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Mercy and Other Stories
Rebecca Lloyd’s first published collection of sixteen strange stories, nine of which are previously unpublished, is made up of tales of unease with a sprinkling of the ghostly, menacing and fantastical. The stories inhabit the fragile space between fantasy and reality, where the landscape is in constant flux and things are not quite as they seem.
In ‘Mercy’ a loving husband finds an unusual method of prolonging his affection for his wife, while the inhabitant of a halfway house finds a creative use for internet dating in ‘Salsa’. Alan runs away from the circus in ‘The Lover’, and in ‘The Reunion’, eccentric and elderly Isobel and Charles, struggling with the upkeep of their decaying mansion, chose an entirely new way to face the future. In ‘Maynard’s Mountain’, the search for a lost lottery ticket involves a traveller family in a (literally) uphill task.
Contents: ‘Mercy’, ‘The Careless Hour’, ‘The Stone’, ‘Salsa’, ‘The Meat Freezer’, ‘Dust’, ‘What Comes?’, ‘Momentum’, ‘Lucky Cat’, ‘The Bath’, ‘The Gathering’, ‘Gone to the Deep’, ‘Maynard’s Mountain’, ‘The Lover’, ‘All That Follows’, The Reunion’..
In ‘Mercy’ a loving husband finds an unusual method of prolonging his affection for his wife, while the inhabitant of a halfway house finds a creative use for internet dating in ‘Salsa’. Alan runs away from the circus in ‘The Lover’, and in ‘The Reunion’, eccentric and elderly Isobel and Charles, struggling with the upkeep of their decaying mansion, chose an entirely new way to face the future. In ‘Maynard’s Mountain’, the search for a lost lottery ticket involves a traveller family in a (literally) uphill task.
Contents: ‘Mercy’, ‘The Careless Hour’, ‘The Stone’, ‘Salsa’, ‘The Meat Freezer’, ‘Dust’, ‘What Comes?’, ‘Momentum’, ‘Lucky Cat’, ‘The Bath’, ‘The Gathering’, ‘Gone to the Deep’, ‘Maynard’s Mountain’, ‘The Lover’, ‘All That Follows’, The Reunion’..
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2014
4 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Lloyd
38 books43 followersFor the most part I write short stories, and while many of them were first published in literary journals, in 2014, I had two collections of my stories published at the same time, Mercy with Tartarus Press, which is a beautifully made hardback book, and The View from Endless Street, a paperback published by WiDo.
Some of my stories could be described as psychological horror and others as magic realism, and from time to time I write about ghostly things. What interests me most is the inventive ways we deal with what life throws at us, and the ability many of us have to slip easily between our invented worlds and the shared world, as if travelling back and forth down a long worn path.
Some of my stories could be described as psychological horror and others as magic realism, and from time to time I write about ghostly things. What interests me most is the inventive ways we deal with what life throws at us, and the ability many of us have to slip easily between our invented worlds and the shared world, as if travelling back and forth down a long worn path.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 19, 2020
This is without doubt one of the best short story collections that I have recently read. There are some truly amazing stories in here. I might even say that it's one of the best modern collections of uncanny stories that I have ever read. I took my time with the book, reading it slowly, only one story at a time and I think it payed off. Anyway, I wrote some of my thoughts for each one of the stories:
Mercy - A very disturbing story about a man and his love or his obsession for his wife. He will do everything in order to preserve this love. Mercy was the story that persuade me to buy this book. It's a short one but very, very effective with commentary about man- woman relationships.
The Careless Hour - A complex story, very different from the first one. I actually read it twice in order to grasp it and once I did I loved it. It somehow reminded me of the short stories of Gene Wolfe. It's about a man, a no ordinary man, that after their parents die is forced to live by himself. He has a peculiar hobby or a peculiar ability. Again, there is commentary about urban loneliness, family relationships and friendship in an urban environment.
The Stone - A very strange story that i guess it is open to various interpretations. A man is left by his wife and he suddenly finds a stone which conjures up a strange presence, sort of a demon maybe. Up to this point he doesn't feel any sadness for the fact that his wife has left him. He did not even understand why she did it or he doesn't want to understand. I guess that this strange demonic presence makes him realize what's really going on and how he can change things for his own well - being. It's definitely a story which you will need to re-read and ponder on.
Salsa - A short tale where loneliness and guilt are its main themes, or the ones that i did recognize as such. A woman receives emails from a previous lover and they decided to meet after many years. They have become two very different people. He had traveled a lot and she, probably ill, without any life experiences is staying in a house probably for people with emotional problems. She lives through his emails and the stories that he is telling her about his life. The creepy elements are only hinted with references that reminds me of the mating of the female praying mantis.
The Meat Freezer - An excellent, horrifying story, one of the best of this collection. A man with a troubled past going away to escape from it and start fresh but something is occuring that can potentially make him to give in to his previous life. An excellent story!
Dust - This is an amazing ghost story. Two reunited sisters living alone in the family estate, after their parents death, share a dark secret which haunts them. The stories of Robert Aickman comes to mind and this is obviously a very good thing!
What comes? - This was a terrifying story. A couple is making a fresh start by moving into a really old cottage in the country side. There is tension between the couple and the mother of the boyfriend seems to be one of the main reasons. There is also a strange stain on one of the walls of the ancient cottage and it is there for a reason or they are gonna give it a reason. As the months are going by and the tension between the couple is growing the stain seems to be spreading and taking a form. It seems to me that in all these stories the horror comes always from the within the characters.
Momentum - This is a story about a boy or a teenager who likes to play with model trains and he is hating the big family clock. He lives along with his family but I feel that he doesn't really belong there. All the other members of the family seem to be happy and they seem to be living an idyllic family life. But there are hints that something else is going on underneath all the family life pleasantness, something twisted and dark. Here Rebecca Lloyd is not telling us the whole story but she is implying all the details that we need in order to understand the family dynamics and most importantly the boy's feelings. Sam, the boy, likes to play with model trains and he is plotting to kill the Stationmaster. I wonder who the Stationmaster really represent. Another excellent story, with a truly weird atmosphere that I enjoyed a lot.
Lucky cat - This might be the shortest story in here. A tale about a woman living with a man who is taking care of her. She is concerned that he is gonna leave her for someone else. The title of the story can have two meanings I guess. A haunting little story.
The Bath - A haunting, sad, beautifully written story about marriage. One of my favorites.
The Gathering - An earie story that it's not revealing all of its secrets. The story has great atmosphere and it made me uncomfortable while I was reading it. Not my favorite story, I would want a clearer ending. It's about two friends that they return in their old home town and they start seeing strange things gathering in the woods.
Gone to the deep - Another favorite of mine. A subtle weird/horror story. A woman marries a man from a small island and she decides to live with him seeking to escape from her family. Soon she finds out that the man that she married it's a haunted man, haunted by his past and a dark secret that soon she will have to face. I adored the last scene of the story.
Maynard's Mountain - A funny, absurd story about a woman who agrees to move to a garbage dumb, along with her family, in order to search for a winning lottery ticket that her husband threw away. A very good written story with a sad ending but not for the reason you may think.
The Lover - One of the weirdest stories. I only want to say that it's about a boy working in a circus who finds love in the most unexpected places. In the end he finds a bit more and we are able to finally understand him.
