Galway Stories

by Lisa Frank (Editor)

Galway Stories is an engaging contemporary collection of short fiction set in the city and county of Galway by writers who live, or have lived, in Galway. It includes many of Ireland’s most acclaimed short-story writers, including Mike McCormack, Kevin Barry, Mary Costello and Julian Gough; local favourites, such as Geraldine Mills and Alan McMonagle; and up-and-comers, including Hugo Kelly and Aileen Armstrong.

The twenty stories included in the collection take the reader on an intimate tour of Galway, the cultural heart of Ireland. From the top of Eyre Square to the prom on Salthill, from the bogside of Cashel to the stone walls of Kinvara, each of the stories explore the neighbouhoods and the people who live there. Some stories — such as Jim Mullarkey’s ‘Encounter on Buttermilk Lane’ or Olaf Tyaransen’s ‘Don’t you know who I am?’ — present a vivid portrait of the neighbourhoods using specific landmarks and detail; others — including Edward Boyne’s ‘The Sculptor’ or Nuala Ní Chonchúir’s ‘Cri de Coeur’ — convey the atmospheric spirit of the neighbourhoods and their inhabitants. The stories in the anthology offer a distinct array of content and theme, voice and style, celebrating also the diverse talent of Galway writers.

Galway Stories also includes photos and background information on each neighbourhood, as well as maps displaying the location of each story to further provide an evocative snapshot of Galway.

Genres: Short Stories

231 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently travelled to Galway, I opted to experience stories cast in a light of familiarity. As with any compilation, there are tales depicted in a nice rhythm in writing style and cast a spell [Cri de Coeur, House at Doon, Traffic Lights, and Deep Blue], where others enchant from another time [Eat the Swans and possibly How to Fall in Love Properly]. Naturally, some feel suspended or still-born, which is to be expected.

Divided into sections based on neighborhoods of Galway, there is also an accompanying supplemental portion that outlines addresses to the referenced bars, restaurants, etc., of each neighborhood. In that manner, it acts as literature of choose your own adventure. Was not available on Amazon when I checked last. Doire Press website will provide the purchasing opportunity.

I would have given this 3.5 stars if Goodreads allowed. I am not remiss about having read since the delights of a few stories enrich the overall endeavor.

[Dara Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing and topics vary widely from author to author, which was fun for a travel read.