What do you think?
Rate this book
Twisted
In this unique collection, Uvi Poznansky brings together diverse tales, laden with shades of mystery and the macabre. There are four of them: I Am What I Am; I, Woman; The Hollow; and The One Who Never Leaves. Here, you will come into a dark, strange world, a hyper-reality where nearly everything is firmly rooted in the familiar—except for some quirky detail that twists the yarn, and takes it for a spin in an unexpected direction.
This is the reality you will see through the eyes of a ghost of a woman, trying to reclaim her name by appealing to the devil; the eyes of a clay figure of a woman, about to be fired in the kiln, longing for her Creator; the eyes of a woman in the midst of a free fall, about to become a ghost; and the eyes of a feline creature with cracked fangs, trying in vain to resign herself, by hook and by crook, to being locked. These characters explore their identity, and challenge their fate.
Inspired by her art, by quotes from literature and the bible, and by the author’s professional career, these tales come from different times and places. Yet all of them share one thing in common: an unusual mind, one that is twisted. So prepare yourself: keep the lights on.
This is the reality you will see through the eyes of a ghost of a woman, trying to reclaim her name by appealing to the devil; the eyes of a clay figure of a woman, about to be fired in the kiln, longing for her Creator; the eyes of a woman in the midst of a free fall, about to become a ghost; and the eyes of a feline creature with cracked fangs, trying in vain to resign herself, by hook and by crook, to being locked. These characters explore their identity, and challenge their fate.
Inspired by her art, by quotes from literature and the bible, and by the author’s professional career, these tales come from different times and places. Yet all of them share one thing in common: an unusual mind, one that is twisted. So prepare yourself: keep the lights on.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2013
131 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Uvi Poznansky
41 books359 followersUvi Poznansky is a USA TODAY bestselling, award-winning author, poet and artist. “I paint with my pen,” she says, “and write with my paintbrush.” Her romantic suspense box set, Love Under Fire, and her medical thriller box set, Do No Harm, made the USA TODAY bestselling list. Her romance box set, A Touch of Passion, was the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards.
Education and work:
Uvi earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel and practiced with an innovative Architectural firm, taking a major part in the large-scale project, called Home for the Soldier.
Having moved to Troy, N.Y. with her husband and two children, Uvi received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There, she guided teams in a variety of design projects and earned her M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.
She worked first as an architect, and later as a software engineer, software team leader, software manager and a software consultant (with an emphasis on user interface for medical instruments devices.) All the while, she wrote and painted constantly, and exhibited in Israel and California. In addition, she taught art appreciation classes. Her versatile body of work includes bronze and ceramic sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal, pen and pencil drawings, and mixed media.
Books and Genres:
Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance is a suspense series. It includes Coma Confidential, Virtually Lace, and Overdose.
Still Life with Memories is a family saga series with touches of romance. The series includes My Own Voice, The White Piano, The Music of Us, Dancing with Air, and Marriage before Death. Volume I and II are bundled in Apart from Love; volume III-V are bundled in Apart from War.
The David Chronicles is a historical fiction series with a modern twist. It includes three novels--Rise to Power, A Peek at Bathsheba, and The Edge of Revolt--and six art through the ages collections, describing each moment of the story.
Her poetry book, Home, is in tribute to her father. Her collection of dark tales, Twisted, and her Historical Fiction book, A Favorite Son, are both new age, biblically inspired books. In addition, Uvi wrote and illustrated two children books, Jess and Wiggle and Now I Am Paper. For each one of these books, she created an animation video (find them on YouTube and on her Goodreads page.)
Education and work:
Uvi earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel and practiced with an innovative Architectural firm, taking a major part in the large-scale project, called Home for the Soldier.
Having moved to Troy, N.Y. with her husband and two children, Uvi received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There, she guided teams in a variety of design projects and earned her M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.
She worked first as an architect, and later as a software engineer, software team leader, software manager and a software consultant (with an emphasis on user interface for medical instruments devices.) All the while, she wrote and painted constantly, and exhibited in Israel and California. In addition, she taught art appreciation classes. Her versatile body of work includes bronze and ceramic sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal, pen and pencil drawings, and mixed media.
Books and Genres:
Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance is a suspense series. It includes Coma Confidential, Virtually Lace, and Overdose.
Still Life with Memories is a family saga series with touches of romance. The series includes My Own Voice, The White Piano, The Music of Us, Dancing with Air, and Marriage before Death. Volume I and II are bundled in Apart from Love; volume III-V are bundled in Apart from War.