All that Follows - Another great one, beautifully written story. A doctor moves in a small town or a village trying to escape from something that happened to him in the past. He is haunted from a terrifying nightmare and self medicating, trying to find balance in his new life. Certain scenes from this story were really terrifying.
The Reunion - This is an odd story and a very different one from all the others. I really liked it though and I appreciate the ending which I found quite pleasing, although I must admit that it felt a little abrupt. This is about a woman who is going back to visit her parents in the family house. The house itself is haunted and has a life of its own and works as the fifth family member and probably the most important one.
Mercy - A very disturbing story about a man and his love or his obsession for his wife. He will do everything in order to preserve this love. Mercy was the story that persuade me to buy this book. It's a short one but very, very effective with commentary about man- woman relationships.
The Careless Hour - A complex story, very different from the first one. I actually read it twice in order to grasp it and once I did I loved it. It somehow reminded me of the short stories of Gene Wolfe. It's about a man, a no ordinary man, that after their parents die is forced to live by himself. He has a peculiar hobby or a peculiar ability. Again, there is commentary about urban loneliness, family relationships and friendship in an urban environment.
The Stone - A very strange story that i guess it is open to various interpretations. A man is left by his wife and he suddenly finds a stone which conjures up a strange presence, sort of a demon maybe. Up to this point he doesn't feel any sadness for the fact that his wife has left him. He did not even understand why she did it or he doesn't want to understand. I guess that this strange demonic presence makes him realize what's really going on and how he can change things for his own well - being. It's definitely a story which you will need to re-read and ponder on.
Salsa - A short tale where loneliness and guilt are its main themes, or the ones that i did recognize as such. A woman receives emails from a previous lover and they decided to meet after many years. They have become two very different people. He had traveled a lot and she, probably ill, without any life experiences is staying in a house probably for people with emotional problems. She lives through his emails and the stories that he is telling her about his life. The creepy elements are only hinted with references that reminds me of the mating of the female praying mantis.
The Meat Freezer - An excellent, horrifying story, one of the best of this collection. A man with a troubled past going away to escape from it and start fresh but something is occuring that can potentially make him to give in to his previous life. An excellent story!
Dust - This is an amazing ghost story. Two reunited sisters living alone in the family estate, after their parents death, share a dark secret which haunts them. The stories of Robert Aickman comes to mind and this is obviously a very good thing!
What comes? - This was a terrifying story. A couple is making a fresh start by moving into a really old cottage in the country side. There is tension between the couple and the mother of the boyfriend seems to be one of the main reasons. There is also a strange stain on one of the walls of the ancient cottage and it is there for a reason or they are gonna give it a reason. As the months are going by and the tension between the couple is growing the stain seems to be spreading and taking a form. It seems to me that in all these stories the horror comes always from the within the characters.
Momentum - This is a story about a boy or a teenager who likes to play with model trains and he is hating the big family clock. He lives along with his family but I feel that he doesn't really belong there. All the other members of the family seem to be happy and they seem to be living an idyllic family life. But there are hints that something else is going on underneath all the family life pleasantness, something twisted and dark. Here Rebecca Lloyd is not telling us the whole story but she is implying all the details that we need in order to understand the family dynamics and most importantly the boy's feelings. Sam, the boy, likes to play with model trains and he is plotting to kill the Stationmaster. I wonder who the Stationmaster really represent. Another excellent story, with a truly weird atmosphere that I enjoyed a lot.
Lucky cat - This might be the shortest story in here. A tale about a woman living with a man who is taking care of her. She is concerned that he is gonna leave her for someone else. The title of the story can have two meanings I guess. A haunting little story.
The Bath - A haunting, sad, beautifully written story about marriage. One of my favorites.
The Gathering - An earie story that it's not revealing all of its secrets. The story has great atmosphere and it made me uncomfortable while I was reading it. Not my favorite story, I would want a clearer ending. It's about two friends that they return in their old home town and they start seeing strange things gathering in the woods.
Gone to the deep - Another favorite of mine. A subtle weird/horror story. A woman marries a man from a small island and she decides to live with him seeking to escape from her family. Soon she finds out that the man that she married it's a haunted man, haunted by his past and a dark secret that soon she will have to face. I adored the last scene of the story.
Maynard's Mountain - A funny, absurd story about a woman who agrees to move to a garbage dumb, along with her family, in order to search for a winning lottery ticket that her husband threw away. A very good written story with a sad ending but not for the reason you may think.
The Lover - One of the weirdest stories. I only want to say that it's about a boy working in a circus who finds love in the most unexpected places. In the end he finds a bit more and we are able to finally understand him.
All that Follows - Another great one, beautifully written story. A doctor moves in a small town or a village trying to escape from something that happened to him in the past. He is haunted from a terrifying nightmare and self medicating, trying to find balance in his new life. Certain scenes from this story were really terrifying.
The Reunion - This is an odd story and a very different one from all the others. I really liked it though and I appreciate the ending which I found quite pleasing, although I must admit that it felt a little abrupt. This is about a woman who is going back to visit her parents in the family house. The house itself is haunted and has a life of its own and works as the fifth family member and probably the most important one.
July 28, 2015
Originally published at Risingshadow.
Mercy and Other Stories is a remarkable collection of literary strange stories by one of the rising stars in the field of literary strange fiction. I was impressed by this collection and I'm compelled to praise it, because it was a tour de force of beautiful literary prose and stylish storytelling.
Rebecca Lloyd has a voice of her own, and she has an ability to write unique stories. She writes different kinds of stories and even dares to surprise her readers by a couple of delightfully absurd and unconventional stories. When I read this collection, I noticed that some of the stories were traditional weird stories, but others were firmly rooted in contemporary strange fiction (the author excelled at writing both kinds of stories).
Rebecca Lloyd writes about life, love, loss, guilt, relationships and marriage in a way that is reminiscent of stories written by the best authors of literary fiction and old masters of strange fiction. Because many readers of strange fiction have come to expect psychological elements, beautiful prose and wonderful strangeness from weird stories, it's nice that all of these things can be found in this collection.
Mercy and Other Stories is a World Fantasy Award 2015 nominee for the best collection and deservedly so, because it's an excellent collection in every regard. It contains original and charmingly peculiar stories that will please readers who want the best from their strange fiction. Because the author has courage to venture along paths not often trodden and explores life from a skewed perspective, this collection is something extraordinary and deserves to be read by all who appreciate strange fiction.
Mercy and Other Stories contains the following sixteen stories:
- "Mercy"
- "The Careless Hour"
- "The Stone"
- "Salsa"
- "The Meat Freezer"
- "Dust"
- "What Comes?"
- "Momentum"
- "Lucky Cat"
- "The Bath"
- "The Gathering"
- "Gone to the Deep"
- "Maynard's Mountain"
- "The Lover"
- "All That Follows"
- "The Reunion"
All of these stories are marked by subtle beauty of the prose and intricate storytelling. There's no fluff or platitudes in them, because the author has done her best to write good stories. The driving force behind these stories is undoubtedly love and interest for the literary strange fiction and the uncanny.
Just like all the best collections of strange stories, this collection can be read many times. These stories are so beautifully written, intricate and strange that you can't help but be impressed and captivated by them. Each time you read them, you'll find something new in them.
Here's more information about the stories and my thoughts about them:
"Mercy":
- A story about a man and his dead wife who died of tubeculosis. The man's devotion to his wife exhibits itself in strange ways.
