"It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely." - Albert Einstein
Mary Katherine "Merricat" Blackwood is our guide — an unreliable"It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely." - Albert Einstein
Mary Katherine "Merricat" Blackwood is our guide — an unreliable narrator whose gaze casts the world in a strange light. She lives with her sister Constance and their Uncle Julian in a crumbling mansion perched above a hostile village: they are isolated, reclusive, and the last of their kin, clinging to the ruins of what once was.
I expected a horror story. What I found instead was something quieter, more haunting. These three souls are imprisoned not by ghosts, but by trauma and devotion. It’s a tale of isolation that both shelters and suffocates. Then a stranger arrives, and the balance tilts. I began to understand that their solitude was never indulgent — it was essential.
This slow-burn novella depicting an ill-fated family is achingly sad. The prose is lovely, and the story lingers like a half-remembered dream. I absolutely recommend it....more
"I have a theory that each man's life is like a pack of cards, and those we meet and sometimes love are shuffled with us."
Daphne du Maurier is one of "I have a theory that each man's life is like a pack of cards, and those we meet and sometimes love are shuffled with us."
Daphne du Maurier is one of my favorite authors. Her writing grips me so completely that I find myself holding my breath without realizing it. I stepped into her world of short stories with some trepidation, knowing that crafting a truly great short story is no easy feat. But du Maurier proves, once again, that whether the canvas is broad or brief, she reigns supreme as the queen of gothic suspense.
The Birds ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nat Hocken tends a farm in the south of England. Scarred by war, he builds a life of quiet routine. But this December there is change in the air. The birds gather, shriek, and swirl with a terrible purpose. Nat senses it: nature is no longer passive. It has a plan. Du Maurier's tale inspired Hitchcock, but hers is the more haunting vision. Spare, brutal, and unforgettable. Readers beware; this story doesn't just unsettle, it lingers…
Monte Verità ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A nameless narrator leads us on a breathtaking climb, both literal and emotional, as he and his closest friend Victor navigate a lifetime of profound love, aching loss, and the haunting allure of a mountain keep that defies entry and explanation. It's a place that holds the secrets of the universe, and perhaps something more... If you read just one story from this collection, make it Monte Verità.
The Apple Tree ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This story blends gothic atmosphere with a touch of magical realism. It's eerie, clever, and oddly satisfying. I didn't expect to cheer for nature — but I did. Apple tart, anyone? ...more
"You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore." ― William Faulkner
Counting Miracles begins like a gentle drift do"You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore." ― William Faulkner
Counting Miracles begins like a gentle drift down a sunlit river—fingers trailing in the water and not a care in the world. For much of the novel, I followed three distinct lives: Tanner, a former Delta Force soldier searching for his identity; Kaitlyn, a single mom and doctor who is stretched thin; and Jasper, a reclusive man who is judged by his scars but is blessed with a quiet wisdom.
Their paths converge in unexpected ways, and in the final sixty-three pages, I found myself swept into a vortex of emotion that I hadn’t anticipated.
Though the blurb doesn't mention it, this is unmistakably Christian fiction. If you're looking for a story that blends emotional depth, faith, and healing, this one might be for you.
"He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." ~ Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
From the moment I met the fla"He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." ~ Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
From the moment I met the flawed and completely lovable characters in Broken Country, I knew I wouldn't come out of this experience unscathed. Each character's humanity was vividly portrayed, showcasing their happiest moments, darkest hours, and the choices they made—both good and questionable. The narrative felt raw and incredibly real. I imagined myself as a shadow in a corner, watching their story unfold and hoping for a positive outcome because I loved them all: Beth, Frank, Gabriel, and the rest.
Was the plot unpredictable and shocking? For the most part, no, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment one bit. Hattie Morahan narrated the audiobook version, and her expert delivery was impressive.
Broken Country is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and utterly captivating tale. I approached this book knowing very little beyond the blurb, so I'll keep this review spoiler-free, hoping that if you get a chance to read it, you will love it, too. It was a perfect escape....more
"Perhaps all life was like that—dull and then a heroic flurry at the end."
The Power and the Glory, set in 1930s Mexico during a period of state perse"Perhaps all life was like that—dull and then a heroic flurry at the end."
