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Ultramarine
In eleven beautifully observed stories, told with intelligent and textured prose, we travel far and wide to disparate places and distinctive cultures. Whether the protagonists are dealing with migration or climate change, acts of terrorism or the intricacies of family relationships, each story turns on a moment that touches the human condition, connecting us to a single encounter. With a finger on the political and cultural pulse, Ultramarine is a generous, finely-tuned collection for the times we live in.
- GenresShort Stories
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 4, 2023
This is my first short story collection I’ve ever read and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was transported all around the world with each story into different cultures and completely different situations from love and loss to acts of terrorism and migration.
My favourite story was "A thousand paper cranes" set in Jakarta, a place I’ve never visited but felt like I was there with the foods, sights and smells so expertly described. I was drawn into the main characters life and the story left me making up my own mind what would happen next.
I also really enjoyed "Being busy free”, a story of two friends in Cape Town trying to be honest with each other and how music can connect people in all different ways. Some of the references to music were some of my favourite so it really connected with me as well.
A brilliant book with so many different and important topics. I will be recommending to all my friends.
The author gave me an advanced copy of Ultramarine. I will be purchasing my own now.
My favourite story was "A thousand paper cranes" set in Jakarta, a place I’ve never visited but felt like I was there with the foods, sights and smells so expertly described. I was drawn into the main characters life and the story left me making up my own mind what would happen next.
I also really enjoyed "Being busy free”, a story of two friends in Cape Town trying to be honest with each other and how music can connect people in all different ways. Some of the references to music were some of my favourite so it really connected with me as well.
A brilliant book with so many different and important topics. I will be recommending to all my friends.
The author gave me an advanced copy of Ultramarine. I will be purchasing my own now.
May 10, 2023
Book Review
Ultramarine is a delightful and thought-provoking collection of short stories that take you on a journey around the world. Lucy Weldon has a knack for capturing intense moments in time through the eyes of her protagonists, be it the smells and sounds of Jakarta, the atmosphere of an expat dinner, the thrilling sensations of a dive in Malta or the emotional attempts to recall childhood memories of Hong Kong around a dying mother’s bedside.
Each tale is beautifully told, every sentence carefully crafted, and the somewhat enigmatic endings leave readers pondering about the ongoing lives of the protagonists. It’s hard to name a favourite but the opening story A Thousand Paper Cranes is remarkable for the way it catapults you straight into the sights and senses of Jakarta whilst Busy Being Free stands out for its perceptive look at friendship.
The Author gave me an advanced copy of Ultramarine. I will be purchasing my own now.
Ultramarine is a delightful and thought-provoking collection of short stories that take you on a journey around the world. Lucy Weldon has a knack for capturing intense moments in time through the eyes of her protagonists, be it the smells and sounds of Jakarta, the atmosphere of an expat dinner, the thrilling sensations of a dive in Malta or the emotional attempts to recall childhood memories of Hong Kong around a dying mother’s bedside.
Each tale is beautifully told, every sentence carefully crafted, and the somewhat enigmatic endings leave readers pondering about the ongoing lives of the protagonists. It’s hard to name a favourite but the opening story A Thousand Paper Cranes is remarkable for the way it catapults you straight into the sights and senses of Jakarta whilst Busy Being Free stands out for its perceptive look at friendship.
The Author gave me an advanced copy of Ultramarine. I will be purchasing my own now.
May 2, 2023
Lucy Weldon’s travels to, and experience of different cultures and countries combines history, with a modern vernacular that is reflected in the present day, and almost political journalistic stories. “A thousand paper cranes” - so evocative of the place that I had to look outside to see if the rain I could hear was in my head or real.
Ultramarine, the title story - John and Susan, a mature couple plodding along - I know them! Brilliant and impeccably observed, in an idyllic setting. And then a shocking change of pace.
I love the fact that Weldon leaves the reader to decide for herself/himself how each story really ends.
