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The Naming of Moths
Stories of myths, mothers and monsters.
THE NAMING OF MOTHS features stories of magical realism, myths and legends re-imagined, where all the characters are undergoing transformation or facing a pivotal moment of change in their lives. People and animals interchange their shapes. Story landscapes flit from fairy-tale woods to urban homes. Here love, hope and kindness weave between the realities of man’s endless talent for cruelty.
"The depth and scope of these beautifully crafted stories is a delight. The writing is totally immersive and never misses a beat. These stories transport us to a myriad of places, and whether we find ourselves in the heat and dust of the Outback, in suburban Britain or Mexico City, Fells’ fictional worlds always feel real. This is a writer who understands our mortal frailties, and has a deep understanding of the complexities of the human condition. Her stories are crammed with diverse characters and unforgettable journeys, stuffed with monsters and myths, humour and playfulness – and brimming with surprises. These are tales to be savoured, and they will stay with the reader long after the last line. A wonderful collection, sprinkled with magic – I loved it!" - Amanda Huggins, author of An Unfamiliar Landscape and talk to me about when we were perfect
"A superb debut, The Naming of Moths explores monsters, mothers and myths, and the spaces where they cross over. Dark, sensual, often disquieting yet beautiful, these stories never fail to surprise. With an expert hand, Fells leads us beyond the fairytale to expose hearts that heal in the dark. A must read." - Angela Readman, author of The Girls are Pretty Crocodiles
"These stories will surprise, enthral, entertain and never disappoint. A collection that is subtle, full of incisive observation and darkly comic at times. All of life is here, in its pathos, humour and richness." - Reshma Ruia
THE NAMING OF MOTHS features stories of magical realism, myths and legends re-imagined, where all the characters are undergoing transformation or facing a pivotal moment of change in their lives. People and animals interchange their shapes. Story landscapes flit from fairy-tale woods to urban homes. Here love, hope and kindness weave between the realities of man’s endless talent for cruelty.
"The depth and scope of these beautifully crafted stories is a delight. The writing is totally immersive and never misses a beat. These stories transport us to a myriad of places, and whether we find ourselves in the heat and dust of the Outback, in suburban Britain or Mexico City, Fells’ fictional worlds always feel real. This is a writer who understands our mortal frailties, and has a deep understanding of the complexities of the human condition. Her stories are crammed with diverse characters and unforgettable journeys, stuffed with monsters and myths, humour and playfulness – and brimming with surprises. These are tales to be savoured, and they will stay with the reader long after the last line. A wonderful collection, sprinkled with magic – I loved it!" - Amanda Huggins, author of An Unfamiliar Landscape and talk to me about when we were perfect
"A superb debut, The Naming of Moths explores monsters, mothers and myths, and the spaces where they cross over. Dark, sensual, often disquieting yet beautiful, these stories never fail to surprise. With an expert hand, Fells leads us beyond the fairytale to expose hearts that heal in the dark. A must read." - Angela Readman, author of The Girls are Pretty Crocodiles
"These stories will surprise, enthral, entertain and never disappoint. A collection that is subtle, full of incisive observation and darkly comic at times. All of life is here, in its pathos, humour and richness." - Reshma Ruia
200 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 10, 2023
‘THE NAMING OF MOTHS features stories of magical realism, myths and legends re-imagined, where all the characters are undergoing transformation or facing a pivotal moment of change in their lives’.
I can always tell when I’ve been blown away by a book because I feel all funny about it. I either don’t know what to say, or I know what I want to say, but I can’t seem to write it down.
Let’s go with the flow and see what happens.
Tracy Fells, your book is magnificent. Can I just sit coveting it in the corner here, and make that my review? Is that okay?
The Naming of Moths is a collection of eighteen stories that flits and floats through the mind, leaving a colourful trail of poetic clout.
I cannot stress enough how incredible these stories are. From bakeries to archeological sites, from diet clinics to the dusty outback, Fells’ writing has a magnetism that pulls and clinks everything together, even though they couldn’t be more further apart or different.