The David Chronicles is a historical fiction series with a modern twist. It includes three novels--Rise to Power, A Peek at Bathsheba, and The Edge of Revolt--and six art through the ages collections, describing each moment of the story.
Her poetry book, Home, is in tribute to her father. Her collection of dark tales, Twisted, and her Historical Fiction book, A Favorite Son, are both new age, biblically inspired books. In addition, Uvi wrote and illustrated two children books, Jess and Wiggle and Now I Am Paper. For each one of these books, she created an animation video (find them on YouTube and on her Goodreads page.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 3, 2019
I had some time to kill (terrible thing to do to time, really) and did so by going on Amazon and downloading the first decent seeming well reviewed free genre short read they had. In retrospect, should have been more selective. Like maybe reading the author’s bio, finding out she’s a poet and has written some romances. Because this book certainly read like something authored by a romance minded poetess with various artistic leanings. In fact, she’s quite good as a sculptor. As a writer…I mean, ok, not terrible, but just really didn’t work for me. Not sure I need my fiction more prosaic, but certain less poetic would be nice. Decent stories, imaginative, just somewhat too dreamy or something, just didn’t quite work for me. The entire thing reads in maybe 45 minutes tops, a significant percentage of it are promos of author’s other works, thoughts, ideas, etc. This seems to be a matter of taste situation, it probably has the right audience and I’m just not it. There were some entertaining aspects, glimpses of cleverness, the editing was on the level, so for a random quick freebie it was decent enough. Nothing more.
February 5, 2014
Like a unique tapestry of words, Twisted by Uvi Poznansky invites the reader to fall into each one of the four stories and come back out with their own interpretation of her words. A little on the dark side, sometimes with touches of humor, each tale is told in the first person, giving life to the character through the talent of Ms. Poznansky. I Am What I Am is the struggle of a woman dealing with the devil . The Hollow is a short tale of reality versus what is perceived. Next is I,Woman, followed by The One Who never Leaves, that is told from the view of a cat.
Dark, intense, entertaining, thought-provoking and emotional, these short stories each hold their own brand of magnetisim that lasts long after the last word is read. Ms. Poznansky has given the reader a wealth of depth in few words.
Publication Date: December 25, 2013
Publisher: Uvi Poznansky
Genre: Women's Dark Fiction
Number of Pages: 65
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Dark, intense, entertaining, thought-provoking and emotional, these short stories each hold their own brand of magnetisim that lasts long after the last word is read. Ms. Poznansky has given the reader a wealth of depth in few words.
Publication Date: December 25, 2013
Publisher: Uvi Poznansky
Genre: Women's Dark Fiction
Number of Pages: 65
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
April 23, 2015
An eclectic group of 4 short stories within this volume entitled Twisted which is implied or mentioned in each tale. Another common theme is the female perspective where in each case the first person female tries to influence their situaton and destiny.
A mark of Uvi's prose is that it is as moving and rich as the extract from the poem Dust. A joy to read and gather that independent outlook in circumstances where fate appears to have already decided. This was particularly striking in the what if response in the first account which reflects on how Job's wife comes to terms with being caught up in God's deadly withdrawl. A clever mind to think beyond familiar scriptures and creative in the voice the author gives to her character.
I was also reminded of the biblical potter molding his clay in I, Woman which looks not at the act of fashioning a figure but in the process of giving life to the clay as an identity and the voice here is that of the created sculpture. Again perhaps echoing the creation of humankind in Genesis Poznansky has written a thoughtful piece that entertains but makes the reader become part of the story, heart mind and soul.
Such powerful writing that has wit and humour, moves you emotionally and has the capacity to allow you to care for the characters briefly introduced.
A mark of Uvi's prose is that it is as moving and rich as the extract from the poem Dust. A joy to read and gather that independent outlook in circumstances where fate appears to have already decided. This was particularly striking in the what if response in the first account which reflects on how Job's wife comes to terms with being caught up in God's deadly withdrawl. A clever mind to think beyond familiar scriptures and creative in the voice the author gives to her character.
I was also reminded of the biblical potter molding his clay in I, Woman which looks not at the act of fashioning a figure but in the process of giving life to the clay as an identity and the voice here is that of the created sculpture. Again perhaps echoing the creation of humankind in Genesis Poznansky has written a thoughtful piece that entertains but makes the reader become part of the story, heart mind and soul.