- This is a beautifully disturbing story about love and the transience of beauty.
"The Careless Hour":
- An excellent story about Whitey and Michael who are neighbours.
- A beautifully written story with sinister undertones.
"The Stone":
- An intriguing story about a man, his metal detector and a stone he founds during one of his treasure hunts.
- The author writes well about the protagonist's life and his fascination towards the stone.
"Salsa":
- A story about Kathy, an inhabitant of a half-way house, and her internet dating with Tom.
- A well written story that's something a bit different.
"The Meat Freezer":
- A chilling story about Gary who has been allocated a house on a rough estate where he tries to return back to the community.
- This is one of the best stories I've read this year, because it's a chilling and strangely fascinating story.
"Dust":
- In this well written story, two sisters, who have had their parents cremated against their wishes, find themselves haunted by spirits.
- An excellent ghost story in which the author writes well about guilt and hauntings.
"What Comes?":
- An excellent story about folklore and superstition involving shoes hidden in apartments.
- This is one of the best stories in this collection, because it has a perfect atmosphere.
- The authors refers well to mental illness in this story.
"Momentum":
- A story about Peter and his family, and how Peter does weird things to the Stationmaster in his toy train set.
- This story features an interesting look at family life.
"Lucky Cat":
- A story about Marcia and Lenny, who saves people from committing suicide.
- An interesting story with an excellent ending.
"The Bath":
- This is an unforgettable story about a man who finds out that his neighbour is keeping his wife in the bathroom and thinks that she's a dolphin.
- An exceptionally good and wonderfully absurd story about an unusual and different kind of a marriage.
"The Gathering":
- A creepy story about Pat and Alex who are afraid of "the gatherings" in a small village.
- An excellent and deeply atmospheric horror story in which the author's sense of fear and style are at full display.
"Gone to the Deep":
- A story about Lizzy who marries an islander, Jim, who used to be a fisherman. When Lizzy moves to the island, she finds out that her husband is mesmerised by something strange and threatening.
- A beautifully written story with a fascinatingly weird atmosphere.
- This story was originally published in Strange Tales, Volume IV (Tartarus Press, 2014).
"Maynard's Mountain":
- In this story, a search for a lottery ticket turns into something strange, because Colin persuades his wife and daughter to live with him on a rubbish dump.
- An amazing and well written story with an interesting glimpse into family life.
"The Lover":
- A good and a bit different kind of a story about circus and a man who loves bears.
- This story reminded me slightly of "Taboo" by Robert Shearman.
"All That Follows":
- A well-told story about a doctor who has had severe problems with one of his female patients.
- The author writes well about the doctor's life and how he tries to start a new life.
"The Reunion":
- In this story, Fairy visits her parents, Charles and Isobel, who live in a decaying mansion called Shuttered House.
- An excellent story with a beautifully written and satisfying ending.
"Mercy" is one of the most beautifully written and disturbing stories I've ever read. The author writes hauntingly about the protagonist's love and devotion to his dead wife and to what lengths he has gone to preserve her body. This is an impressive story that will fascinate fans of strange fiction, because it isn't often that one has an opportunity to read about the transcience of beauty in such a unique and disturbing way.
"The Careless Hour" is a fascinating and complex story about Whitey who hears through the wall what happens when Michael invites a woman called Catherine over for a meal. Whitey hears fragments of conversation and is concerned about what's happening, but doesn't hear enough to truly understand what happens between Michael and Catherine. This story is an expectionally intriguing story about half-truths.
In "The Stone", the author writes fascinatingly about the relationship between Martin and his wife, Ellen. Martin is so caught up in his own world that he almost totally ignores Ellen's feelings and needs (Martin often thinks about Ellen who has gone to live with her sister). The author writes wonderfully about what happens when Martin brings the stone he has found home and suddenly notices that a mysterious presence begins to haunt him.
One of strongest stories in this collection is "The Meat Freezer", which is a true masterpiece of disturbing fiction. It's a story about Gary, who has been allocated a house on the Ackroyd estate where he tries to return back to the community and fights against his impulses. The author writes well about Gary's observations about a teenaged boy who trespasses on his property. These effective observations lead the story to a perfect and memorable ending, because there's a possibility that what has happened may have been done by Gary or by the trespassing boy himself. I can guarantee that this story will linger on your mind when you've finished reading it.
"The Bath" is a story that is difficult to forget once you've read it. It's an exceptionally well written story about a man, John, who finds out strange things about his neighbour, Gavin, and his wife, Margaret. John finds out that Gavin has kept Margaret in the bathroom for a long time, because he thinks that Margaret is a dolphin. Margaret has gone along with her husband's folly, because she wants to please her husband and pretends to be a dolphin. John tries to help Margaret, but can't quite understand what's going on in his neighbour's house and who is mad. This story is something that could've have easily been written by Rhys Hughes, because it features the same kind of absurd and darkly humorous elements that are present in many of his stories.
"The Gathering" is one of the best horror stories published during the recent years. It's a memorable story about Pat and Alex who have been friends ever since they were children. They're both terrified of "the gatherings" that occur in the woods near the village. This story is effectively told from Pat's point of view as he recounts the weird happenings to his psychiatrist. I was impressed by this story, because it's classic creepy horror at its best.
"Gone to the Deep" is a story which gets the highest possible rating and praise from me, because it's strange horror fiction at its best. It's a well-told tale of exceptional beauty and touching bittersweetness. In this story, Lizzy marries an islander, Jim, who used to be a fisherman, and moves to Craull. Soon she finds out that Jim has lost his brother and is being enchanted and mesmerised by a sea spirit that will most likely have him. I consider this Aickmanesque story to be a masterpiece, because it's simultaneously bittersweet, compelling and chilling recounting of strange happenings.
"Maynard's Mountain" is one of the best stories in this collection. I have to mention that I don't remember reading anything like this ever before, because it's an absurd and well written story about how a man is capable of persuading his whole family to participate in a search for a lottery ticket in a rubbish dump. The author examines the closeness of family members and love between them in a unique way in this delightfully quirky story. This is another story that reminded me slightly of Rhys Hughes and his writing style.
"The Reunion" is a beautifully written and touching - yet sharp - story about Fairy and her parents, Charles and Isobel, who live in an old and decaying mansion. The author wrote well about how Fairy observed her parents, their arguments and their struggle to live in the mansion. Living in the old mansion had affected Fairy's parents and their marriage quite a lot, because life wasn't easy in the mansion and it was difficult to heat up the place. It was interesting to read what happened to Fairy's parents when they decided to live in a canal boat, because it meant change for them. In my opinion, this story is an excellent example of the author's ability to write fluently about characters, life and relationships in an intriguing way.
I consider this collection to be an outstanding achievement in contemporary strange fiction, because it pushes and expands the boundaries of strangeness and what's thought of as strange to new directions. It was fascinating how well the author wrote about strange happenings and how easily she connected them to everyday life.
I was slightly reminded of Angela Carter, Robert Aickman and Rhys Hughes when I read these stories, because some of the elements the author has used in her stories are similar to the elements found in their stories. There are, however, many differences that set the author apart from other authors, because certain elements and plot devices are unique to Rebecca Lloyd's stories. In my opinion, Rebecca Lloyd's approach to different themes and issues is subtly beautiful and haunting, and she knows how to create a good atmosphere.