The Power and the Glory, set in 1930s Mexico during a period of state persecution against the Catholic Church, follows a whisky priest on the run and a police lieutenant who vows to rid his small corner of the world of its clergy. Their paths, fraught with danger and moral dilemmas, intersect with a group of unfortunate characters, each of whom profoundly impacts the fate of both men.
Mr. Tench was the whisky priest's first encounter at a port where they both searched for their own version of freedom.
"A few vultures looked down from the roof with shabby indifference: he wasn’t carrion yet."
A dentist by trade, Mr. Tench, had come to Mexico from England nearly twenty years earlier and found the country to be a bit like the Hotel California — he'd checked out long ago but could never leave. As the doleful dentist and the camouflaged cleric share a glass of bootlegged brandy while waiting for a boat, fate intervenes and pulls the padre back into the bowels of a country from which he was not likely to escape.
"There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in. We should be thankful we cannot see the horrors and degradations lying around our childhood, in cupboards and bookshelves, everywhere."
This was not a story to be rushed. I found myself reflecting on how prejudice can cloud our vision. Life is vast, and we limit ourselves when we close our hearts to other perspectives. Some passages halted my reading, leaving me to gaze into the distance as I basked in their brilliance. The narrative was a potent exploration of darkness, with occasional rays of hope to light the way.
The praise I've seen for this book is well deserved. The elegant writing alone makes it a five-star winner....more
"Coincidence and intention are two sides of a tapestry, my lord. You may find one more agreeable to look at, but you cannot say one is true and the ot"Coincidence and intention are two sides of a tapestry, my lord. You may find one more agreeable to look at, but you cannot say one is true and the other is false."
And so I entered the world of Fuwaad ibn Abbas, a merchant from Baghdad, who by coincidence (or intention) stumbles upon a wondrous metalsmith’s shop. Bashaarat, the store owner, cordially greets Fuwaad. As he peruses the fascinating items on display, the craftsman casually mentions that he has something even more fantastic in the next room. Would Fuwaad like to see this extraordinary object? He wondered.
"Of course he would!" I exclaimed. "Take us to see this magical marvel at once!" My anticipation was electric, sparking like a molten blade in the process of being forged.
The clanging of metalwork faded into the background as Bashaarat spoke of his discovery — a gateway of seconds. He then stepped up to a metal hoop positioned chest-high in the middle of the room and gave a demonstration.
“Bashaarat thrust his arm through the hoop from the right side, but it did not extend out from the left. Instead, it was as if his arm were severed at the elbow, and he waved the stump up and down, and then pulled his arm out intact. I had not expected to see such a learned man perform a conjuror's trick, but it was well done, and I applauded politely. "Now wait a moment," he said as he took a step back. I waited, and behold, an arm reached out of the hoop from its left side, without a body to hold it up. The sleeve it wore matched Bashaarat's robe. The arm waved up and down, and then retreated through the hoop until it was gone”
Fuwaad and I were both skeptical, but our curiosity was piqued, and we were eager to unravel this mystery.
The metalsmith shared with the merchant that there was more.
How could there be more? I pondered as I hurried after the two men as they entered another chamber. A large, polished metal circle waited silently — a gateway of years…
This is the best short story I’ve read this year! The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate is a brilliant tale that left me mesmerized. Take an hour to visit Bashaarat’s emporium. You’ll be glad you did.
Many thanks to my Goodreads friends for pointing the way to this terrific tale. It’s free to read HERE....more
Personal experiences tend to skew a person’s view of the world. The Perspective of the Constellation opens a doorwa“For the truth and the path to it.”
Personal experiences tend to skew a person’s view of the world. The Perspective of the Constellation opens a doorway to a broader viewpoint that, once meditated upon, could perhaps bring more meaning to everyday life, restoring a sense of self and guiding individuals toward healing.
1709 What, What is the dark Soft fold of sadness? Not knowing what’s Finished and What’s begun —
Sun sets and rises As constellations Pasted into the deep Mystery are Lit by the source, Power, Unfolding light Stretched Between 2 palms, Pulled Towards the potential, The core of it All.
Ms. Slater’s previous works have consistently and engagingly explored a theme of Mother Earth and the four elements. This volume continues that narrative thread as it delves into the vastness of space and time, reminding us that, ultimately, we are made from star stuff…
The Perspective of the Constellation is a well-done collection I highly recommend!...more
"Her will, like the veil strung to her bonnet, flutters in every breeze; always there is the desire urging, always the convention restraining."
