Blue Runaways

by Jann Everard

From award-winning writer Jann Everard, a debut short story collection about love and loss.

Some of the women in Blue Runaways are grieving. Some are looking for a second chance. All are at a turning point. From Iceland to Bali, from the comfortable houses of Canada's cities to its wild and expansive backcountry, the characters in this collection face the most human of fears: that dear ones die, love is a risk, and no promise is certain.

As diverse in situation as it is controlled in theme, this collection serves as a multifaceted exploration of loss, love, and what it takes to move on. With a keen eye for landscape and an uncanny knack for inhabiting hearts and minds, Everard ventures into her character's darkest days. By confronting the sorrow of being alive, Blue Runaways reveals the joy of knowing we are not alone.

Genres: Fiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

About the author

Jann Everard is an award-winning writer whose stories have been published in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand in journals including: The Malahat Review, The Fiddlehead, The New Quarterly, Prairie Fire, Grain, The Humber Literary Review, EVENT Magazine, Room Magazine, and The Dalhousie Review. Born in Halifax, Jann settled in Toronto, where she worked in health administration and raised two sons. A life-long traveller and outdoorswoman, she now makes her home on Vancouver Island — hiking, kayaking, writing, and being inspired by nature.

Reviews

[Alison Gadsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLUE RUNAWAYS is a collection of short stories that centres women who could be described as being at loose ends. The end of a life they’ve just lost, a life desired but out of reach, or a life that is let go with hope that something better awaits. In Blue Runaways, an artist who’s lost an arm finds herself and more in Iceland, a woman jumps into the back seat of a Subaruwith three strangers in search of the language she’s lost living in the city, and women grapple with the grief and the challenges in letting go of mothers and sisters. The stories in this collection are not so much about finding ourselves when we feel lost, but in finding a new place to exist.

Jann Everard is a real talent and if you love short stories, you should own this book!

[Loreen Huras · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading each story in this collection of short stories beautifully written by Jann Everard. You will somehow relate to each story as they are each about the human condition. Even if you have not had a similar experience, the story reminds you how different each of our lives are, and how each of us have our own struggles to make the best out of life. I found each story the perfect length to read with my morning coffee! I always finished wanting more … and with some new thoughts for the day.

[Michelle Kadarusman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Blue Runaways Everard illuminates the interior world of her female protagonists with sharp clarity and perceptive insight. Readers are treated to a masterclass in observation as the author wades into the intricacies of the human condition, life changes, and the seemingly ordinary, but pivotal moments we all experience. Each story is finely crafted, refined and polished so the reading is effortless, while the reflections are lingering. A stunning collection by a talented writer that leaves a lasting impression.

[Peter Brickwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely collection of short stories, mostly about love but sometimes more about life.

[Katherine Matiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, accessible stories about women and their lives, losses, and loves. My favourite kind of book!