Penny Thomas is fiction editor with South Wales literary publisher Seren and publisher with children s press Firefly. An English graduate, journalist, and former Honno editor, she has worked with many top Welsh fiction writers. Stephanie Tillotson began in broadcasting, working for the BBC in television and radio. Since when she has worked extensively in theatre as a writer, director and performer. She is currently writing a PhD on theatre practice and is a huge supporter of new writing."
This collection of stories sweeps the reader to a place where the gossamer-thin divide between this world and whatever else is out there has dissolved. The dead have arrived and are spreading terror, revenge, or sometimes even comfort among those still inhabiting the corporeal realm. Reading these short stories, one is led through a maze of situations and emotions, with each writer bringing a different twist to this fascinating genre. In the wonderfully gothic I, King by Melanie Fritz, there is that always-terrifying thud as a door closes all by itself, seeking to trap hapless young Rhian in the rotting decadence of a mansion to succour the appetite of King. The romantic unknown pitted against the familiar but precious become the two forces wanting to claim Rhian. No warnings, written in blood or otherwise, will put her off seeking to give herself to King. How can her boyfriend compete with the ancient and elusive? There are stories of more kindly spirits, who actually comfort and sometimes even intend to help, such as the manically cheerful ghost who hovers at the cliff top where he/she committed suicide, waiting to give other, would-be suicides those all-important second thoughts. The View From Up Here by Carly Holmes brings a macabre humour to the actual reality of ending it all, and the ghosts delight in terrifying the would-be suicide in a series of aerial acrobatics touches on the sadistic. Though its a lesson worth thinking about those seconds plunging to the earth and the subsequent impact have to be lived through and perhaps regretted before oblivion is reached. Some of these stories are thoroughly grounded in present-day Wales while others take the reader to other countries and other centuries, such as The Girl in the Grass by Caroline Clark. This subtle story of quiet tragedy played out in the endlessly undulating grass of the American prairie has a salutary lesson for the protagonist. The mysterious appearance of a little girl stops Jo in his tracks as he gallops on his horse after his eloping daughter. Hes hell-bent on wreaking vengeance on his daughters suitor, but the little girl needs his help and he has to stop. Once again it is the reality of death and the moment of nudged thoughtfulness which bring calmer, more lucid thoughts to the surface. The Wish Dog is a collection of stories that bring a little frisson of terror and a touch of delicate delight in the other world that laps at the edges of our own. It is a showcase for the talent which flourishes in Wales, and an entirely enjoyable read. Lucy Walter It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
