most convincing and delightful historical fiction I’ve read in many years and her story set in mediaeval England, did not let me down.  This author has an assured sense of time and place and creates highly believable characters with very real struggles.  ‘Plain Harry’ is a compelling love story – faultless, different, and very satisfying.

Jenny Twist is one of my favourite modern authors, so I’m always eager to read anything new from her and ‘Minstrel Boy’ is one of the most powerfully evocative short stories I’ve read from her.  It concerns an idealistic young soldier-musician who goes off to fight for Spain in the Civil War, and the rather wonderful, feisty Rosa – a young Spanish woman who saves his life and steals his heart.  Beautifully told.  I want to read Rosa’s story and hope Ms Twist decides to write it. 

I could say much more about these stories.  They all demonstrate a very high standard of craftsmanship and I defy any reader not to find something they will love in this collection.  Each one is a substantial read, making the collection excellent value, and one I highly recommend.




ABOUT THE NEW BOOK REVIEW

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Reviewer Wants More from LGBT Short Fiction Writer

Title:  Made in the Stars
Author: Jim Proctor
Genre:  Literature & Fiction, Short Reads, Lesbian Fiction, LGBT
ISBN #:   B00IFR1AOK
Reviewer's Rating: 4 star

Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads

First time I've read not only work from this Author but also this genre. It was a light, enjoyable, quick read.

Who doesn't want to find their life mate? Some are searching, some of us have found. How fun and cool would it be if this could be done in this futuristic way? Heck, everything futuristic in this short story would be cool!

I am very picky with books I read and want a fine balance between dialogue and details / descriptions. For that reason I rate this 4 stars. I found myself wanting more detail and wondering what some things were.

If you want a sci-fi romance that's fun and lighthearted, yet don't need great detail, I recommend you read!

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jim Proctor connections:

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Interview: Award-Winning Journalist Covers Fiction, Too!

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Ginny Fite.

Ginny Fite is an award-winning journalist who has covered crime, politics, government, healthcare, art and all things human. She has been a spokesperson for a governor, member of Congress, a few colleges and universities, and a robotics R&D company. She has degrees from Rutgers University and Johns Hopkins University and studied at the School for Women Healers and the Maryland Poetry Therapy Institute. She is the author of I Should Be Dead by Now, a collection of humorous lamentations about aging, three books of poetry: The Last Thousand YearsThe Pearl Fisher, Throwing Caution; and a short story collection, What Goes Around.  Cromwell’s Folly is her first novel. Its sequel, No Good Deed Left Undone is due for release in 2016 She resides in Harpers Ferry, WV.
  1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Fiction/murder mysteries
  2. What made you want to be a writer?  I like to read.
  3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Alexander Dumas and Jane Austen as a teenager; right now Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See. Each writer teaches me something new about how to tell a story.
  4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I'm a hybrid seat-of-the-pants planner. I begin where the story tells me to, typing as fast as I can to keep up, and when the plot gets complicated, I start making a timeline that spans the entire framework of the novel. The timeline isn't a cage. The story can escape from it at any time, but it does help me to see where I'm going.
  5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I write every day, including weekends; in the morning for as long as it's productive, so sometimes for four hours, sometimes longer. I don't count words or pages.
  6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is critical to good writing. The more you read, the more you discover about your craft. But it's also simply pleasurable. Good brain food.
  7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Read everything. Write down lines when they come. A good line can zoom by like a ping pong ball in a vacuum.  Don't be in a hurry; writing is a long process and it's okay if your first draft is a mess. Get in a writers group that meets weekly and let other writers hold you accountable.
  8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? I'm still praying for a book maven to promote my novel so I can reach that all-critical tipping point!
  9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent?  Sometimes conferences are beneficial, depending on who is speaking. I recently went to the F. Scott Fitzgerald Writers Conference in October and was inspired by the presenters; two of whom were Pulitzer Prize winners.
  10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My novel, Cromwell's Folly, is on Amazon, B&N, and wherever books are sold. In my local indie book store, Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, it is one of the store's "best sellers" and shares a shelf with The Martian and All the Light We Cannot See, to my knee-buckling astonishment. My next signing event is on Dec. 12th at the Christmas Market in Charles Town, WV from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.ginnyfite.com  Fite Events Facebook  Different Strokes for Different Folks Blog Talk Radio Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/ginny-fite/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency
A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com


IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.




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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Several Contest Winners Collected in Best New Writing Anthology, 2014

Best New Writing of 2015
In the Best New Writing series
Edited by Christopher Klim
Published by Hope Publishing, http://hopepubs.com
Available on Amazon as paperback or e-book

By your New Book Review Blogger.