I loved how a couple of the stories revealed themselves to be a companion piece to another. I loved how the shorter stories carried power, and a darker side. I loved how the longer ones took me journeying with them. I loved how they sounded read aloud, I could feel their passion and detected their underlying meanings and messages. I loved the colours described in the flawless prose, descriptions zingy with lemon yellows, aromas and sunshine. I loved how one of the stories made me angry and shocked and it got the easiest five stars ever. I loved how I felt spellbound by every single word.
This whole collection is dazzling and unforgettable. It will stay with me forever. I have shelved it on my ‘best of 2023’ Goodreads shelf and I will buy the print edition as soon as I am able to.
‘Vector’, ‘Coping Mechanism’, ‘A Cinnamon Kiss’, Ancient Wing’ and ‘The Frost Hare’ will always have a special place in my heart.
Completely gorgeous in every way, a heartfelt thank you to Isabelle at Fly on the Wall Press for kindly sending me a digital copy.
I can always tell when I’ve been blown away by a book because I feel all funny about it. I either don’t know what to say, or I know what I want to say, but I can’t seem to write it down.
Let’s go with the flow and see what happens.
Tracy Fells, your book is magnificent. Can I just sit coveting it in the corner here, and make that my review? Is that okay?
The Naming of Moths is a collection of eighteen stories that flits and floats through the mind, leaving a colourful trail of poetic clout.
I cannot stress enough how incredible these stories are. From bakeries to archeological sites, from diet clinics to the dusty outback, Fells’ writing has a magnetism that pulls and clinks everything together, even though they couldn’t be more further apart or different.
I loved how a couple of the stories revealed themselves to be a companion piece to another. I loved how the shorter stories carried power, and a darker side. I loved how the longer ones took me journeying with them. I loved how they sounded read aloud, I could feel their passion and detected their underlying meanings and messages. I loved the colours described in the flawless prose, descriptions zingy with lemon yellows, aromas and sunshine. I loved how one of the stories made me angry and shocked and it got the easiest five stars ever. I loved how I felt spellbound by every single word.
This whole collection is dazzling and unforgettable. It will stay with me forever. I have shelved it on my ‘best of 2023’ Goodreads shelf and I will buy the print edition as soon as I am able to.
‘Vector’, ‘Coping Mechanism’, ‘A Cinnamon Kiss’, Ancient Wing’ and ‘The Frost Hare’ will always have a special place in my heart.
Completely gorgeous in every way, a heartfelt thank you to Isabelle at Fly on the Wall Press for kindly sending me a digital copy.
October 16, 2023
Tracy Fells’ scintillating stories rove the human experience, pausing to press the soft underbelly of all our lives. These are tales to make you think, laugh and, sometimes, squirm in discomfort. In subtle, expert prose, Fells explores themes such as new motherhood, loss and revenge, portrayed across cultures, often with a dark or uncanny edge. Some, such as ‘The Frost Hare’, in which an animal shape-shifts into human form, have a fairy-tale feel. Others, such as ‘Twisted’, disturb in deeper ways. All the stories in this book deserve reading and re-reading to savour their rich and thought-provoking depths.
November 10, 2023
This is one of the very first short story collections I have read where every single story was a delight to read. I usually find in short story books that there are great ones and then others that are just ok but these genuinely were all a joy to read.
The story topics were such a mix and I experienced such a wide range of emotions. Some were funny, others were sad and a few made me feel uncomfortable but every single one was compelling and thought provoking.
I read about motherhood, different cultures, diverse characters, death, marriage, murder and so much more. There are some quirky sides to a lot of the stories and with a lot of magical realism which I loved.
There are a few dark comical stories that I particularly found entertaining to read and some fantastic twists that I didn’t see coming.
The Naming of Moths is a rich and highly captivating collection of stories that stretches your imagination and explores human behaviour in a way that I have never read before. I definitely recommend for readers who like stories that are exquisitely crafted, thoughtful and have a hint of magic.