Most o"Her will, like the veil strung to her bonnet, flutters in every breeze; always there is the desire urging, always the convention restraining."
Most of us, at one time or another, have wished for some elusive ‘thing’ that we believed would make our lives complete, but Emma Rouault has turned wishful thinking into an art form. Life on her father's farm is dull as dishwater, so to escape the boredom, she reads romance novels and dreams of a white knight on a majestic steed who will carry her away.
Enter Charles Bovary, a country doctor coddled far too long by his mother, who barely graduated from medical school and experienced nothing but bad luck in love. The last thing he needs is a flighty, beautiful wife with Champagne tastes that far exceed his income. But when Emma’s father breaks his leg, and Charles is called in to mend it, the farmer’s daughter bewitches him, and their fates are sealed.
My heart ached for Charles; he loved his wife and would have given anything to see her happy. But he had to engage with Emma; destructive, miserable Emma… I longed to reach into the pages and give her a good shake. She continually chased a dream while ignoring the steadfast love that waited patiently for her on her doorstep.
Madame Bovary is a tremendous tragedy brimming with beautiful prose. Bravo, Monsieur Flaubert!...more
"I desire the things which will destroy me in the end." ― Sylvia Plath
When I picked up Death in Venice on a whim, I thought I was in for an exciting It"I desire the things which will destroy me in the end." ― Sylvia Plath
When I picked up Death in Venice on a whim, I thought I was in for an exciting Italian mystery. This was not that...
On holiday in Venice, a successful and severely repressed Gustav von Aschenbach fears his best years as an artist are behind him. But The Muses, with their wicked sense of humor, place Tadzio, an exquisite Polish boy, in his path. The events that unfolded placed it solidly in the category of a Greek tragedy. (Mann even threw in an abundance of God and Goddess references for good measure.) Having never experienced what he described as love, Aschenbach is utterly lost.
I asked myself: Can a deep admiration of another’s physical beauty to the point of life-altering obsession be classified as love? Aschenbach knew nothing about Tadzio. The boy could have been a vapid, passionless creature for all he knew. To me, love is something more profound, a connection of souls. And who knows, maybe a soul connection can happen without ever speaking a word? But I’m no love doctor.
The writing is elegant, the poetic prose conjuring some splendid scenes. That being said, the story itself didn’t set me on fire. It held my interest, but Mann’s beautiful writing was the hero of the piece. I give the story three stars and the writing five stars, settling in the middle at four stars. Silver-tongued Simon Callow expertly narrated the audiobook.
"It was the smile of Narcissus bending over the water mirror, the deep, enchanted, protracted smile with which he stretched out his arms to the reflection of his own beauty, an ever so slightly contorted smile—contorted by the hopelessness of his endeavor to kiss the lovely lips of his shadow—and coquettish, inquisitive and mildly pained, beguiled and beguiling."...more
Newton’s third law of motion says that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. And our choices can work in much the same way. Some Newton’s third law of motion says that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. And our choices can work in much the same way. Some consequences barely cause a ripple, while others are a baseball bat to the face. In this collection of three short stories, Keegan explores choices and consequences as only she can.
In the title yarn, 'So Late in the Day,' we meet Cathal. He is not a fresh-faced youth; in fact, he is nearing the top of the middle-aged hill when he meets Sabine — a vibrant woman of French heritage who has a zest for life. Cathal, being a practical man, decides it might be time for him to take a wife.
‘Why don’t we marry?’
‘Why don’t we?’ She’d let out a sound, a type of choked laughter. ‘What sort of way is this of asking? It seems like you are almost making an argument against it.’
Will Cathal abandon his curmudgeonly ways and meet Sabine halfway? As my Magic 8 Ball used to display quite often — ‘Outlook not so good.’
In ‘The Long and Painful Death,’ we follow a writer for one day. Her thirty-ninth birthday, as it turns out. She has taken up residence in the house of a famous (and long-dead) writer to work on her novel. But when an unexpected guest arrives, her planned writing day goes out the window. Inviting the stranger for tea could be a gift or might prove to be something else entirely…
'Antarctica' wraps up the compilation, and this tale was as splendid as it was spine-chilling. Keegan’s cinematic writing style had my heart racing and I shall say no more. You must experience this one firsthand.
Another fabulous collection from Keegan. She is the darling of novelettes!...more
This is a review of the short story. To check out my review of the collection by the same name, click here.
In this short story, ‘So Late in the Day,’ This is a review of the short story. To check out my review of the collection by the same name, click here.
In this short story, ‘So Late in the Day,’ we meet Cathal. He is not a fresh-faced youth; in fact, he is nearing the top of the middle-aged hill when he meets Sabine — a vibrant woman of French heritage who has a zest for life. Cathal, being a practical man, decides it might be time for him to take a wife.
‘Why don’t we marry?’
‘Why don’t we?’ She’d let out a sound, a type of choked laughter. ‘What sort of way is this of asking? It seems like you are almost making an argument against it.’
Will Cathal abandon his curmudgeonly ways and meet Sabine halfway? As my Magic 8 Ball used to display quite often — ‘Outlook not so good.’
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth." — William Shakespeare
"He has a curious way of moving through his rubbish. He leans into it, skimming d"There are more things in Heaven and Earth." — William Shakespeare
"He has a curious way of moving through his rubbish. He leans into it, skimming down the corridors like a fearless biker on a hairpin bend."
The 'he' in the above quote would be Cathal Flood. His name fits, as he is a cantankerous Irish disaster and hoarding is his specialty. At six feet nine inches, Mr. Flood, though frail with age, is still a force to be reckoned with. He has run off every home carer sent his way, and rumor has it that some had barely escaped Bridlemere (the neglected mansion Flood calls home) with their lives.
Enter Maud Dennen, who is not your average carer. She brings with her a retinue of saints and has a backbone made of steel. Good luck to Cathal Flood in dispatching her so easily…
"I look back at Bridlemere from the gate. From the street it’s a wall of dark green, a forest of leylandii grown up around Sleeping Beauty’s castle."
As Maud peels back chaotic layers of rubbish and navigates Cathal’s clowder of cats, she uncovers more than his no-wax flooring. Curious clues begin to pop out of a sink and fly at her from a pantry, and she begins to ask herself: What sinister forces are at work in this house?
"A pearl is an everlasting tear," he whispers. "A swaddled hurt."
Mr. Flood’s Last Resort is altogether a murder mystery, a haunting, and a fight to save what is left of a person once tragedy has taken its toll - all of it wrapped up in a magical realism enchilada. I laughed, cried, and gasped aloud as Maud and Cathal cagily maneuvered around each other while sorting out his mysterious manor. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with them both.
If you enjoy magical realism done well, this will be your cup of tea. What a fabulous read!...more
“The full circle Scrawls across my chest Like some emblem, A badge to patience, Lessons learned, Scars and wounding Healed.”
Full Circle Undivided is my four“The full circle Scrawls across my chest Like some emblem, A badge to patience, Lessons learned, Scars and wounding Healed.”
Full Circle Undivided is my fourth book by Wendy Slater, and as I read her soul-stirring stanzas about sorrow, I meditated on the profound growth that can be experienced on the other side of grief. I have come away with a deeper understanding of how despair can poison one’s soul if not dealt with properly. The grieving process is essential, but stepping forward into the light of a new day is equally crucial.
Slater’s poetry never disappoints, and this book was no exception. I turned the last page, feeling more centered and ready to take on the world. ...more
I have again ventured into the Gilded Age of New York in the company of Edith Wharton, where Hansom cabs abound and high society ideals are the tight I have again ventured into the Gilded Age of New York in the company of Edith Wharton, where Hansom cabs abound and high society ideals are the tight corsets that hold the upscale world together. This collection of short stories was a joy to read and I won’t spoil the journey by delving into each tale. Instead, dear readers, I’ll highlight two of my favorites and leave the rest to you.
Mrs. Manstey’s View "The view from Mrs. Manstey’s window was not a striking one, but to her at least it was full of interest and beauty." A lovely scene is a wonderous thing, but when it is the only pleasure in one’s life and that bliss is suddenly threatened, you might need to hold on to your bonnet! Sweet Mrs. Manstey stole my heart, and I ached to reach into the pages to help her. I cheered when she stood up for herself and kept my fingers crossed that she would win the day. Winning, however, isn’t always what we imagine it to be…
The Rembrandt "You’re so artistic," my cousin Eleanor Copt began. "Of all Eleanor’s exordiums, it is the one I most dread. When she tells me I’m so clever I know this is merely the preamble to inviting me to meet the last literary obscurity of the moment…" When our narrator’s cousin, Eleanor Copt, invites him to visit one of her latest causes - Mrs. Fontage, who has a Rembrandt in need of evaluation - the museum curator has little choice but to comply with the demands of his irrepressible relative. "Eleanor is out in all weathers: the elements are as powerless against her as man… " This amusing tale had me smiling from ear to ear as our soft-hearted narrator desperately scrambles to manage his cousin while trying to avoid offending Mrs. Fontage with his estimate of her painting. All attempts to delicately extricate himself are futile, and he digs himself a doozy of a hole…
Wharton’s writing is cinematic, her humor is on point, and while her stories are often bittersweet, I devoured them to the last crumb. I urge you to peek behind the curtain of New York’s crème de la crème. You’re sure to be entertained....more
Mr. Brently Mallard has died in a railway accident. Fearing the news may kill his already ailing wife, her sister, Josephine, approaches the subject dMr. Brently Mallard has died in a railway accident. Fearing the news may kill his already ailing wife, her sister, Josephine, approaches the subject delicately.
"She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance. She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms. When the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone. She would have no one follow her."
The author deftly walks us through those initial stages of shock that follow a sudden loss.
"There stood, facing the open window, a comfortable, roomy armchair. Into this she sank, pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul."
Like a caged bird which has just been set free, Mrs. Mallard's thoughts tentatively turn toward her future and what that may look like. The ending is a doozy!
The Story of an Hour is a nibble of a tale, but it is packed with beauty, irony, and foreshadowing, and can be read in just a few minutes.
"I think I'm just breathing, that's all. And there's a difference between breathing and being alive."
With my seat in an upright position and tray tabl"I think I'm just breathing, that's all. And there's a difference between breathing and being alive."
With my seat in an upright position and tray table stowed, I braced myself for another adventure, courtesy of Mr. Boyne. However, as I cracked open the cover and read the first few lines, I quickly realized that no seatbelt on earth could secure me — I was in for one doozy of a ride.
"Seated opposite me in the railway carriage, the elderly lady in the fox-fur shawl was recalling some of the murders that she had committed over the years."
Tristan Sadler, our narrator, is traveling by train from London to Norwich, England, on a mission of utmost importance. The year is 1919, and he has returned from the Great War — though only in body; his soul remains elsewhere.
This book was not how I imagined it to be; it was so much more. Over the course of two days, I walked beside Tristan and witnessed love, loss, war, and unimaginable betrayal. By the end, I was wrung out but had cherished every moment.
If you haven't read Boyne yet, I highly recommend this spectacular novel. His writing is immersive, and his flawed, broken, and utterly human characters will leave you eager for more....more
"All great and precious things are lonely." ― John Steinbeck
Five brilliant, heartbreaking stars!
It's been quite a while since a book made me curse life"All great and precious things are lonely." ― John Steinbeck
Five brilliant, heartbreaking stars!
It's been quite a while since a book made me curse life for getting in the way of reading. A History of Loneliness certainly falls into that category. It was like settling into a comfortable chair with a cup of tea to catch up with a male friend who I hadn’t seen since school. And then, quite unexpectedly, he decides to pour out his life story! The revelations herein were as riveting as they were haunting and came burdened with horror.
Boyne's elegant prose drew me into the life of Odran Yates and darned if he didn’t make me love that sweet Irish lad. Odran was, I felt, an innocent soul, and everything and everyone around him did its level best to stomp the wholesomeness out of him. But in 1973, aged seventeen, he signed up for what should have been the safest place on earth: the priesthood. From his first day at seminary, Odran felt right at home and made a good friend in his cellmate Tom Cardle. A bonus, one would think. Life should have been grand for Father Yates—yes, it should have been...
As I turned the last page, I wondered if we will see the good we have accomplished at the end of our lives? Or will our focus center on all that we failed to do? And is looking at the world through rose-colored glasses an act of complicity? I, like Father Yates, prefer to see a kinder side of life, even if it ends up kicking the crap out of me.
"If I cannot see some good in all of us and hope that the pain we all share will come to an end, what kind of priest am I anyway? What kind of man?"
My heart ached to leave my new friend Odran to his life of loneliness. What a tragic and spectacularly written tale. A History of Loneliness will most likely be my favorite book of 2024....more
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