The winners of the Eric Hoffer Award and the Gover Prize (and finalists in both) were just published in Best New Writing of 2015 and, yes, one of my short stories is in it. Therefore this isn't a review because that would be a conflict of interest. Still this lovely paperback (it's also available as an e-book), is something I thought New Book Review visitors--whether readers, authors, or reviewers--would want to know about.   

For submission and nominating guidelines for your book go to http://www.BestNewWriting.com. Editors are Christopher Klim, Matt Ryan, Christopher Helvey, Brittany Fonte, Danielle Evannou, Tim Waldron. Robert Gover is Editor Emeritus. 

Winner of the Hoffer award is Ronit Feinglass Plank. Winner of the Gover is Gary Powell. 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Short Fiction Anthology Shared by Writers Drawer

 

Title:A Certain Kind of Freedom: Stories and Poems from The Writer's Drawer
Compiler and Editor: Beryl Belsky
Editor's Website Link: http://www.thewritersdrawer.net/
Genre: anthology (short fiction, “stories from life,” and poetry)
Publisher: CreateSpace
No. of Pages: 182
ISBN: 978-1492890317
Reviewer: Lenora at Author Ingrid Hall  and subsequently at Amazon
 
This compact collection brings together 30 or so new writers of all ages and abilities from all over the world.  The book is divided into short fiction, essays and poetry, and the common link is The Writer’s Drawer website rather than subject matter.  Belsky’s stated aim is to present not only stories of literary merit, but also those that provide cultural insight into the writer’s own countries.
I was lucky enough to be given a paperback copy of this collection to review.  Initially I dipped into it, beginning with a few of the poems.  I was immediately impressed by the poetry of Jane Tarlo, ‘Debris’ and ‘It’ were both haunting and perceptive poems that stayed with me long after I had read them.
From there I began at the beginning and found it very hard to put the book down.  Almost all of the stories, essays and poems are of a high standard, clearly some stood out more than others.  The title story ‘A Certain Kind of Freedom’ by Susan Rodgers was an outstanding piece of writing.  A young couple embark on a kayaking trip on a beautiful, yet cursed, coastline. The landscape perhaps reflects Kate and Ryan’s passionate but ultimately doomed relationship, while an impending sense of tragedy quickly unfolds.
‘The Villager Who Dared the Spirits’ by D. Othniel Forte, the tale of a lazy and foolish villager who mocked the woodland spirits and paid the price for his pride is told in a charming folklore style.  The ‘Cry of the Fish Eagle’ by Leandre Grobler  presents the tragic clash between an ancient indigenous/aboriginal culture and modern ‘civilization’ when the last remaining Khoisan couple find refuge in an Eden-like valley, only to be pursued by well-meaning but misguided academics.  Perhaps the bigger lesson in this story is that modern ‘civilized’ society cannot be forgiven for its disregard of more traditional ways of life.  Of the other stories, I enjoyed the Noire-ish and conspiracy theorist tale ‘Nuked’ by Robert Walton and the time travel fantasy ‘Immortal Beloved’ by Tyger Schonholzer.
In the essays section, I loved ‘All the Cats in the World’ by Mina Sephri, writing of her and her family’s love of cats set against the backdrop of revolutionary Iran.  There is a bittersweet poignancy in the final message of this story.  Aside from some very poignant and touching writing, the collection also contains some very pithy personal essays – I found myself wholeheartedly agreeing with Vincent Quek in his essay ‘Punctuality is the Politeness of Kings’.  My other favourite in this section was ‘The Smoke Bird’ by Bryan Clark, a beautiful story about an aboriginal mystic and how the dead can still watch over the living.
All in all, barring a couple of pieces that jarred with the overall quality of this collection, Beryl Belsky has selected an engaging and at times highly moving collection of writing.  Credit must be given to her undoubted skills as an editor, despite the challenges of editing works from writers of many nationalities who may not have English as a first language, Belsky’s collection is extremely polished and eminently readable.  I would recommend this book both as a cover-to-cover read, and for dipping into.  I certainly won’t be giving Ingrid [Author Ingrid Hall – BB] my copy back (sorry Ingrid) as I will definitely be re-reading many of these works.  Beryl Belsky has expressed the hope that this will be the first in a collection of books based on works from The Writer’s Drawer and I certainly hope she achieves this aim.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
Beryl Belsky is an academic editor and writer, and owner and operator of the free, intercultural, literary website The Writer's Drawer (www.thewritersdrawer.net). She launched the website in early 2012 as a showcase for "shy," or drawer, writers to post their work. Since Beryl also offers free editing support for submissions, the site attracts writers from all over the world, many of them non-native English speakers.


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Gabrielle Bryden



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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.