I don't really "do" short stories. I'm sorry, I just don't. Whenever I've read short stories in the past, they've always left me feeling rather unsatisfied, but that wasn't the case with Nik Perring's short stories at all. Which is strange, because they are REALLY short - ranging from just 200 words to around 2000 words.
They're also a bit... odd - one woman starts vomiting small animals, another keeps her partner's heart in a box (yes, literally) - and I didn't think that sounded particularly appealing either, but the stories sucked me in until I found that I was rationing myself because I didn't want the book to end.
My favourite was Two Old Women Birdwatching in My Garden, which just made me happy. In fact, many of the stories made me smile. And many of them just left me kind of stunned. I kept wanting to tweet @nikperring with "Your book is amazing."
Because it really is. It's the kind of book I'll dip into and reread for years to come. So please do read it. Even if you don't "do" short stories.
I felt like that too. I kept the book in my bag and dipped into it at odd moments such as waiting for hospital appointments or over a coffee, just to make it last longer.
Posted by: Cathy | 27 July 2010 at 11:24 AM
I loved this book too, and wished there was more of it. Couldn't stop reading, but at the same time didn't want it to be over.
Posted by: Clodagh | 27 July 2010 at 11:35 AM
Hmm, I would never have thought this sounded like my kinda thing, but I'll keep my mind open as you liked it so much. I tend not to "do" short stories either, though my Dad is a massive fan.
I do love Lorrie Moore, though (for "Self-Help" more than anything else).
Posted by: Diane | 27 July 2010 at 12:07 PM
Oh I'm taking this on holiday with me in a fortnight, Keris, I was worried that I might not like it because I also don't DO shorts, but I;ve heard so many great things about this, I'm all excited now! Thanks!
Posted by: Debs | 27 July 2010 at 10:02 PM
Thanks so much for such a lovely review, Keris!
And thank you, Clodagh and Cathy!
Diane - ooh Lorrie Moore is wonderful!
Debs - Eek! Hope you like it (though, of course, I won't be offended if you don't!).
Thanks again all
Nik
Posted by: Nik Perring | 28 July 2010 at 07:52 PM
You're very welcome, Nik.
Posted by: Keris | 30 July 2010 at 09:57 AM