Rebecca Lloyd's prose is beautiful, evocative and wonderfully nuanced. She writes excellent literary prose and evokes images of different happenings in a fluent and seductive way. She adds elements of unpredictability and ambiguity to her stories and avoids clichés.
One of the best things about this collection is that the author doesn't reveal everything at the beginning of the stories, but takes her time to build the atmosphere. She subtly hints at certain happenings and gradually snares her readers' curiosity by leading them on a satisfying journey toward thrilling discoveries.
Throughout this collection it's possible to see how the past is interwoven with the present, and how different things are connected to each other in strange and at times unexpected ways. Rebecca Lloyd excels at combining the past with the present, and what's best, she gives unique voices to her characters, some of which are truly memorable.
I sincerely hope that Rebecca Lloyd will continue to write literary strange fiction, because she's a talented author and has an ability to write different kinds of stories. (This collection was so good that I'm tempted to take a look at the author's other works.)
The hardcover edition of Mercy and Other Stories is a beautifully made book for all who enjoy reading printed books and appreciate their beauty. It's great that Tartarus Press pays attention to producing good printed editions, because there are many readers who appreciate well-made printed books.
Rebecca Lloyd's Mercy and Other Stories contains exquisitely beautiful, dark and strange stories that will seduce many readers. This stunning collection is proof of the fact that literary strange fiction is currently at full bloom. If you're fascinated by literary strange stories and enjoy reading strange fiction, please do yourself a favour and read this excellent collection as soon as possible, because you'll be impressed by the author's prose and stylish storytelling.
Highly recommended!
Mercy and Other Stories is a remarkable collection of literary strange stories by one of the rising stars in the field of literary strange fiction. I was impressed by this collection and I'm compelled to praise it, because it was a tour de force of beautiful literary prose and stylish storytelling.
Rebecca Lloyd has a voice of her own, and she has an ability to write unique stories. She writes different kinds of stories and even dares to surprise her readers by a couple of delightfully absurd and unconventional stories. When I read this collection, I noticed that some of the stories were traditional weird stories, but others were firmly rooted in contemporary strange fiction (the author excelled at writing both kinds of stories).
Rebecca Lloyd writes about life, love, loss, guilt, relationships and marriage in a way that is reminiscent of stories written by the best authors of literary fiction and old masters of strange fiction. Because many readers of strange fiction have come to expect psychological elements, beautiful prose and wonderful strangeness from weird stories, it's nice that all of these things can be found in this collection.
Mercy and Other Stories is a World Fantasy Award 2015 nominee for the best collection and deservedly so, because it's an excellent collection in every regard. It contains original and charmingly peculiar stories that will please readers who want the best from their strange fiction. Because the author has courage to venture along paths not often trodden and explores life from a skewed perspective, this collection is something extraordinary and deserves to be read by all who appreciate strange fiction.
Mercy and Other Stories contains the following sixteen stories:
- "Mercy"
- "The Careless Hour"
- "The Stone"
- "Salsa"
- "The Meat Freezer"
- "Dust"
- "What Comes?"
- "Momentum"
- "Lucky Cat"
- "The Bath"
- "The Gathering"
- "Gone to the Deep"
- "Maynard's Mountain"
- "The Lover"
- "All That Follows"
- "The Reunion"
All of these stories are marked by subtle beauty of the prose and intricate storytelling. There's no fluff or platitudes in them, because the author has done her best to write good stories. The driving force behind these stories is undoubtedly love and interest for the literary strange fiction and the uncanny.
Just like all the best collections of strange stories, this collection can be read many times. These stories are so beautifully written, intricate and strange that you can't help but be impressed and captivated by them. Each time you read them, you'll find something new in them.
Here's more information about the stories and my thoughts about them:
"Mercy":
- A story about a man and his dead wife who died of tubeculosis. The man's devotion to his wife exhibits itself in strange ways.
- This is a beautifully disturbing story about love and the transience of beauty.
"The Careless Hour":
- An excellent story about Whitey and Michael who are neighbours.
- A beautifully written story with sinister undertones.
"The Stone":
- An intriguing story about a man, his metal detector and a stone he founds during one of his treasure hunts.
- The author writes well about the protagonist's life and his fascination towards the stone.
"Salsa":
- A story about Kathy, an inhabitant of a half-way house, and her internet dating with Tom.
- A well written story that's something a bit different.
"The Meat Freezer":
- A chilling story about Gary who has been allocated a house on a rough estate where he tries to return back to the community.
- This is one of the best stories I've read this year, because it's a chilling and strangely fascinating story.
"Dust":
- In this well written story, two sisters, who have had their parents cremated against their wishes, find themselves haunted by spirits.
- An excellent ghost story in which the author writes well about guilt and hauntings.
"What Comes?":
- An excellent story about folklore and superstition involving shoes hidden in apartments.
- This is one of the best stories in this collection, because it has a perfect atmosphere.
- The authors refers well to mental illness in this story.
"Momentum":
- A story about Peter and his family, and how Peter does weird things to the Stationmaster in his toy train set.
- This story features an interesting look at family life.
"Lucky Cat":
- A story about Marcia and Lenny, who saves people from committing suicide.
- An interesting story with an excellent ending.
"The Bath":
- This is an unforgettable story about a man who finds out that his neighbour is keeping his wife in the bathroom and thinks that she's a dolphin.
- An exceptionally good and wonderfully absurd story about an unusual and different kind of a marriage.
"The Gathering":
- A creepy story about Pat and Alex who are afraid of "the gatherings" in a small village.
- An excellent and deeply atmospheric horror story in which the author's sense of fear and style are at full display.
"Gone to the Deep":
- A story about Lizzy who marries an islander, Jim, who used to be a fisherman. When Lizzy moves to the island, she finds out that her husband is mesmerised by something strange and threatening.
- A beautifully written story with a fascinatingly weird atmosphere.
- This story was originally published in Strange Tales, Volume IV (Tartarus Press, 2014).
"Maynard's Mountain":
- In this story, a search for a lottery ticket turns into something strange, because Colin persuades his wife and daughter to live with him on a rubbish dump.
- An amazing and well written story with an interesting glimpse into family life.
"The Lover":
- A good and a bit different kind of a story about circus and a man who loves bears.
- This story reminded me slightly of "Taboo" by Robert Shearman.
"All That Follows":
- A well-told story about a doctor who has had severe problems with one of his female patients.
- The author writes well about the doctor's life and how he tries to start a new life.
"The Reunion":
- In this story, Fairy visits her parents, Charles and Isobel, who live in a decaying mansion called Shuttered House.
- An excellent story with a beautifully written and satisfying ending.
"Mercy" is one of the most beautifully written and disturbing stories I've ever read. The author writes hauntingly about the protagonist's love and devotion to his dead wife and to what lengths he has gone to preserve her body. This is an impressive story that will fascinate fans of strange fiction, because it isn't often that one has an opportunity to read about the transcience of beauty in such a unique and disturbing way.
"The Careless Hour" is a fascinating and complex story about Whitey who hears through the wall what happens when Michael invites a woman called Catherine over for a meal. Whitey hears fragments of conversation and is concerned about what's happening, but doesn't hear enough to truly understand what happens between Michael and Catherine. This story is an expectionally intriguing story about half-truths.
In "The Stone", the author writes fascinatingly about the relationship between Martin and his wife, Ellen. Martin is so caught up in his own world that he almost totally ignores Ellen's feelings and needs (Martin often thinks about Ellen who has gone to live with her sister). The author writes wonderfully about what happens when Martin brings the stone he has found home and suddenly notices that a mysterious presence begins to haunt him.
One of strongest stories in this collection is "The Meat Freezer", which is a true masterpiece of disturbing fiction. It's a story about Gary, who has been allocated a house on the Ackroyd estate where he tries to return back to the community and fights against his impulses. The author writes well about Gary's observations about a teenaged boy who trespasses on his property. These effective observations lead the story to a perfect and memorable ending, because there's a possibility that what has happened may have been done by Gary or by the trespassing boy himself. I can guarantee that this story will linger on your mind when you've finished reading it.
"The Bath" is a story that is difficult to forget once you've read it. It's an exceptionally well written story about a man, John, who finds out strange things about his neighbour, Gavin, and his wife, Margaret. John finds out that Gavin has kept Margaret in the bathroom for a long time, because he thinks that Margaret is a dolphin. Margaret has gone along with her husband's folly, because she wants to please her husband and pretends to be a dolphin. John tries to help Margaret, but can't quite understand what's going on in his neighbour's house and who is mad. This story is something that could've have easily been written by Rhys Hughes, because it features the same kind of absurd and darkly humorous elements that are present in many of his stories.
"The Gathering" is one of the best horror stories published during the recent years. It's a memorable story about Pat and Alex who have been friends ever since they were children. They're both terrified of "the gatherings" that occur in the woods near the village. This story is effectively told from Pat's point of view as he recounts the weird happenings to his psychiatrist. I was impressed by this story, because it's classic creepy horror at its best.
"Gone to the Deep" is a story which gets the highest possible rating and praise from me, because it's strange horror fiction at its best. It's a well-told tale of exceptional beauty and touching bittersweetness. In this story, Lizzy marries an islander, Jim, who used to be a fisherman, and moves to Craull. Soon she finds out that Jim has lost his brother and is being enchanted and mesmerised by a sea spirit that will most likely have him. I consider this Aickmanesque story to be a masterpiece, because it's simultaneously bittersweet, compelling and chilling recounting of strange happenings.
"Maynard's Mountain" is one of the best stories in this collection. I have to mention that I don't remember reading anything like this ever before, because it's an absurd and well written story about how a man is capable of persuading his whole family to participate in a search for a lottery ticket in a rubbish dump. The author examines the closeness of family members and love between them in a unique way in this delightfully quirky story. This is another story that reminded me slightly of Rhys Hughes and his writing style.
"The Reunion" is a beautifully written and touching - yet sharp - story about Fairy and her parents, Charles and Isobel, who live in an old and decaying mansion. The author wrote well about how Fairy observed her parents, their arguments and their struggle to live in the mansion. Living in the old mansion had affected Fairy's parents and their marriage quite a lot, because life wasn't easy in the mansion and it was difficult to heat up the place. It was interesting to read what happened to Fairy's parents when they decided to live in a canal boat, because it meant change for them. In my opinion, this story is an excellent example of the author's ability to write fluently about characters, life and relationships in an intriguing way.
I consider this collection to be an outstanding achievement in contemporary strange fiction, because it pushes and expands the boundaries of strangeness and what's thought of as strange to new directions. It was fascinating how well the author wrote about strange happenings and how easily she connected them to everyday life.
I was slightly reminded of Angela Carter, Robert Aickman and Rhys Hughes when I read these stories, because some of the elements the author has used in her stories are similar to the elements found in their stories. There are, however, many differences that set the author apart from other authors, because certain elements and plot devices are unique to Rebecca Lloyd's stories. In my opinion, Rebecca Lloyd's approach to different themes and issues is subtly beautiful and haunting, and she knows how to create a good atmosphere.
Rebecca Lloyd's prose is beautiful, evocative and wonderfully nuanced. She writes excellent literary prose and evokes images of different happenings in a fluent and seductive way. She adds elements of unpredictability and ambiguity to her stories and avoids clichés.
One of the best things about this collection is that the author doesn't reveal everything at the beginning of the stories, but takes her time to build the atmosphere. She subtly hints at certain happenings and gradually snares her readers' curiosity by leading them on a satisfying journey toward thrilling discoveries.
Throughout this collection it's possible to see how the past is interwoven with the present, and how different things are connected to each other in strange and at times unexpected ways. Rebecca Lloyd excels at combining the past with the present, and what's best, she gives unique voices to her characters, some of which are truly memorable.
I sincerely hope that Rebecca Lloyd will continue to write literary strange fiction, because she's a talented author and has an ability to write different kinds of stories. (This collection was so good that I'm tempted to take a look at the author's other works.)
The hardcover edition of Mercy and Other Stories is a beautifully made book for all who enjoy reading printed books and appreciate their beauty. It's great that Tartarus Press pays attention to producing good printed editions, because there are many readers who appreciate well-made printed books.
Rebecca Lloyd's Mercy and Other Stories contains exquisitely beautiful, dark and strange stories that will seduce many readers. This stunning collection is proof of the fact that literary strange fiction is currently at full bloom. If you're fascinated by literary strange stories and enjoy reading strange fiction, please do yourself a favour and read this excellent collection as soon as possible, because you'll be impressed by the author's prose and stylish storytelling.
Highly recommended!
April 12, 2016
These are carefully crafted stories, fairly short for the most part. Only a few of these are over 5,000 words, and most are around 3,000-4,000. But these stories are worth savoring and reading slowly, carefully.
This collection consistently surprised me, it's quite imaginative, usually I couldn't predict what was coming, and unfortunately that's become increasingly rare for me. I would say compared to most things I read these stories are, on the whole, milder, but imminently cerebral. These are stories that one has to puzzle out at times too, Lloyd only reveals what's going on gradually, and in ways that can be a bit disorientating and deceptive. I was especially impressed with The Careless Hour, Salsa, Dust and What Comes?
I like reading things from Tartarus Press because they have that English sensibility for subtle, unsettling stories in the vein of Robert Aickman in particular. This collection certainly veers into that territory. These stories express a deep sense of loneliness, and often haunting sadness. The more unanswered questions, the more haunting it is -- very Aickman-esuqe.
Mercy - A very unsettling story, short simple and to the point. A widower tries to justify a truly shocking act.
The Careless Hour - Wow this one far more subtle and complex than the first one. I went back and re-read a few parts of this, it is so solidly-written and a bit elusive on a first read. Very original idea, with a suitably gloomy tone. A man eavesdrops on the conversations of his neighbor and his girlfriend, and uncovers some very strange truths about the man.
The Stone - A very strange story, milder than the previous two, but still very weird, leaving lots of unanswered questions. A man separated from his wife discovers a strange stone which conjures up an odd presence.
Salsa - This is another very short, economically-written story which surprised me. It's got a deep sense of loneliness and something effectively creepy because it's merely hinted. A girl starts up an email exchange with a lover from years ago, but refuses to meet because of a secret.
The Meat Freezer - Wow, this is a transgressive, very suspenseful story which posits a powerful dilemma to the reader. A man with a haunted past he's trying to escape is confronted with facing it in a truly horrific way.