The story topics were such a mix and I experienced such a wide range of emotions. Some were funny, others were sad and a few made me feel uncomfortable but every single one was compelling and thought provoking.
I read about motherhood, different cultures, diverse characters, death, marriage, murder and so much more. There are some quirky sides to a lot of the stories and with a lot of magical realism which I loved.
There are a few dark comical stories that I particularly found entertaining to read and some fantastic twists that I didn’t see coming.
The Naming of Moths is a rich and highly captivating collection of stories that stretches your imagination and explores human behaviour in a way that I have never read before. I definitely recommend for readers who like stories that are exquisitely crafted, thoughtful and have a hint of magic.
October 18, 2023
An absorbing and cohesive short story collection that reflects on different aspects of being human. As a writer, Fells knows her craft fully. The stories are well wrought and many cleverly use magical realism elements, some being retellings of folk tales. But even when women sprout wings or men morph into hares, Fells is always strong on characterisation and storyline. The elegant ‘The Naming of Moths’ and the poignant ‘Ancient Wing’ were particular favourites.
December 18, 2023
This is a collection of magical, realist and magical realist stories which are beautifully crafted, often with an unsettling sludge of something horrific sliding under the glittering, or bland beige surface.
Some made me laugh, some gasp, one made actual tears fall down my face, which isn’t something which happens often when I’m reading. This is a lovely, varied, well-written collection of very varied, but loosely themed stories. I highly recommend it. In fact I’ve bought another copy to give as a Christmas gift.
Some made me laugh, some gasp, one made actual tears fall down my face, which isn’t something which happens often when I’m reading. This is a lovely, varied, well-written collection of very varied, but loosely themed stories. I highly recommend it. In fact I’ve bought another copy to give as a Christmas gift.
January 23, 2024
Such an enjoyable collection of short stories - sometimes funny, sometimes dark, and often unexpected. There is fairy-tale quality to many of the pieces, but they are always grounded in real life and Fells' observations of human character and frailty are wonderfully observed.
March 18, 2024
More women in real life should kill their husbands and also turn into beasts.
May 30, 2024
3.5 🌟- an interesting collection of stories, I definitely liked some (the ones more fairytale and women related) more than others. Thanks Iza!
November 27, 2023
Gorgeous stories, each one different, each a plaintive call. Miniature, yet complete worlds, worth rereading.
December 16, 2023
This book was a collection of short stories involving a whole range of different topics including loss,love,motherhood and even monsters! I sped through this book so quickly and I absolutely loved it! Tracy is so talented in creating short stories that really do create and weave a whole tale in just a few pages. These were really impactful and some endings made me question everything I was suspecting was going to happen. The short story Coping Mechanism definitely caught me off guard! This one would make such a cool concept in a full length book I think too. It was one of the many stories in this book that was unsettling and unexpected! Lots of these stories were telling a tale of what people eventually became in their life. A swan, a hare and a murderer of their sister! Such twisty and compelling stories that really keeps you enthralled and excited for the next story ahead. I would totally recommend this fascinating short story collection!
December 9, 2023
Tracy Fells's The Naming of Moths is deceptive - on the surface it offers a post-modern take on fairy tales and romances, and each story develops with generic tropes in a contemporary setting, and then, towards the end of each story, she slips in a twist, transforms a character from innocent to scoundrel, or a narrator from victim to predator.
She peoples her stories with characters often dislocated from their backgrounds, or forced to remain in a stifling environment - work migrants, refugees, stay-at-home adults - and modern literary scenarios - caring for aging parents, arranged marriages, serial killings, weight-loss farms - but does not satirise, or offer a preachy tone in her narration.
Instead, she uses brilliantly precise descriptions to highlight the psychology of her characters and motivations, and focuses on navigating compelling and original story arcs and plots in the space of only a few pages.
Twisted fairy tale 'Cinnamon Kiss' and psycho-drama 'Coping Mechanism' and micro-crime story 'In the Copper Canyon' and dark romance 'The Frost Hare' are stand-outs here.