What really gripped me was the tenderness that Weldon feels for her characters, countries, and the various cultures, which she conveys with details such as food, drink, sights and smells. Intimate knowledge and insights. In this collection of short stories, she flips between countries, cities and cultures effortlessly.
Crisp prose, not a word that doesn’t need to be there as she builds the tension. And lovely subtle references to topical themes such as sexism in Busy Being Free. If I really had to, I’d point to Busy Being Free as my favourite. Each story is beautifully observed and paced. We go from languid to action in an instant.
Lucy Weldon’s writing is agile. She doesn’t spoon-feed her reader - expect to engage brain! Some of the stories are sad. Poignant. “Que tengas suerte” is another of my favourites. She speaks in many voices and is a stickler for detail and accuracy. All the stories are multi-layered, sufficiently complex, with superbly crafted metaphors.
The Author gave me an advanced copy of Ultramarine. I will be purchasing my own now.
June 9, 2023
Ultramarine, the author's debut work, a collection of 11 stories, reminded me of the times (a handful of occasions) I witnessed a daybreak; for in each story in the book, there is a little moment of epiphany, a quick realisation or a life-changing event that emerges suddenly.
Marriages that have become lackluster over time, grief over the loss of a loved one, relationships - some fractured and some earnestly preserved, waning female friendship - a gamut of emotions finds a place here. In most stories, wrapped within the personal sphere are larger socio-political issues, an aspect I adored about the collection. For instance, the story Sea Between the Lands is not just about a grandfather-granddaughter relationship or deep sea diving but encapsulates the plight of illegal immigrants who flood Greece and UK braving ordeals in the sea.
Dear Mr. President that lays bare the life of a now retired photojournalist who has worked for years in strife torn areas, Light of my Eye set in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Que tengas suerte that explores the essence of a democracy are strong favorites.
Most stories reveal (though subtly) how quick we are in observing similarities and differences in people & almost revel in 'othering'.
The writing is mostly straightforward - evocative, atmospheric or witty as the case demands. I also have to admit that the dialogue rich parts turned me off a bit at times.
The most commendable feature is how these stories offer a wide lens view of the world. From Jakarta to Malta to China, from the East African coast to Copenhagen, Toronto to the edge of Sonoran desert, from brightly colored houses of Bo Kaap to bushfires in Australia, it's a panoramic view. The author's knowledge of different languages, geography, food and traditions of different countries is praiseworthy.
Open ended, teasing us into thinking more or even rereading, stories in Ultramarine are meant for slow savoring. Enjoyed the collection!
It's lovely that the author trusted the reader in me and chose to share an ecopy of her precious work. Thank you so much Lucy and warm wishes for all your future endeavours.
Marriages that have become lackluster over time, grief over the loss of a loved one, relationships - some fractured and some earnestly preserved, waning female friendship - a gamut of emotions finds a place here. In most stories, wrapped within the personal sphere are larger socio-political issues, an aspect I adored about the collection. For instance, the story Sea Between the Lands is not just about a grandfather-granddaughter relationship or deep sea diving but encapsulates the plight of illegal immigrants who flood Greece and UK braving ordeals in the sea.
Dear Mr. President that lays bare the life of a now retired photojournalist who has worked for years in strife torn areas, Light of my Eye set in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Que tengas suerte that explores the essence of a democracy are strong favorites.
Most stories reveal (though subtly) how quick we are in observing similarities and differences in people & almost revel in 'othering'.
The writing is mostly straightforward - evocative, atmospheric or witty as the case demands. I also have to admit that the dialogue rich parts turned me off a bit at times.
The most commendable feature is how these stories offer a wide lens view of the world. From Jakarta to Malta to China, from the East African coast to Copenhagen, Toronto to the edge of Sonoran desert, from brightly colored houses of Bo Kaap to bushfires in Australia, it's a panoramic view. The author's knowledge of different languages, geography, food and traditions of different countries is praiseworthy.
Open ended, teasing us into thinking more or even rereading, stories in Ultramarine are meant for slow savoring. Enjoyed the collection!
It's lovely that the author trusted the reader in me and chose to share an ecopy of her precious work. Thank you so much Lucy and warm wishes for all your future endeavours.
May 25, 2023
They say the first rule of writing is ‘write about what you know’, which often means that authors mine a relatively thin vein. But the most impressive aspect of Ultramarine*, this delightfully eclectic book of short stories, is how much Lucy genuinely knows and has experienced, and how well she writes about it.
I’ve come to know Lucy through the ‘online writing community’ over the Covid years, but came to this collection of stories entirely cold. I am seriously impressed by the authority Lucy demonstrates in delivering her subject matter across such a variety of settings and situations, whether it’s the anarchically thunderous traffic in downtown Jakarta, or the Christmas customs under flat grey Danish skies.
Interestingly, plenty of Lucy’s stories don’t follow the traditional short story narrative arc – the gradual crescendo, the climax, the swift exit. Many of them don’t reach tidy conclusions. But that’s life, isn’t it? And it doesn’t mean they are any less satisfying. They don’t leave you hanging, but they may leave you pondering the human condition. You’ll be doing so with Lucy’s remarkable and enlightening insight. Ultramarine is a complicated colour, but a very rewarding book.
*promotional copy received free of charge, irrespective of final objective review
I’ve come to know Lucy through the ‘online writing community’ over the Covid years, but came to this collection of stories entirely cold. I am seriously impressed by the authority Lucy demonstrates in delivering her subject matter across such a variety of settings and situations, whether it’s the anarchically thunderous traffic in downtown Jakarta, or the Christmas customs under flat grey Danish skies.
Interestingly, plenty of Lucy’s stories don’t follow the traditional short story narrative arc – the gradual crescendo, the climax, the swift exit. Many of them don’t reach tidy conclusions. But that’s life, isn’t it? And it doesn’t mean they are any less satisfying. They don’t leave you hanging, but they may leave you pondering the human condition. You’ll be doing so with Lucy’s remarkable and enlightening insight. Ultramarine is a complicated colour, but a very rewarding book.
*promotional copy received free of charge, irrespective of final objective review
May 4, 2023
A beautiful, considered collection of short stories. Lucy Weldon's stories take the reader not only on a geographical journey, the stories criss-cross the globe, but also on an emotional one as her characterisations and scenarios evoke a sense of empathy for the things we've experienced firsthand, as well as those we haven't but which we can all too easily imagine. Each story has left me wanting more, anticipating what the next chapter in the lives of the characters would be. Particularly enjoyed Ultramarine, the third story in the collection; it draws the reader along in idle musings, then grabs the attention with the sudden realisation of the situation.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and intend to buy it.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and intend to buy it.
May 10, 2023
Wow - I'm not usually a fan of short stories but this one is exceptional. Lucy Weldon has an assured control of pace and structure and it all reads so easily on the page - which is a tribute to the hard work that goes into crafting this for her readers. Each story takes place in a different part of the world and shows real sympathy for the plight of people caught up in different situations beyond their control whether it is refugees on unseaworthy vessals leaving North Africa for Europe, or a motorcycle accident near the Dead Sea.
I never thought it would be possible to capture the essential tragedy of the Israel-Arab conflict in a short story, yet Weldon has managed it in 'Light of my eye'. 'Ultramarine' really plays with the reader. We enjoy her clever observations of people on holiday, beautifully described - and then quite suddenly, the story takes a sharp change of pace and direction.
This book is a delight and I recommend it a a great present for your friends or family - their pleasure will last for much longer than a pale lemon hairpin! I'm ordering a couple more copies - now I just need to work out how if might be possible to get them signed by the author.
I never thought it would be possible to capture the essential tragedy of the Israel-Arab conflict in a short story, yet Weldon has managed it in 'Light of my eye'. 'Ultramarine' really plays with the reader. We enjoy her clever observations of people on holiday, beautifully described - and then quite suddenly, the story takes a sharp change of pace and direction.
This book is a delight and I recommend it a a great present for your friends or family - their pleasure will last for much longer than a pale lemon hairpin! I'm ordering a couple more copies - now I just need to work out how if might be possible to get them signed by the author.
June 12, 2023
I like short form fiction although this book, with its episodic structure and introspective viewpoint comes across more as a diary or collection of experiences than an anthology of stories. The short and staccato sentences cascade out as thoughts and observations at times leaving the reader feeling almost voyeuristic. The narratives are intriguing with the endings often left hanging, posing unanswered questions about ‘what happened next’. Perhaps overall Ultramarine might not be the easiest and most comfortable of reads, but it certainly makes you think a bit and well worth the effort.
June 13, 2023
Took this short story book on holiday and loved it. Rationed myself to one story a day to make it last. I felt so invested in the characters and their tales which only happens in the best short stories. It is beautifully written, and the stories and characters are so diverse that I was excited to see what would come next. The book makes a great present as I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy it. I’ve already bought it for a friend and my daughter is now reading it and partner is in the queue for it!
October 18, 2023
The Ultramarine short stories are so beautifully written and take you to so many interesting places around the world. Each story draws you in quickly to the main character/s life and environment giving the feeling that you are immersed in their situation and feelings. I felt a genuine emotional connection with them and the stories tackle some really meaningful and powerful subject areas. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story and there is something surprisingly satisfying about finishing a story in one sitting. You won’t be disappointed if you buy this book.
May 3, 2023
This is a stunning collection of powerful stories, told so succinctly. You're drawn quickly into other people's lives and share the universal tensions of the human condition. From the agonies of an unhappy marriage to the perils of a family trying to reach a new life, these are beautifully written stories staying with you long after the cover is closed.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and intend to buy it.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and intend to buy it.
June 13, 2023
From the confined discipline of the short story, Ultramarine expands the readers’ horizon geographically, culturally, politically and emotionally.
In sensitive prose, the stories concisely convey and sharply observe the nature of relationships and the situations of diverse characters with wit, humanity, empathy and plot twists, that engages and stays with you long after you have closed the cover.
A great read – and even better a second time around.
In sensitive prose, the stories concisely convey and sharply observe the nature of relationships and the situations of diverse characters with wit, humanity, empathy and plot twists, that engages and stays with you long after you have closed the cover.
A great read – and even better a second time around.
June 22, 2023
I truly enjoyed « ultramarine » by Lucy Weldon, a contemporary new voice who drops us seamlessly into the interior lives of interesting characters as they grapple with life’s very real challenges in exotic places around the world.
June 23, 2023
Weldon tackles some tough topics in a range of exotic settings in this deftly crafted collection of eleven short stories. The intelligent musings of her characters gives a satisfying window into their interior lives, honest thoughts that hit the mark. I was left wanting to know more…
July 10, 2023
Really enjoyable read. I thought short stories would be a good option for me to dip in and out during some hospital visits but in the end I read most of it in a single afternoon. Very easy to read and I loved that each story is set in a different country and culture.
July 30, 2023
A delicate yet raw collection of short stories from around the world. It’s a beautiful skill to absorb one completely in only a few pages of a characters life. Needless to say, I would read much more from her.
July 18, 2023
Global traveling with subtle literary gems offered along the way.
A reading treat.
A reading treat.
May 8, 2023
An exquisite collection of delicate, perfectly formed worlds. Lucy Weldon speaks to the precariousness of life on earth with contemporary relevance. Her stories—though they take place in completely different settings—resonate with each other and speak to our interconnectedness and vulnerability in the face of political conflict, displacement, and environmental breakdown. They made me feel the depth of passing moments, our shared humanity across cultures, and how love, once experienced, never leaves us. A tender, beautiful read. I’m already looking forward to the author’s next book!
May 5, 2023
What a wonderful read. I was completely transported to the many locations through the beautiful writing. I could smell the scenery. I wanted more of the characters as just as I was with them, I was transported to the next locations. The Australian bush fires resonated with me! Thank you Lucy!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews