Babble

by Douglas Ford

Young Sammie's childish speech impossibly seems to consist of Latin. Evidence of possession, or the consequence of a trauma his mother experienced long ago in a remote polar region?

Featuring themes Domestic Abuse, Sexual Trauma, Demons

103 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2023

About the author

Douglas Ford's short fiction has appeared in a variety of anthologies, magazines, and podcasts, as well as two collections, Ape in the Ring and Other Tales of the Macabre and Uncanny and The Infection Party and Other Stories of Dis-Ease. His longer works include The Beasts of Vissaria County, Little Lugosi (A Love Story), and The Trick, his newest from Madness Heart Press. He lives on the west coast of Florida.

Reviews

[Christina Eleanor]

Babble is a story about a divorced Mom trying to do what she thinks is best for her toddler. Frustrated from trying to understand his gibberish, she gets him a speech therapist that has her own ideas about what this speech is. Could a two year old really be talking in Latin?

As she struggles to make sense of it all, she’s fighting a custody battle with her ex who thinks the kid is the way he is because of her upbringing. But what they don’t know is that the child is special. He’s been chosen.

This story did not go the way I thought it would! Ford does a glorious job of twisting and turning this story in such a short length of time. I’m finding his stories tend to surprise me on a regular basis! This is a fast read and very enjoyable! Go check out this chapbook published by Madness Heart Press!

[DA]

Not at all what I was expecting. I wasn't sure if this was a possession story or something else, but I was very intrigued by what was unfolding and needed answers.

I really identified with Dorothy, her longing to hear her child speak, guilt and frustration over not knowing if you're doing the right thing for your child, being emotionally drained while trying to love your child. All of that I feel as the mother of a non verbal child. Maybe that's too personal to put in a book review, but it's something special when an author creates a character you can see yourself in.

Creepy, mysterious, a little bleak, this is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it.

[Brooklynn]

Wow. What an amazing story. I have the pleasure of meeting Douglas Ford at a convention some months ago and bought his book. I’m upset with myself for taking this long to read it. It was quick, refreshing read. I appreciate how Ford was able to give us enough detail to not leave us in the dark while also keeping it simple enough to be enjoyed in one sitting. Well done

[Rebecca]

This book defies predictability and is, flat out, unnerving as hell. Bravo to Ford for giving me the willies once again.