She peoples her stories with characters often dislocated from their backgrounds, or forced to remain in a stifling environment - work migrants, refugees, stay-at-home adults - and modern literary scenarios - caring for aging parents, arranged marriages, serial killings, weight-loss farms - but does not satirise, or offer a preachy tone in her narration.
Instead, she uses brilliantly precise descriptions to highlight the psychology of her characters and motivations, and focuses on navigating compelling and original story arcs and plots in the space of only a few pages.
Twisted fairy tale 'Cinnamon Kiss' and psycho-drama 'Coping Mechanism' and micro-crime story 'In the Copper Canyon' and dark romance 'The Frost Hare' are stand-outs here.
October 17, 2023
I was expecting to enjoy The Naming of Moths as I have been reading Tracy Fells’ short fiction for many years, but experiencing her stories together in one collection has still managed to take my breath away – the depth and scope of these beautifully crafted stories is a delight.
The writing is totally immersive and never misses a beat. These stories transport us to a myriad of places, and whether we find ourselves in the heat and dust of the Outback, in suburban Britain or Mexico City, Fells’ fictional worlds always feel real.
This is a writer who understands our mortal frailties, and has a deep understanding of the complexities of the human condition. Her stories are crammed with diverse characters and unforgettable journeys, stuffed with monsters and myths, humour and playfulness – and brimming with surprises. These are tales to be savoured, and they will stay with the reader long after the last line. A wonderful collection, sprinkled with magic – I loved it!
The writing is totally immersive and never misses a beat. These stories transport us to a myriad of places, and whether we find ourselves in the heat and dust of the Outback, in suburban Britain or Mexico City, Fells’ fictional worlds always feel real.
This is a writer who understands our mortal frailties, and has a deep understanding of the complexities of the human condition. Her stories are crammed with diverse characters and unforgettable journeys, stuffed with monsters and myths, humour and playfulness – and brimming with surprises. These are tales to be savoured, and they will stay with the reader long after the last line. A wonderful collection, sprinkled with magic – I loved it!
November 10, 2023
Sometimes it’s such a treat to sit back and relax into a set of well written short stories and this debut collection of eighteen short stories certainly captured my imagination with well written tales which cover the central theme of transformation. Cleverly put together I found much to like and spent an enjoyable couple of hours dipping into the book, reading stories which appealed to me by their title and gradually getting drawn into the magical world of this author’s clever imagination. In particular, I enjoyed the eponymous The Naming of Moths, an interesting story with a clever twist, The Frost Hare which had quite an eerie feel to it and Gretel and the Chocolate Wolf which stills roams in my imagination.
Clever, imaginative, and quite compelling, The Naming of Moths, with its interesting blend of magical realism, is the perfect read for an autumn afternoon by the fire.
October 27, 2023
Absolutely love the lingeringly unsettling atmosphere these stories evoke. I gobbled up the entire collection on a grey and misty autumn day which was a perfect setting for these acutely observed sometimes fairy-tale, sometimes fabulist but always acutely incisive-about-human-nature stories. My favourite was the eponymous The Naming of Moths. The spare, concise language with flashes of breath taking lyricism used not one spare word to conjure a narrative I was so not expecting. I love a dark short story. I LOVE a dark short story that leaves me feeling uplifted as well as unsettled. Pitch perfect story-telling from a writer at the top of her game. I will revisit this collection many many times.
January 25, 2024
Tracy Fells is a sublime flash fiction and short story writer, so this book was greatly anticipated by me. It did not disappoint. In this, her first short story collection, Fells presents great studies of the relationships we have with each other, with ourselves, and with the magic and mysticism that surrounds us. Twenty perfect tales of love, lust, betrayal, life and loss - told with great sensitivity and humour. These stories will challenge the way you look at relationships, because in the relating of those things that may not seem usual, we will see the truth: that otherness is but a whisper away.
Plus, you will learn what it truly means to “get wood”!
Plus, you will learn what it truly means to “get wood”!
March 18, 2025
Easiest 5 stars ever
June 10, 2025
I am going through a phase of reading short story collections and this was wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews