by Carys Davies
'Some New Ambush' is an extraordinary collection of short stories from award-winning writer Carys Davies.
Ranging in length from two to twelve pages, her stories take us on a tour of the emotions: humour, disappointment, joy, love, resentment, revenge and utter, heart-wrenching sadness.
Featured on the shortlist for several prestigious prizes, this is Davies’ debut collection and it reveals her as an imaginative and playful talent. Sometimes the stories build slowly to their climax and sometimes they turn on a dime, but each is a beautiful depiction of a world – be it real or really fantastic – and the lives, dreams and frailties of the people living within it.
My favourites include a story of marriage and friendship in modern day Chicago, a portrait of a woman’s love for her dog and a beautiful vignette about whalers in the early twentieth century. Each is written in delicious yet sparing prose that encourages the reader to savour the story slowly, like a sweet treat or a savoury canapé. I found myself sitting on station platforms to finish a piece before catching my next train and some of the stories lived with me for days, demanding that I pause before reading on.
It’s been a while since I read any short stories but this collection has really reignited my love for the form and I recommend it highly.
Reviewed by Claire Marriott who blogs as Bucks Writer
'Some New Ambush' is published by Salt. You can find their website here.
10 comments:
*gasp* I adore short stories and must buy a copy!
I love the sound of this book. Thanks for the review.
Hi Debs and Denise, it really is well worth a read as the stories are all clever, different and beautifully written.
Claire
Sounds like a great book - I really enjoy short stories, so I must pick this up! Thanks for the review, Claire.
Great review - must get hold of a copy of this book.
I love a good short story collection and will definitely be buying this! Great review.
Will be taking a look at this soon as I love short stories. I wish there were more short story collections out there as the stories are oftentimes just the right length to read in 1 sitting.
Glad you all enjoyed the review, and that you'll be buying the book. I think we often forget about short stories in favour of the latest novel but for people who travel (or who are just plain busy) they work brilliantly.
I like reading short stories but I'm not sure I could write them. I'm amazed at how the writers manage to tell so much with so few words. I think I'll have to stick to full length novels.
Yes, Some New ambush is a great book!
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