Dust - This is a ghost story, a muted, atmospheric one with nostalgic reflections on the helplessness of childhood. Like some others here it's mild on the surface but hints at some very disturbing undercurrents. A woman tries to cope with the ghostly presence of her dead parents, who had a cruel and twisted relationship, after her older sister comes to live with her.
What Comes? - This story has a more conventional set-up, but plays out in a fairly original manner. I have to admit I was a bit at sea as to what the end meant exactly, but I think it's one of the better stories here. A couple move into an old house after the husband has a breakdown and try to move on with life. But a strange object found in the wall which seems to be causing a festering mold stain threatens to tear their relationship apart.
Momentum - Uhhh, yeah. Not sure what to make of this one, it's a sort of quirky family story with bits of humor. Young, introverted Peter observes his family life, all while thinking of doing macabre things with his train set.
Lucky Cat - A very short, haunting story. Marcia is concerned that Lenny will leave her for someone else he might find while on his strange vigils.
The Bath - One of the most powerful stories in the collection, also haunting and memorable. Aickman certainly comes to mind here. After a man leaves town, a neighbor discovers that the man's wife everyone has assumed left him, appears to be living in the bathroom of the dingy house.
The Gathering - Weird story that holds it's secrets close, leaking out little eerie details as it goes along. I admit I would have liked a bit more punch at the end, but it's certainly got a great atmosphere. Two old friends return to their old home town and start seeing things gathering in the woods nearby.
Gone to the Deep - This is one of the longest stories, and is more straight forward as well. It has a great atmosphere of foreboding and brooding. A woman marries a man from a small island, but discovers she has married a haunted man with an unhealthy obsession.
Maynard’s Mountain - This is an excellently written story, it's not really strange, more absurd, quirky and humorous. The wife of a good-natured layabout agrees to move to a garbage dump to search for a lottery ticket they threw out.
The Lover - In a way this story was among my favorites. It's so strange, twisted, yet it's told in a very touching way despite the weird context. It's told in a way that holds it's secret and utterly surprises. A young man in a circus finds love, in a very interesting place.
All That Follows - Not among my favorites, but it does have a certain charm and that quality of strangeness. I was a bit confused at how it jumps around in time. A doctor moves to a new village to hide from a strange event in his past.
The Reunion - Another really good story, on a familiar theme of family relations, somewhat estranged. I liked the old, menacing house and it's hold on the characters. This is another emotional story but with that strange quality. A woman visits her parents in their old, imposing estate and learns of their weird and uncharacteristic plans for improving their marriage.
This collection consistently surprised me, it's quite imaginative, usually I couldn't predict what was coming, and unfortunately that's become increasingly rare for me. I would say compared to most things I read these stories are, on the whole, milder, but imminently cerebral. These are stories that one has to puzzle out at times too, Lloyd only reveals what's going on gradually, and in ways that can be a bit disorientating and deceptive. I was especially impressed with The Careless Hour, Salsa, Dust and What Comes?
I like reading things from Tartarus Press because they have that English sensibility for subtle, unsettling stories in the vein of Robert Aickman in particular. This collection certainly veers into that territory. These stories express a deep sense of loneliness, and often haunting sadness. The more unanswered questions, the more haunting it is -- very Aickman-esuqe.
Mercy - A very unsettling story, short simple and to the point. A widower tries to justify a truly shocking act.
The Careless Hour - Wow this one far more subtle and complex than the first one. I went back and re-read a few parts of this, it is so solidly-written and a bit elusive on a first read. Very original idea, with a suitably gloomy tone. A man eavesdrops on the conversations of his neighbor and his girlfriend, and uncovers some very strange truths about the man.
The Stone - A very strange story, milder than the previous two, but still very weird, leaving lots of unanswered questions. A man separated from his wife discovers a strange stone which conjures up an odd presence.
Salsa - This is another very short, economically-written story which surprised me. It's got a deep sense of loneliness and something effectively creepy because it's merely hinted. A girl starts up an email exchange with a lover from years ago, but refuses to meet because of a secret.
The Meat Freezer - Wow, this is a transgressive, very suspenseful story which posits a powerful dilemma to the reader. A man with a haunted past he's trying to escape is confronted with facing it in a truly horrific way.
Dust - This is a ghost story, a muted, atmospheric one with nostalgic reflections on the helplessness of childhood. Like some others here it's mild on the surface but hints at some very disturbing undercurrents. A woman tries to cope with the ghostly presence of her dead parents, who had a cruel and twisted relationship, after her older sister comes to live with her.
What Comes? - This story has a more conventional set-up, but plays out in a fairly original manner. I have to admit I was a bit at sea as to what the end meant exactly, but I think it's one of the better stories here. A couple move into an old house after the husband has a breakdown and try to move on with life. But a strange object found in the wall which seems to be causing a festering mold stain threatens to tear their relationship apart.
Momentum - Uhhh, yeah. Not sure what to make of this one, it's a sort of quirky family story with bits of humor. Young, introverted Peter observes his family life, all while thinking of doing macabre things with his train set.
Lucky Cat - A very short, haunting story. Marcia is concerned that Lenny will leave her for someone else he might find while on his strange vigils.
The Bath - One of the most powerful stories in the collection, also haunting and memorable. Aickman certainly comes to mind here. After a man leaves town, a neighbor discovers that the man's wife everyone has assumed left him, appears to be living in the bathroom of the dingy house.
The Gathering - Weird story that holds it's secrets close, leaking out little eerie details as it goes along. I admit I would have liked a bit more punch at the end, but it's certainly got a great atmosphere. Two old friends return to their old home town and start seeing things gathering in the woods nearby.
Gone to the Deep - This is one of the longest stories, and is more straight forward as well. It has a great atmosphere of foreboding and brooding. A woman marries a man from a small island, but discovers she has married a haunted man with an unhealthy obsession.
Maynard’s Mountain - This is an excellently written story, it's not really strange, more absurd, quirky and humorous. The wife of a good-natured layabout agrees to move to a garbage dump to search for a lottery ticket they threw out.
The Lover - In a way this story was among my favorites. It's so strange, twisted, yet it's told in a very touching way despite the weird context. It's told in a way that holds it's secret and utterly surprises. A young man in a circus finds love, in a very interesting place.
All That Follows - Not among my favorites, but it does have a certain charm and that quality of strangeness. I was a bit confused at how it jumps around in time. A doctor moves to a new village to hide from a strange event in his past.
The Reunion - Another really good story, on a familiar theme of family relations, somewhat estranged. I liked the old, menacing house and it's hold on the characters. This is another emotional story but with that strange quality. A woman visits her parents in their old, imposing estate and learns of their weird and uncharacteristic plans for improving their marriage.
Want to read
August 17, 2015Contents:
1 - ‘Mercy’
7 - ‘The Careless Hour’
22 - ‘The Stone’
36 -‘Salsa’
46 - ‘The Meat Freezer’
56 - ‘Dust’
70 - ‘What Comes?’
87 - ‘Momentum’,
97 - 'Lucky Cat’
104 - ‘The Bath’
118 - ‘The Gathering’
131 - ‘Gone to the Deep’
157 - ‘Maynard’s Mountain’
172 - ‘The Lover’
186 - ‘All That Follows’
201 - 'The Reunion’
1 - ‘Mercy’
7 - ‘The Careless Hour’
22 - ‘The Stone’
36 -‘Salsa’
46 - ‘The Meat Freezer’
56 - ‘Dust’
70 - ‘What Comes?’
87 - ‘Momentum’,
97 - 'Lucky Cat’
104 - ‘The Bath’
118 - ‘The Gathering’
131 - ‘Gone to the Deep’
157 - ‘Maynard’s Mountain’
172 - ‘The Lover’
186 - ‘All That Follows’
201 - 'The Reunion’
July 15, 2014
Rebecca Lloyd is a writer of exquisitely dark tales who I've discovered courtesy of those remarkable people at Tartarus Press. Mercy and Other Stories includes new material from her as well as stories published elsewhere between 2002 and 2014.
The opening piece is Mercy itself, which explores with subtlety and tenderness the transience of beauty, but not necessarily of love. "We all want to hold on to cherished things, for life is quickly gone." Mercy is short, sharp and sweet, and showcases perfectly Lloyd's remarkable gift for the short story. The Careless Hour is next, a more complex tale with a fascinating premise. The noises from an adjoining house take on sinister significance as the protagonist fears for the sanity of her neighbour, Michael. When he invites a girl, Catherine, for a meal, she hears enough through the thin walls to be concerned; but not enough to understand. The Careless Hour is a tale of half-truths and subtle deceptions, and grips the reader to the end.
The Meat Freezer is a different prospect. Gary has an unsavoury past, and has been allocated a house on the rough Ackroyd estate in which to return to the community. His strange observations of a trespassing youth whom he thinks of as 'Icarus' forms the backbone of this hard-hitting story; but is it reality, or his past coming back to haunt him? The truth might just be too painful to know. What Comes is almost a haunted house story, but is so much more than that. Cath and Martin are moving into an old cottage, and confronting issues between Cath and Martin's mother, Patricia. She does not approve of the relationship nor the property. However, for a while things are fine, and Martin, an artist, finds inspiration. However, a damp stain over the kitchen door is spreading. As they tackle this problem, something is disturbed within the fabric of the house that reveals darkly powerful local folklore.
The Bath is one of Lloyd's better known stories, dealing with the desperation and pressures in a poor neighborhood. Gavin Bauble lives alone, as it would seem his wife has deserted him; "She wouldn't join in, that's all. No one's better than anyone else in Cotton Street". His home has become a shrine to the past, and is cluttered to the ceiling; but does it house something more precious, something that will have to be released?
Perhaps the most straightforward tale here, Maynard's Mountain is nonetheless compelling, and gently humorous. A poor family is initially torn apart by the careless loss of a winning lottery ticket; so Daddy decides to burrow into the side of the local dump, where the rubbish bag containing the item would have been taken. Eventually this project involves all the members of the family, each with their own tunnel; but if it is found, would this threaten their newly-found closeness? In The Reunion, a dream-like tale of a visit to a stately home (Shuttered House) to visit eccentric parents, I am reminded a little of Aickman's The Unsettled Dust; and this collection is brought elegantly to a close.
These are wonderfully written tales, dealing with life, love, relationships and the loss thereof in a thoroughly believable way, and with a depth not present in many works of short fiction. The way Lloyd interweaves the past with the present is hugely impressive, and adds an extra dimension to her impressive body of work. This has been one of my books of the year so far.
The opening piece is Mercy itself, which explores with subtlety and tenderness the transience of beauty, but not necessarily of love. "We all want to hold on to cherished things, for life is quickly gone." Mercy is short, sharp and sweet, and showcases perfectly Lloyd's remarkable gift for the short story. The Careless Hour is next, a more complex tale with a fascinating premise. The noises from an adjoining house take on sinister significance as the protagonist fears for the sanity of her neighbour, Michael. When he invites a girl, Catherine, for a meal, she hears enough through the thin walls to be concerned; but not enough to understand. The Careless Hour is a tale of half-truths and subtle deceptions, and grips the reader to the end.
The Meat Freezer is a different prospect. Gary has an unsavoury past, and has been allocated a house on the rough Ackroyd estate in which to return to the community. His strange observations of a trespassing youth whom he thinks of as 'Icarus' forms the backbone of this hard-hitting story; but is it reality, or his past coming back to haunt him? The truth might just be too painful to know. What Comes is almost a haunted house story, but is so much more than that. Cath and Martin are moving into an old cottage, and confronting issues between Cath and Martin's mother, Patricia. She does not approve of the relationship nor the property. However, for a while things are fine, and Martin, an artist, finds inspiration. However, a damp stain over the kitchen door is spreading. As they tackle this problem, something is disturbed within the fabric of the house that reveals darkly powerful local folklore.
The Bath is one of Lloyd's better known stories, dealing with the desperation and pressures in a poor neighborhood. Gavin Bauble lives alone, as it would seem his wife has deserted him; "She wouldn't join in, that's all. No one's better than anyone else in Cotton Street". His home has become a shrine to the past, and is cluttered to the ceiling; but does it house something more precious, something that will have to be released?
Perhaps the most straightforward tale here, Maynard's Mountain is nonetheless compelling, and gently humorous. A poor family is initially torn apart by the careless loss of a winning lottery ticket; so Daddy decides to burrow into the side of the local dump, where the rubbish bag containing the item would have been taken. Eventually this project involves all the members of the family, each with their own tunnel; but if it is found, would this threaten their newly-found closeness? In The Reunion, a dream-like tale of a visit to a stately home (Shuttered House) to visit eccentric parents, I am reminded a little of Aickman's The Unsettled Dust; and this collection is brought elegantly to a close.
These are wonderfully written tales, dealing with life, love, relationships and the loss thereof in a thoroughly believable way, and with a depth not present in many works of short fiction. The way Lloyd interweaves the past with the present is hugely impressive, and adds an extra dimension to her impressive body of work. This has been one of my books of the year so far.
July 15, 2014
I got sent this story collection for review and since I've been on such a collection wave, it fits right in. Having just finished Angela Carter's Burning Your Boats, I feared I might be disappointed in this collection. Thankfully, I found myself loving every single story.
A lot of short story writers seem to hover between numerous different styles and genres, writing one love story before turning to some James Joyce-esque stream-of-consciousness. It leads to literary whiplash, which is why I was really glad to see an author who dedicates herself to a genre and then excels in it. Lloyd indeed does write 'strange stories', which seem to move effortlessly across national and social borders. Whether we're talking about farmers or socialites, Lloyd manages to give them all a voice and a story which I loved reading. Her writing style is easy, in the best sense of the word. It is easy to follow, easy to lose yourself in and easy to believe. Both description and dialogue fit in each story, may the protagonist be male or female.
I'm usually not very big on paranormal stories or ghost stories, but I really enjoyed how Lloyd manages to infuse a sense of 'strangeness' into her stories that can be interpreted either way. Are these characters driving themselves crazy or is there really something there? Lloyd plays with a lot of elements from folk tales or myths and legends while creating a very realistic setting. Her characters are very normal, rational human beings, which is a delight to read. It can be really tiring to read the same angst-y internal monologue over and over again, so to be given sixteen stories filled with interesting people is delightful. A major bonus is also that Lloyd knows how to end a story. Rather than taper off towards the end or move towards a conventional end, she continues down her own path.
Although I enjoyed all sixteen stories, I naturally had some favourites. 'Lucky Cat' was a really tragic story with some great twists. I loved the main character of 'Gone to the Deep' and the descriptions in that story were beautiful as well. 'All That Follows' may have been my favourite because it seemed very real, despite still having the eerie quality of the collection.
At times I found it hard to differentiate between this collection and Angela Carter's, and that is a compliment. Although Carter seems to aggressively push boundaries effortlessly in every single story, Lloyd's stories are much subtler, making you question things rather than agreeing with Lloyd automatically. I definitely recommend it to people who want to find out exactly what 'strange' means and who aren't afraid of suspending disbelief for a while.
A lot of short story writers seem to hover between numerous different styles and genres, writing one love story before turning to some James Joyce-esque stream-of-consciousness. It leads to literary whiplash, which is why I was really glad to see an author who dedicates herself to a genre and then excels in it. Lloyd indeed does write 'strange stories', which seem to move effortlessly across national and social borders. Whether we're talking about farmers or socialites, Lloyd manages to give them all a voice and a story which I loved reading. Her writing style is easy, in the best sense of the word. It is easy to follow, easy to lose yourself in and easy to believe. Both description and dialogue fit in each story, may the protagonist be male or female.
I'm usually not very big on paranormal stories or ghost stories, but I really enjoyed how Lloyd manages to infuse a sense of 'strangeness' into her stories that can be interpreted either way. Are these characters driving themselves crazy or is there really something there? Lloyd plays with a lot of elements from folk tales or myths and legends while creating a very realistic setting. Her characters are very normal, rational human beings, which is a delight to read. It can be really tiring to read the same angst-y internal monologue over and over again, so to be given sixteen stories filled with interesting people is delightful. A major bonus is also that Lloyd knows how to end a story. Rather than taper off towards the end or move towards a conventional end, she continues down her own path.
Although I enjoyed all sixteen stories, I naturally had some favourites. 'Lucky Cat' was a really tragic story with some great twists. I loved the main character of 'Gone to the Deep' and the descriptions in that story were beautiful as well. 'All That Follows' may have been my favourite because it seemed very real, despite still having the eerie quality of the collection.
At times I found it hard to differentiate between this collection and Angela Carter's, and that is a compliment. Although Carter seems to aggressively push boundaries effortlessly in every single story, Lloyd's stories are much subtler, making you question things rather than agreeing with Lloyd automatically. I definitely recommend it to people who want to find out exactly what 'strange' means and who aren't afraid of suspending disbelief for a while.
November 17, 2023
Lloyd, Rebecca - Mercy
The first clutch of stories are not what I would define as uncanny or strange, but rather, to paraphrase Mr. Bukowski, tales of ordinary madness. In this book, however, not so ordinary.
“Mercy” is narrated by an obsessive soul, nurturing a shrine of love, who explains his routine with detailed rationale.
The broken couple gradually circle around each other, drawn by habit and need, in “Salsa.” A friend, Janet, acts as onlooker, though she seems in the corner, leashed with her own restraints.
The builder of kites works quietly, while his eyes evaluate youthful trespassers in “The Meat Freezer.”
70 odd pages in, and new neighbors work to restore a neglected house, and repair their relationship. “What Comes” is the first tale of real unease or disturbance. on several levels, that seeps like a stain that cannot be washed clean.
In “The Bath” young John tries to help the reclusive couple. The pair are long married, though close mouthed, to the annoyance of the inquisitive. Eventually, John makes it past the front door and gazes on secrets, eccentricities, and a wet afternoon mystery.
“Gone To The Deep” is lengthy, and a satisfying release from the half glimpses that have come before.
A mounting tale of a sea spray triangle. The haunted island fisherman, torn between his passionate mainland lass and the bewitching song of the waves.
All make worthwhile reading, yet this collection never caught fire for me.
The first clutch of stories are not what I would define as uncanny or strange, but rather, to paraphrase Mr. Bukowski, tales of ordinary madness. In this book, however, not so ordinary.
“Mercy” is narrated by an obsessive soul, nurturing a shrine of love, who explains his routine with detailed rationale.
The broken couple gradually circle around each other, drawn by habit and need, in “Salsa.” A friend, Janet, acts as onlooker, though she seems in the corner, leashed with her own restraints.
The builder of kites works quietly, while his eyes evaluate youthful trespassers in “The Meat Freezer.”
70 odd pages in, and new neighbors work to restore a neglected house, and repair their relationship. “What Comes” is the first tale of real unease or disturbance. on several levels, that seeps like a stain that cannot be washed clean.
In “The Bath” young John tries to help the reclusive couple. The pair are long married, though close mouthed, to the annoyance of the inquisitive. Eventually, John makes it past the front door and gazes on secrets, eccentricities, and a wet afternoon mystery.
“Gone To The Deep” is lengthy, and a satisfying release from the half glimpses that have come before.
A mounting tale of a sea spray triangle. The haunted island fisherman, torn between his passionate mainland lass and the bewitching song of the waves.
All make worthwhile reading, yet this collection never caught fire for me.
December 16, 2014
I am not usually a fan of short stories but having been surprised by another excellent collection recently I thought I would chance my luck. I was not disappointed. There are some dark goings on here and it took me a while to get a sense of the authors style but once I did, I found the tales to be rather compelling. As psychological horror goes, I would class these as on the gentle side and I would say that the stories are more peculiar than anything else, but that is a compliment not a criticism.
Rebecca is a writer who has found her own style which is always refreshing and she works hard to draw the reader into something in each story where you feel that you are not quite sure where you are being led. I wont plot spoil, I never do, but I will say that while each story is unique, there is a similar feel across the collection. They are individually quick reads so you should get through it in no time, hopefully leaving you wanting more. Short story fans pick this one up and enjoy.
Rebecca is a writer who has found her own style which is always refreshing and she works hard to draw the reader into something in each story where you feel that you are not quite sure where you are being led. I wont plot spoil, I never do, but I will say that while each story is unique, there is a similar feel across the collection. They are individually quick reads so you should get through it in no time, hopefully leaving you wanting more. Short story fans pick this one up and enjoy.
January 5, 2015
For me, the author has achieved the primary aim in these stories in that she has suspended belief, so that readers find themselves transported to a different place and time. All the tales are different in their circumstances and the characters are varied and well-developed.
The imagery is good and the dialogue works in every case, quite simply because the writer is capable and understands her craft. There is a psychological theme running through the collection which will hold appeal to any who enjoy such a tale.
Why then have I rated the book with four stars if I believe the author is good? There is an indefinable ‘something’ that must be in the narrative voice for me personally, but unfortunately it wasn’t there. Perhaps the storytelling was a little abstract for me at times, or on occasion the plot felt extended.
It is possible to appreciate a writer’s skill without feeling an affinity for the work. Suffice to say that I believe these stories will find an appreciative audience because they are well written.
The imagery is good and the dialogue works in every case, quite simply because the writer is capable and understands her craft. There is a psychological theme running through the collection which will hold appeal to any who enjoy such a tale.
Why then have I rated the book with four stars if I believe the author is good? There is an indefinable ‘something’ that must be in the narrative voice for me personally, but unfortunately it wasn’t there. Perhaps the storytelling was a little abstract for me at times, or on occasion the plot felt extended.
It is possible to appreciate a writer’s skill without feeling an affinity for the work. Suffice to say that I believe these stories will find an appreciative audience because they are well written.
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