Purge

by Nathan O'Hagan

A collection of 6 gritty short stories tackling issues of violence, paranoia, eating disorders, alienation and pornography, Purge delves into the contemporary experience, from the perspective of those on the margins of society.

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2013

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the month was a collection of short stories by Nathan O'Hagan. I was lucky enough to review Nathan's newest short story collection 'Everything Falls Apart' last month and thoroughly loved it. It's one of my top reads this year. This 45 page set of stories is called 'Purge'. The collection includes six stories tackling issues, such as paranoia, suicide and alienation. Nathan also delves in deeper to unmask the thoughts and perceptions of those in marginalised society. (Image below... yes they are very lovely Beauty and Beast pjs, I am not ashamed). This read may be short but it is most definitely not sweet. One thing that I love about Nathan's work is his ability to make the reader feel such raw emotions about the realities in which he writes.

I enjoyed this read because it shone some light on some major issues that globally seem to be over - looked, such as suicide in men and the poor and wealth divide, which gets larger everyday, but no-one is ever happy at where they are in life. This is some amazing work, again. I could read Nathan O'Hagan's story collections for days!

[Doghouse Gav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent short story's

A book of fast moving detailed well written short story's. Perfect to pass the lunch hour. First time I have read anything from this author. Won't be the last.

[Clive Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of short stories exploring what I can only summise as trauma experienced by characters on the edge if society.
Pretty attention grabbing and punchy.

[Etienne Hanratty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purge is a collection of six short, very dark stories. If there's a common theme, it's that the protagonist's lives are all in some way damaged, but each story is completely unique. In some, O'Hagan very successfully takes the reader into the disturbed minds of his creations; in others, such as Spencer, he takes a more distanced approach, with equally effective results. At times, as in the opener, Keep Calm and Carry On, there's a subtle experimentalism at play and it would be fascinating to see what this author does with a full length work.

If there's one criticism to be made, it's that these stories are so unremittingly bleak that a little levity would be welcomed. There are jokes here-or at least I think there are-but they're in keeping with the general mood of the book. Anyone searching for mother-in-law gags is advised to look elsewhere.

Purge isn't going to be for everyone, but I enjoyed it. The stories are well-paced and economically written; in spite of the darkness, I devoured this in a single sitting. In short, Purge is well-worth investigating.

[Jesamine James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of very well written disturbing stories. The author gets into the minds of a variety of troubled characters and portrays them uncomfortably convincingly.
Psychological extremes, so unnervingly close to home make this book a chilling read.
I am left wanting more.

[Geraldine O'Hagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sharp, direct and devastating collection of tales that stay with you. A great read. What more could you ask for? Recommended.

[Monica Towart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok

[Lenette Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was recommended this by a friend. It was a quick easy read that left me wanting more.

[Nathan O'hagan]

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