Such powerful writing that has wit and humour, moves you emotionally and has the capacity to allow you to care for the characters briefly introduced.
Want to read
October 4, 2020The Fussy Librarian
April 27, 2023
This is a group of stories/poems based on the author's art work (which I loved). However they are very dark and border on horror to me and that is something I usually pass reading (there's too much in the headlines to want to read more for me). That said, this wasn't my cup of tea, but those who enjoy the genre may find it satisfying. Like most of Uvi Poznansky's other books, this one is well written. She has a distinct style that draws you in and holds you to the end of each story/poem. I will caution that there is adult language and situations involved and if such things bother you, I suggest you pass. But if it doesn't and you like darkness in your reads, I suggest you give it a try.
July 29, 2013
What is woman? Uvi Poznansky’s four curious tales in her Twisted collection find various answers to this question. Is a woman denied existence if we hide her name, or if we define her just by relationships to man? Does the female sculpture come first or second to the creator’s hand? Does death create, destroy or preserve, and can imagination fly?
A haunting story of Job’s nameless wife starts this short collection and sets the tone. With pleasing plays on words and history, evoking intriguing shades of Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the author renders the Biblical story of Job into a timeless world where Job’s wife stands in need of a name.
It’s not hard, after these pleasing Biblical allusions, for the reader to identify with a slab of clay in the next tale and share its search for the creator’s purpose. But the slab is woman and the purpose is filled with beauty and pain.
From lilting poetry to feline’s fearsome claw, these pieces draw the reader in, enticing with intriguing depths and surprising with sudden light. Twisted, puzzling, but perfectly put together, the collection has the feel that it was meant to be this way, no random grouping of fiction but a twisted exploration that turns and returns this reader to the singular question: What is woman?
Disclosure: The author kindly gave me an ecopy of this book with a request for my honest review.
A haunting story of Job’s nameless wife starts this short collection and sets the tone. With pleasing plays on words and history, evoking intriguing shades of Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the author renders the Biblical story of Job into a timeless world where Job’s wife stands in need of a name.
It’s not hard, after these pleasing Biblical allusions, for the reader to identify with a slab of clay in the next tale and share its search for the creator’s purpose. But the slab is woman and the purpose is filled with beauty and pain.
From lilting poetry to feline’s fearsome claw, these pieces draw the reader in, enticing with intriguing depths and surprising with sudden light. Twisted, puzzling, but perfectly put together, the collection has the feel that it was meant to be this way, no random grouping of fiction but a twisted exploration that turns and returns this reader to the singular question: What is woman?
Disclosure: The author kindly gave me an ecopy of this book with a request for my honest review.
July 30, 2013
This is a collection of 4 short stories, each with an unexpected twist! Uvi has again shown her mastery in the writing field. The stories are all told first person and you can tell that Uvi has left a piece of herself in each of the characters! A beautiful sampling of artistry to be visited again and again. Darkness and hope abound!
Her art work also shows what a talented woman Uvi is! Amazing!
In the first story, I Am What I Am, we meet Job's wife as she tries to deal with the Satan attempting to keep her name. The dialogue between them is pointed and you are easily drawn into the discussion.
I Am Woman, lets us become a piece of clay that is being molded into a woman. We can feel, as Uvi does, the loving creator's hands.
The Hollow takes you to a place where your ideas of reality are brought into question.
The One Who Never Leaves is a haunting story about the life of a cat.
Uvi also shares a poem, Dust, which is told by both a man and woman's point of view as they share their feelings with us.
He:
"If shadows peel and lift away
If ever you break free
From my embrace
If you catch sight of me
In light of day--
Go... Leave me here,
My Grace,
In my debris--"
Their love and doubt is felt so deeply!
This is a true masterpiece! Kudos Uvi! Keep sharing yourself with us!
Her art work also shows what a talented woman Uvi is! Amazing!
In the first story, I Am What I Am, we meet Job's wife as she tries to deal with the Satan attempting to keep her name. The dialogue between them is pointed and you are easily drawn into the discussion.
I Am Woman, lets us become a piece of clay that is being molded into a woman. We can feel, as Uvi does, the loving creator's hands.
The Hollow takes you to a place where your ideas of reality are brought into question.
The One Who Never Leaves is a haunting story about the life of a cat.
Uvi also shares a poem, Dust, which is told by both a man and woman's point of view as they share their feelings with us.
He:
"If shadows peel and lift away
If ever you break free
From my embrace
If you catch sight of me
In light of day--
Go... Leave me here,
My Grace,
In my debris--"
Their love and doubt is felt so deeply!
This is a true masterpiece! Kudos Uvi! Keep sharing yourself with us!
August 11, 2013
I've read some of the reviews on this book and they have reinforced the main impression I had whilst reading this book!
The author having a strong and uniques voice never wavers in her storytelling.
Job's wife' s story treated with comedy and sattire is an excellent example. The author paints this character clearly. Still I stepped away from the story thinking that the way the author told this story will make each reader to latch onto something the next reader may dismiss.
Adam in the second story creates the image and referance to biblical creation and him staying mute was both iconic as well as disturbing.
The last two stories follow the same existential pattern whilst the feline in the last book was at the same time a paradox and also an universal icon.
What can I say. Somewhat dark, totally cyclical and thus all encompassing this is a unique strong read.
WaAr
The author having a strong and uniques voice never wavers in her storytelling.
Job's wife' s story treated with comedy and sattire is an excellent example. The author paints this character clearly. Still I stepped away from the story thinking that the way the author told this story will make each reader to latch onto something the next reader may dismiss.
Adam in the second story creates the image and referance to biblical creation and him staying mute was both iconic as well as disturbing.
The last two stories follow the same existential pattern whilst the feline in the last book was at the same time a paradox and also an universal icon.
What can I say. Somewhat dark, totally cyclical and thus all encompassing this is a unique strong read.
WaAr
July 23, 2015
I really enjoy Uvi Poznansky’s poetic writing style. Rich, with depth and an artistic feel. These stories in Twisted are suspenseful and surprising.
Each piece is unique with a special unique twist. There is nothing common about any one of them. A great escape into the complete unknown. There is a special quality to the writing. Something you don’t come across often enough. A complete joy.
There is art in good storytelling and Miss Poznansky has what it takes.
Each piece is unique with a special unique twist. There is nothing common about any one of them. A great escape into the complete unknown. There is a special quality to the writing. Something you don’t come across often enough. A complete joy.
There is art in good storytelling and Miss Poznansky has what it takes.
June 11, 2015
it is the collection of four nice stories which are dark and confusing at times.. but, the more you read, the more you will get blended into them.
only thing that bothered me is, I couldn't keep up with the flow and as I am not Christian, I couldn't understand some references.. otherwise it is a awesome story collection
only thing that bothered me is, I couldn't keep up with the flow and as I am not Christian, I couldn't understand some references.. otherwise it is a awesome story collection
May 29, 2015
This is a very short yet intriguing collection loosely bound by a common theme. All of the tales are imaginatively sculpted with words by the author-artist, and there is a sense of the characters taking shape, struggling through various trials in a three-dimensional manner. I found it unusual and captivating.
August 7, 2015
Suited for literary appetites
The prose is beautiful and arcane. It has its moments of depth and brevity. The style is not for the average reader since you must WORK to read and understand what the author writes. I is worth a review! I enjoyed it and its a work you should read with no distractions.
The prose is beautiful and arcane. It has its moments of depth and brevity. The style is not for the average reader since you must WORK to read and understand what the author writes. I is worth a review! I enjoyed it and its a work you should read with no distractions.
March 22, 2015
I enjoyed each story of this short stories collection - Great read! Uvi Poznansky is a great writer – I like all her books This book is no different no exception ( added to my personal library)
September 19, 2017
This was a really unique collection of stories. I enjoyed the longer ones, which were in the biblical mythology arena. I Am What I Am took a character from the Bible who is incredibly overlooked and used it to make a point about the general invisibility of women in history and religion. And I, Woman was a great retelling of the creation myth using modern art as a metaphor. Then there were two shorter pieces as well. The One Who Never Leaves was a rather sad story about a cat, and I'll admit that The Hollow went right over my head so I'm not sure what that was about really. There is also a poem and a few sculptures that go with I, Woman so that was neat. And there are excerpts from some of her other works at the back. This isn't really in my usual wheelhouse but I'm glad I gave it a chance because there were some very unique perspectives.
March 30, 2018
4.5 stars
This is a new to me author. The four stories were short and interesting. Some points were unsettling as they were a little dark, but overall this author paints a picture with her words. Each story was unique and intriguing. Her writing was on point and well-crafted. It was definitely a different type of read for me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
This is a new to me author. The four stories were short and interesting. Some points were unsettling as they were a little dark, but overall this author paints a picture with her words. Each story was unique and intriguing. Her writing was on point and well-crafted. It was definitely a different type of read for me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Want to read
April 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/16/2019)! 🎁
July 21, 2013
"Twisted" by Uvi Poznansky has been on my reading list for some time. After having read and adored "Home" and "A Favourite Son" I decided to save this expected treasure for a special occasion but I only lasted a week.
The book is nothing short of amazing. It is a fantastic selection of four short stories, all slightly dark and - as the title promises - with their own kind of twist.
My favourite story is the first, a tale about Job's wife that is based on a very imaginative and simply terrific idea. Job's wife, who in the biblical story told her husband to curse God, who is trying Job's faith with all sorts of misfortune, faces the consequences of her dis-loyal action. God and Satan's bet about Job's loyalty is one of the key stories in the bible in my view in that it asks believers to have blind faith. Job's wife just had about enough after plagues and death and what not and represents one of the most challenging and controversial figures in the Bible. Told in her own voice this is a rather fascinating and intriguing story that almost ended too soon for my liking and addictive personality.
The second short story reads like a take on creationism by giving a voice to a clay figure who observes her creator. With the mentioning of Adam in this story the Biblical reference is implied albeit less specific, yet challenging one's perspective of the Eden story.
Freedom, identity and fate are some of the themes running through the stories.
This is an amazing and exciting read, one that is playful as it is intellectually stimulating and founded in sharp observation. The characters created are certainly quite a long way from the norm and a firework of originality.
Adding unusual elements, such as the mention of a lift and the King David Hotel in a biblical story, using the perspective of a cat and of a clay figure, these pieces take the reader deliberately out of their comfort zone and out of their experience into their head, only to draw them back into the story and the reality the characters are experiencing.
A great book, not easily forgotten.
The book is nothing short of amazing. It is a fantastic selection of four short stories, all slightly dark and - as the title promises - with their own kind of twist.
My favourite story is the first, a tale about Job's wife that is based on a very imaginative and simply terrific idea. Job's wife, who in the biblical story told her husband to curse God, who is trying Job's faith with all sorts of misfortune, faces the consequences of her dis-loyal action. God and Satan's bet about Job's loyalty is one of the key stories in the bible in my view in that it asks believers to have blind faith. Job's wife just had about enough after plagues and death and what not and represents one of the most challenging and controversial figures in the Bible. Told in her own voice this is a rather fascinating and intriguing story that almost ended too soon for my liking and addictive personality.
The second short story reads like a take on creationism by giving a voice to a clay figure who observes her creator. With the mentioning of Adam in this story the Biblical reference is implied albeit less specific, yet challenging one's perspective of the Eden story.
Freedom, identity and fate are some of the themes running through the stories.
This is an amazing and exciting read, one that is playful as it is intellectually stimulating and founded in sharp observation. The characters created are certainly quite a long way from the norm and a firework of originality.
Adding unusual elements, such as the mention of a lift and the King David Hotel in a biblical story, using the perspective of a cat and of a clay figure, these pieces take the reader deliberately out of their comfort zone and out of their experience into their head, only to draw them back into the story and the reality the characters are experiencing.
A great book, not easily forgotten.
November 29, 2013
I am hard put to say which was my favorite. I Am What I Am drew me in right away with the mystery of who this dead woman was. Not being familiar with Christian tales, I nevertheless enjoyed the rock and hard place Job’s wife found herself between. She did a lot of sighing, but if I were her, I would probably do so too….or cuss. I, Woman was sensual and full of creativity, just as I imagine sculpting with clay would be. Even though this was short, the main character grew over the space of the tale, at first thinking little of her clay companion, then coming to appreciate any communication with him, and finally, afraid of what lay before her, missing his constant presence. Perhaps this was my favorite.
The Hollow went by a little too quickly for me, leaving a rather ghostly impression on me. Perhaps it was meant to do so as the woman was in free fall. The book ended with an unlooked for surprise in the last story, The One Who Never Leaves. It is all told from a cat’s perspective, tamed, trapped in domesticity. Being the servant to several cats, I completely connected with this story, recognizing that predatory glint in my cat’s eyes, as captured by the disgruntled feline of this story.
In short, this is an excellent collection of short tales. Each was unique, standing on it’s own merits. I also loved that each was told through female eyes, allowing one more layer of connection.
The Narration: Heather Jane Hogan provided clear, distinct voices, and even went extra lengths to give Satan in the first tale an unearthly tone. My only minor criticism was that the pacing was slow; however this may have been by request of the author.
The Hollow went by a little too quickly for me, leaving a rather ghostly impression on me. Perhaps it was meant to do so as the woman was in free fall. The book ended with an unlooked for surprise in the last story, The One Who Never Leaves. It is all told from a cat’s perspective, tamed, trapped in domesticity. Being the servant to several cats, I completely connected with this story, recognizing that predatory glint in my cat’s eyes, as captured by the disgruntled feline of this story.
In short, this is an excellent collection of short tales. Each was unique, standing on it’s own merits. I also loved that each was told through female eyes, allowing one more layer of connection.
The Narration: Heather Jane Hogan provided clear, distinct voices, and even went extra lengths to give Satan in the first tale an unearthly tone. My only minor criticism was that the pacing was slow; however this may have been by request of the author.
August 31, 2013
(Note - this review is for the audiobook edition of "Twisted")
Uvi Poznansky's "Twisted" is collection of four short stories and a poem that, collectively, are very difficult to describe. Each of the four tales is "twisted" in its own way:
"I Am What I Am" is the story of Job's wife and her fight to rediscover her name; "The Hollow" is a very brief tale of perception and reality; "I, Woman" tells (possibly) a version of the story of Adam and Eve; and "The One Who Never Leaves" gives us the perspective of an apartment-dwelling cat.
The prose is both beautiful and powerful; the author (who is also an artist) paints with words as deftly as she might apply paint to a canvas, and with the same care and precision.
The stories themselves are all wonderful. I found the tale of Job's wife the most affecting, personally. The author mixes sly humor in as well, especially in "The One Who Never Leaves" and "I, Woman." All four stories are quite moving; the author has great command of emotion and uses it to full effect.
The narration, by voice artist Heather Jane Hogan, is every bit as good, and as powerful, as the prose. The narrator uses her voice expertly; the voice of each of the four stories is completely distinct, but never overpowering the words. She expertly conveys emotion and mood, and the way in which she voices several distinct characters (both male and female, human and otherwise) is amazing.
She's also, quite simply, a pleasure to listen to.
I could not recommend this work more highly; it is truly wonderful and not to be missed.
Uvi Poznansky's "Twisted" is collection of four short stories and a poem that, collectively, are very difficult to describe. Each of the four tales is "twisted" in its own way:
"I Am What I Am" is the story of Job's wife and her fight to rediscover her name; "The Hollow" is a very brief tale of perception and reality; "I, Woman" tells (possibly) a version of the story of Adam and Eve; and "The One Who Never Leaves" gives us the perspective of an apartment-dwelling cat.
The prose is both beautiful and powerful; the author (who is also an artist) paints with words as deftly as she might apply paint to a canvas, and with the same care and precision.
The stories themselves are all wonderful. I found the tale of Job's wife the most affecting, personally. The author mixes sly humor in as well, especially in "The One Who Never Leaves" and "I, Woman." All four stories are quite moving; the author has great command of emotion and uses it to full effect.
The narration, by voice artist Heather Jane Hogan, is every bit as good, and as powerful, as the prose. The narrator uses her voice expertly; the voice of each of the four stories is completely distinct, but never overpowering the words. She expertly conveys emotion and mood, and the way in which she voices several distinct characters (both male and female, human and otherwise) is amazing.
She's also, quite simply, a pleasure to listen to.
I could not recommend this work more highly; it is truly wonderful and not to be missed.
August 14, 2014
"A Unique Collection of Alluring, Poetic Stories"
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
This is not a book for James Patterson fans. It's for those who love poetry, love to think, love the power of words. To those types of readers, I would most definitely recommend TWISTED.
What did you like best about this story?
I loved the imagery of Ms. Poznansky's writing. She is a dreamer and an artist, and the wild flights that her mind takes are fascinating.
Which scene was your favorite?
My favorite scene/story within this collection of four stories was the one told from a clay figure's point of view., FROM DUST. I loved how well Ms. Poznansky gets into the minds of even an "inanimate" object, bringing the statue to life with power and possibilities. Amazing.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Four women - their loves, lives, and anguish.
Any additional comments?
