The Art of Short Story
This is Neil Smith’s debut book of 9 short stories. It’s somewhat uneven, like most books of short fiction. Some of the stories were gems and a couple duds.
I especially enjoyed "The B9ers", the story of a support group for people who had benign tumors. Yes, you read write, the non-lethal variety of tumor. This story was both humorous and touching.
Another story I enjoyed was the title story, "Bang Crunch". It’s the touching story about a girl born with Fred Hoyle syndrome. First she ages rapidly and then goes backward, back to an embryo again.
There were only 2 stories that I didn’t care for at all. "Green Fluorescent Protein" and "Extremities". They were just too "out there" for me.
Neil Smith is a strong writer. He writes with sensitivity and wicked humour. Though I didn’t like all the stories in this collection, I highly recommend it. The stories I enjoyed were well worth the time!
3.5/5
Note: If you have also reviewed this book, please feel free to post you link in the comments. I will then add it to the end of my review.
8 comments:
Humour and sensitivity is always a good combination. This book sounds interesting. It's too bad it was uneven, but like you said that's often the case with short stories.
Also, I love that cover.
Nymeth,
I really liked the cover too. Like I said, there were only 2 stories that I really disliked. It's really a worthwhile book to read.
Terrific review, Teddy, thanks!
Linda,
I'm glad you enjoyed my review. Thank you.
Sounds like there might be some dark humour in there. I'm intrigued.
John, I think that you would like some of the stories. He does use dark humour.
Teddy, if you care for Maeve Binchy's style, I'd completely recommend a couple of her books: "This Year It Will Be Different," shorts with a Christmas theme. And "Victoria Line, Central Line" (released in the U.S. as "London Transport") in which all the stories have some connection with the Underground line. I love the way she links the stories with a theme.
Linda,
I haven't read any Maeve Binchy yet, but I do have her on my TBR.
'Victoria Line, Central Line' sounds interesting to me, so I added it to my TBR. I'm not into Christmas themes, so I'll give the other a pass.
Thanks for the recommendations.
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