Heather Jane Hogan (the narrator) is truly outstanding. I found the first story, however, to be spoken to ponderously, too slowly. I had to speed up my playback to 1.25, which felt about "right." I never had to do that before. All of the other stories felt perfectly timed. I think perhaps it was done purposefully because of the storyline, so it's understandable. Another note: it was quite shocking to realize we were hearing the innermost thoughts of a dead woman! ;o)
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
This is not a book for James Patterson fans. It's for those who love poetry, love to think, love the power of words. To those types of readers, I would most definitely recommend TWISTED.
What did you like best about this story?
I loved the imagery of Ms. Poznansky's writing. She is a dreamer and an artist, and the wild flights that her mind takes are fascinating.
Which scene was your favorite?
My favorite scene/story within this collection of four stories was the one told from a clay figure's point of view., FROM DUST. I loved how well Ms. Poznansky gets into the minds of even an "inanimate" object, bringing the statue to life with power and possibilities. Amazing.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Four women - their loves, lives, and anguish.
Any additional comments?
Heather Jane Hogan (the narrator) is truly outstanding. I found the first story, however, to be spoken to ponderously, too slowly. I had to speed up my playback to 1.25, which felt about "right." I never had to do that before. All of the other stories felt perfectly timed. I think perhaps it was done purposefully because of the storyline, so it's understandable. Another note: it was quite shocking to realize we were hearing the innermost thoughts of a dead woman! ;o)
August 9, 2013
“Twisted,” a collection of four haunting and addictive stories, provides a fresh and personal interpretation of the juxtaposition of art and life. On the surface, the distinction between art and life is clear: life is real and natural, and art is artificial.
But the more you think about this distinction, the more lines get blurred until the Creation and the Creator, the Art and the Artist, become one. This idea has fascinated writers and artists -- and Uvi Poznansky is both, as well as a software engineer! – since at least Victorian times. Oscar Wilde believed that “every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist not of the sitter,” referring to the emotions and “soul” that the artist puts into his/her work.
In Uvi Poznansky’s book, you will explore this idea and many more (such as that vision is not a gift but a burden) through such characters as a clay figure, a ghostly woman, and a feline creature who never meows. Why? The answer is more complicated than you think. There is a reason this collection is titled “Twisted,” and the unexpected but logical answer is on its pages.
But the more you think about this distinction, the more lines get blurred until the Creation and the Creator, the Art and the Artist, become one. This idea has fascinated writers and artists -- and Uvi Poznansky is both, as well as a software engineer! – since at least Victorian times. Oscar Wilde believed that “every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist not of the sitter,” referring to the emotions and “soul” that the artist puts into his/her work.
In Uvi Poznansky’s book, you will explore this idea and many more (such as that vision is not a gift but a burden) through such characters as a clay figure, a ghostly woman, and a feline creature who never meows. Why? The answer is more complicated than you think. There is a reason this collection is titled “Twisted,” and the unexpected but logical answer is on its pages.
March 9, 2015
What a unique collection by Uvi Poznanssy. The tales are laden with mystery and macabre.
The first story: A dead woman lost her name and was looking for her name. She always said, “I am what I am”. It was inspired by the Biblical story of Job. It really spoke to me how Job’s wife must have felt, when Job lost everything.
The next stories: I woman. The Hollow and The One who Never Leaves. The stories are about, as the first one, of a dead woman, a cat and about Satan sticking his horns where they don’t belong.
Each story spoke individually to me but took me into an amazing and unexpected direction and spin around a hyper reality and course. It was amazing how Uvi’s mind is working, but left me thinking twice again.
I have to say, I have never read a story so mysterious and macabre and unique. But again, I enjoyed each story, because each story had something to tell and gave a message and left me thinking.
I won’t go more into each story, you better read the book.
5 stars
The first story: A dead woman lost her name and was looking for her name. She always said, “I am what I am”. It was inspired by the Biblical story of Job. It really spoke to me how Job’s wife must have felt, when Job lost everything.
The next stories: I woman. The Hollow and The One who Never Leaves. The stories are about, as the first one, of a dead woman, a cat and about Satan sticking his horns where they don’t belong.
Each story spoke individually to me but took me into an amazing and unexpected direction and spin around a hyper reality and course. It was amazing how Uvi’s mind is working, but left me thinking twice again.
I have to say, I have never read a story so mysterious and macabre and unique. But again, I enjoyed each story, because each story had something to tell and gave a message and left me thinking.
I won’t go more into each story, you better read the book.
5 stars
November 6, 2013
Once again I had the pleasure of listening to another audible book by Uvi Poznansky. This time I enjoyed “Twisted” on CD. The one word to define Uvi would be “Wordsmith.” The way she uses verses in her books are remarkable. The accounts to detail and the way she expresses to the reader or in this case the listener is works of art. My favorite again from “Twisted” was called “The one who wouldn’t leave.” I won’t tell you what it’s about, but trust me it was a good story and I enjoyed every minute of it. So, In closing I must say that I recommend this book if you want to sit back and enjoy some of her deep thoughts again and I did find some slight humor there also. I give it 5 stars and looking forward to more of her work in the future. One final note, the narrator on the audio book was terrific. I enjoyed Heather Jane Hogan doing the different voices to the characters and her voice was a pleasure to listen to.
March 19, 2015
This book is a collection of four stories, each one an interesting tale of mystery and intrigue. While the plots and settings are different, there is a common thread throughout them all. I found them to be captivating and I was drawn in them with the rich descriptive nature that Uvi Poznansky has with her writing ability. The bonus is exceptional too, the poem and the artwork, to me, is very introspective, simply well done and serves as the icing on the cake. This is a book that I would suggest to those who want to get lost for a few hours and be held captive till the end in an enchanting tale, albeit dark and mysterious.
September 11, 2015
In the first story, I Am What I Am, we meet Job's wife as she tries to deal with the Satan attempting to keep her name. The dialogue between them is pointed and you are easily drawn into the discussion.
Twisted is a collection of 4 shady and mysterious stories
I Am Woman, lets us become a piece of clay that is being molded into a woman. We can feel, as Uvi does, the loving creator's hands.
The Hollow takes you to a place where your ideas of reality are brought into question.
The One Who Never Leaves is a haunting story about the life of a cat.
Uvi also shares a poem, Dust, which is told by both a man and woman's point of view as they share their feelings with us.
A must read
August 22, 2013
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Reflections of women seeking their own identity and validation in a world that ignores, misjudge and scoff at them. Written from different view points, each poem has a unique setting, where each is confronted with their own self worth. To be validated. Poetic and honest each poem gives you a deeper look into the physic of her thoughts as she reach out. Sinister in its approach it comes to particular conclusions as their worlds are explored and revealed.
Twisted an interesting name that reveals more than you expected.
Reflections of women seeking their own identity and validation in a world that ignores, misjudge and scoff at them. Written from different view points, each poem has a unique setting, where each is confronted with their own self worth. To be validated. Poetic and honest each poem gives you a deeper look into the physic of her thoughts as she reach out. Sinister in its approach it comes to particular conclusions as their worlds are explored and revealed.
Twisted an interesting name that reveals more than you expected.
December 26, 2015
This was a unique and thought-provoking collection of short stories. It's title says it all as it truly is 'twisted'. Poznansky definitely provides a twist on reality and on what you would expect. These short stories challenge your thoughts and your senses. They will leave you overwhelmed with a sense of 'Wow' and 'What'.
If you are looking for something unique and powerful, something different that is unlike anything else, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
Poznansky has a great writing style and I look forward to seeing more!
If you are looking for something unique and powerful, something different that is unlike anything else, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
Poznansky has a great writing style and I look forward to seeing more!
March 9, 2014
Twisted by Uvi Poznansky has so many twists and turns that this was a very appropriate title for the book! I was pretty familiar with many of these stories, but the author forced me to see them from a different perspective - a true artist can do this! I think that she's a genuine writer of very good literature. I'm sure that I will enjoy all of her other works as much as I did this one and Apart From Love.
September 29, 2014
I liked that the author used the creation of her art works as her muse for her stories, but some of it was just a little too out there in their descriptions for me to really feel like I knew what was going on. My favorite story was the very first one about Job's wife trying to get her name back. The rest I found intriguing and very well written but not something I would read again or recommend most likely.
January 11, 2015
Elements and emotions
Twisted
by Uvi Poznansky
The unique way in which Poznansky writes and defines stories is certainly one to be discovered.
Twisted is no exception with the wrapping together of many elements and emotions, touching the soul.
A perspective which will challenge the reader to explore new depths in this cleverly paced read.
Nicely done to torment the senses.
Highly recommended 5*****
Twisted
by Uvi Poznansky
The unique way in which Poznansky writes and defines stories is certainly one to be discovered.
Twisted is no exception with the wrapping together of many elements and emotions, touching the soul.
A perspective which will challenge the reader to explore new depths in this cleverly paced read.
Nicely done to torment the senses.
Highly recommended 5*****
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews