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Something Very Human
This collection takes the reader on a journey through life, from the innocence of young voices to the reflections of those seeking meaning as they look back at the paths they’ve taken.
Each story captures the very essence of being human. The characters tackle everyday challenges, face inner struggles, navigate familial relationships and friendships, fall in love and out of love, process grief, and reflect on the beautiful fragility of it all.
Something Very Human is the debut short story collection from award-winning writer, Hannah Retallick.
Each story captures the very essence of being human. The characters tackle everyday challenges, face inner struggles, navigate familial relationships and friendships, fall in love and out of love, process grief, and reflect on the beautiful fragility of it all.
Something Very Human is the debut short story collection from award-winning writer, Hannah Retallick.
186 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 5, 2024
Something very human. Something very touching. Stories that resonate truth, dig deep into insecurities, and unearth pain. Hannah Retallick puts words to emotions for which most of us don't have words. And she does so with compassion that speaks of uncanny skills to observe the hidden emotional landscapes of individual characters.
A collection of character driven, insightful short-stories that will never leave you.
A collection of character driven, insightful short-stories that will never leave you.
November 9, 2024
Not my normal sort of read, but an interesting collection of short stories. Once I understood the author’s writing style I found the stories made you stop and think.
The stories that stood out the most for me were:-
Wayne’s name, When the Tour Guide Still Smiles, I resolve to Die at Sixty- five, Right Now and Reflection of a Mature Woman Who took an Unfortunate Tumble.
There are plenty of other stories to enjoy in this collection and I look forward to reading more work by this author.
The stories that stood out the most for me were:-
Wayne’s name, When the Tour Guide Still Smiles, I resolve to Die at Sixty- five, Right Now and Reflection of a Mature Woman Who took an Unfortunate Tumble.
There are plenty of other stories to enjoy in this collection and I look forward to reading more work by this author.
January 28, 2025
It is, they say, advisable for a singer to know their vocal range. Understanding that they are a soprano or tenor can help them produce those pitch-perfect songs and exude the confident delivery that is the mark of an artist who has mastered their craft.
Hannah Retallick has not one voice but a plethora of them that she advances to explore a gamut of story-telling octaves. Just like the accomplished singer, she delivers each with the gusto of a veteran and we are swept away with aplomb of their execution.
In her collection Something Very Human, we have the voices of children or adults captured with equal potency in her trademark first-person narrative stories. Coupled with her knack of finding something deep-seated in the ordinary, the collection is a celebration of a narrative maestro at the top of her game.
She wastes no time in sinking us deep within her character’s psyche, captures the situation with adroit concision and draws us deep within that persona’s predicament. The voices carry all this. Like Elmore Leonard, her dialogue is crisp and character-led while the thoughts of her players express sedimentary conflicts.
But at her best, Hannah is inside the mind of a child. That innocence and bewilderment captured on the page with touching sensitivity as if the child were hers. The absurdity of A Long Line of Straws is transformed into a tale of a damaged mind healed by obsession; dashed, sees the child as a catalyst for grief while the ruinous life of adults shows the victims it leaves behind in The Naughty Step. Moving, haunting.
This collection with its 31 stories offers a range of lengths and themes. But whether you prefer the five minute reads of They Didn’t See Him and The Word Has It or the longer Clara By Any Other Name, it is the voices that carry the narratives. And it is the voices that will stay with you long afterwards.
Hannah Retallick has not one voice but a plethora of them that she advances to explore a gamut of story-telling octaves. Just like the accomplished singer, she delivers each with the gusto of a veteran and we are swept away with aplomb of their execution.
In her collection Something Very Human, we have the voices of children or adults captured with equal potency in her trademark first-person narrative stories. Coupled with her knack of finding something deep-seated in the ordinary, the collection is a celebration of a narrative maestro at the top of her game.
She wastes no time in sinking us deep within her character’s psyche, captures the situation with adroit concision and draws us deep within that persona’s predicament. The voices carry all this. Like Elmore Leonard, her dialogue is crisp and character-led while the thoughts of her players express sedimentary conflicts.
But at her best, Hannah is inside the mind of a child. That innocence and bewilderment captured on the page with touching sensitivity as if the child were hers. The absurdity of A Long Line of Straws is transformed into a tale of a damaged mind healed by obsession; dashed, sees the child as a catalyst for grief while the ruinous life of adults shows the victims it leaves behind in The Naughty Step. Moving, haunting.
This collection with its 31 stories offers a range of lengths and themes. But whether you prefer the five minute reads of They Didn’t See Him and The Word Has It or the longer Clara By Any Other Name, it is the voices that carry the narratives. And it is the voices that will stay with you long afterwards.
November 28, 2024
Hannah has created such a unique set of stories – the kind of stories that stay with you. Each story has relatable characters whose lives we are fortunate enough to get a short glimpse of.
I love the writing; I love the character driven style. Such a beautiful collection.
This collection is brilliant for reading from beginning to end or even for a brief visit with your favourite character.
Highly recommend if you like short stories with meaning and incredible writing. <3333
I love the writing; I love the character driven style. Such a beautiful collection.
This collection is brilliant for reading from beginning to end or even for a brief visit with your favourite character.
Highly recommend if you like short stories with meaning and incredible writing. <3333
December 1, 2024
Cracking selection of short fiction from multi award winning Hannah Retallick, most recent winner of the Edinburgh Flash Fiction prize. I would describe these are primarily character driven – no murder mysteries, spooky stories or twisty pot boilers – but compelling reading for all that. Among my favourites on first reading are "When the Tour Guide Still Smiles”, "Clara By Any other Name” and “Those Nice Suits” – but I suspect those choices may change on re-reading (which I will be doing). At the end Hannah details the prizes/commendations these stories have been awarded. Prizes and accolades maybe aren’t necessarily a hallmark of quality, but in this case they definitely are. (NB I noticed the story that won the Edinburgh Flash wasn’t included – hopefully we’ll see it in Hannah’s next collection!)
November 18, 2024
Gorgeous collection of shorts from this award winning writer.
November 28, 2024
Beautifully written stories that you can really feel, spanning the phases of a human life.
October 11, 2024
I have been a fan of Hannah’s writing for more than a few years and eagerly looked forward to reading her new collection. She did not disappoint. The first story, “A Long Line of Plastic Straws,” tells the touching tale of Carter and the beginning of his new friendship with neighbor Billy. The last one, “If the World Were Ending” is a sweet love story taking place, guess when? In between them, Hannah’s talent and creatively shows through in spades. Each story is so well written that it’s hard to pick favorites. I liked “A long Line of Plastic Straws,” a lot. In it, young Carter is crippled and how he became so is deftly shared with the reader. The second story in the collection, “The Naughty Step,” is heartbreakingly sad and shows Hannah’s remarkable talent in telling an emotionally wrenching story using only a few well-chosen words. The third story, “Clara By Every Name,” is a brilliant analysis of the relationship between a troubled woman and her daughter. These stories set the stage for more. One of my favorites, “Unspoken, Unheard,” is a poignantly funny story told by a harried waitperson. “Wayne’s Name” is so sweetly written that I slowed down reading it to savor every word. I can’t forget “Reflections of a Mature Woman Who Took an Unfortunate Tumble.” It’s about a seaside hiker who trips, falls, and injures herself. Why did I feel I could relate so strongly to her? Then there’s “Seven Ages of Lone,” a look into the long life of an old man who experienced a horrific tragedy when he is a child. It highlights Hannah’s ability to tell a compelling story with style and finesse. It’s also a brilliant look into how one event in a person’s life can shape them forever. It’s a showcase story in my opinion. The conclusion sent shivers down my spine.
So many great stories! From beginning to end, each story is told with the confident style of a writer who looks at life through the eye of one who cares about people and has the ability to write thoughtful stories about what she sees. The writing is exquisite. I loved every story. I highly recommend this collection for those who want well-crafted stories told with heart and soul. It’s a gem.
So many great stories! From beginning to end, each story is told with the confident style of a writer who looks at life through the eye of one who cares about people and has the ability to write thoughtful stories about what she sees. The writing is exquisite. I loved every story. I highly recommend this collection for those who want well-crafted stories told with heart and soul. It’s a gem.
October 28, 2024
I recently had the pleasure of reading "Something Very Human" by Hannah Retallick, and I’ve got to say, I was hooked from the very first page. This collection of short stories is just so beautifully written—each piece dives deep into the complexities of everyday life, capturing those little moments that make us all so… well, human.
The stories are diverse, but what ties them all together is this amazing sense of empathy and understanding. Retallick writes with such sensitivity, and she has a real knack for getting inside her characters' heads. I found myself totally drawn into their inner worlds, whether it was a child trying to make sense of loss or someone wrestling with their own identity. It’s all there, and it’s all handled with a perfect mix of tenderness and wit.
I particularly loved "A Long Line of Plastic Straws," which tells the story of a boy coping with grief by trying to set a world record with a chain of straws. It’s such a simple premise, but it packs an emotional punch. Then there's "Clara By Every Name," which explores identity in this almost poetic way that’s both powerful and heartbreaking. And there’s humour too—just the right amount to balance the heavier themes.
What’s great about this collection is that it doesn’t try too hard. The language is eloquent but still super accessible. I think anyone could pick this up and find something that resonates with them. And the characters… they’re just so real. You can practically hear them speaking as you read, which is a testament to how natural Retallick’s dialogue feels.
In short, "Something Very Human" is a gem. It’s thoughtful, moving, and just so well-crafted. If you’re into character-driven stories that offer a slice of life with all its messiness, joy, and heartbreak, I can’t recommend this enough.
The stories are diverse, but what ties them all together is this amazing sense of empathy and understanding. Retallick writes with such sensitivity, and she has a real knack for getting inside her characters' heads. I found myself totally drawn into their inner worlds, whether it was a child trying to make sense of loss or someone wrestling with their own identity. It’s all there, and it’s all handled with a perfect mix of tenderness and wit.
I particularly loved "A Long Line of Plastic Straws," which tells the story of a boy coping with grief by trying to set a world record with a chain of straws. It’s such a simple premise, but it packs an emotional punch. Then there's "Clara By Every Name," which explores identity in this almost poetic way that’s both powerful and heartbreaking. And there’s humour too—just the right amount to balance the heavier themes.
What’s great about this collection is that it doesn’t try too hard. The language is eloquent but still super accessible. I think anyone could pick this up and find something that resonates with them. And the characters… they’re just so real. You can practically hear them speaking as you read, which is a testament to how natural Retallick’s dialogue feels.
In short, "Something Very Human" is a gem. It’s thoughtful, moving, and just so well-crafted. If you’re into character-driven stories that offer a slice of life with all its messiness, joy, and heartbreak, I can’t recommend this enough.
November 9, 2024
Reading Something Very Human feels like living a bunch of beautiful, sad, funny lives in a time lapse video. It made me think of WB Yeats’ A Woman Young and Old, even though SVH explores men and women. Each story stands alone, but there is that shimmering thread of shared loneliness, longing and a search for meaning in this strange world that draws them together. It made me laugh, yearn, and mourn in varying cycles.
She is a master of keen observation of both human being and human doing, taking me deep inside each character, pulling me along for the ride, then leaving me with a sense of melancholy for someone I used to know.
Though the voice and tone changes from story to story, Hannah Retallick is such a beautifully assured and skilled wordsmith, that every story hits, and they just keep coming, She has a knack for tantalising titles, and then she’ll follow them up with a killer opening line like this:
“This is an uncomfortable realisation to have when you’re nose deep in the ground on a coastal path in Cornwall: I have never loved anyone or anything.”
The collection is beautiful, and here are some of my highlights:
Unspoken, Unheard, They Didn’t See Him, and I Resolve to Die at Sixty-Five all made me laugh out loud.
Those Nice Suits, Becoming Lavender, Clara By Every Name, and As She Lay in That Green Dress From M & S made me feel bereft (in a good way)!
Reflections of a Mature Woman Who Took an Unfortunate Tumble gave me It’s A Wonderful Life vibes and left me feeling so hopeful.
To summarise: I loved reading this.
She is a master of keen observation of both human being and human doing, taking me deep inside each character, pulling me along for the ride, then leaving me with a sense of melancholy for someone I used to know.
Though the voice and tone changes from story to story, Hannah Retallick is such a beautifully assured and skilled wordsmith, that every story hits, and they just keep coming, She has a knack for tantalising titles, and then she’ll follow them up with a killer opening line like this:
“This is an uncomfortable realisation to have when you’re nose deep in the ground on a coastal path in Cornwall: I have never loved anyone or anything.”
The collection is beautiful, and here are some of my highlights:
Unspoken, Unheard, They Didn’t See Him, and I Resolve to Die at Sixty-Five all made me laugh out loud.
Those Nice Suits, Becoming Lavender, Clara By Every Name, and As She Lay in That Green Dress From M & S made me feel bereft (in a good way)!
Reflections of a Mature Woman Who Took an Unfortunate Tumble gave me It’s A Wonderful Life vibes and left me feeling so hopeful.
To summarise: I loved reading this.
October 7, 2024
The stories in Something Very Human are both intimate and universal, shaped by the author’s sharply focussed eye and impeccable ear for dialogue, and anchored by a strong sense of place and vivid characters. Hannah Retallick’s writing is assured, and she is not afraid to experiment with form and language – this is a collection which feels as crisp and sharp as a green apple.
Retallick’s stories are imbued with a wealth of experiences and emotions – exploring friendships, love, loss and longing, and the eternal search for connection. But there is humour and hope at their heart, and this warmth shines through. Our lives may be woven from what appears to be fragile thread, but this is a writer who understands the real resilience of the human heart; she knows that “however many times you’ve been let down and however drenched you become, there are always reasons to sing.” A truly accomplished debut collection.
Retallick’s stories are imbued with a wealth of experiences and emotions – exploring friendships, love, loss and longing, and the eternal search for connection. But there is humour and hope at their heart, and this warmth shines through. Our lives may be woven from what appears to be fragile thread, but this is a writer who understands the real resilience of the human heart; she knows that “however many times you’ve been let down and however drenched you become, there are always reasons to sing.” A truly accomplished debut collection.
October 3, 2025
Something Very Human by Hannah Retallick is a poignant wander through the minds of a beautiful range of characters negotiating the hurdles of being human. Doubt, love, hope, and obsession mingle together in moments as mundane as sitting at a train station and as profound as sitting with a loved one in their last moment. I bought the book in 2024 at the book launch and found myself savoring the stories one at a time, like a chocolate treat. Highly recommended for those readers who like to feel a character’s innermost thoughts.
November 9, 2024
A collection that will nourish your soul. Not to be missed!
This sparkling debut celebrates short fiction at its best, with wit and the keen observations of a master storyteller. Hannah Retallick is queen of the slow reveal, gently prising open what her characters hold most dear, bringing us remarkable and tender moments. Hannah hand-dives for pearls resurfacing with that 'something very human' in us all. An accomplished debut that would make a gorgeous gift for any reader.
This sparkling debut celebrates short fiction at its best, with wit and the keen observations of a master storyteller. Hannah Retallick is queen of the slow reveal, gently prising open what her characters hold most dear, bringing us remarkable and tender moments. Hannah hand-dives for pearls resurfacing with that 'something very human' in us all. An accomplished debut that would make a gorgeous gift for any reader.
October 25, 2024
This collection hits every button for me. The 31 stories are arranged by age, taking the reader from childhood to old age. There's a good mixture of length. Some are short enough to enjoy during a short break. Others need more time and, at least for me, time to reflect and re-read. it's a book about the human experience, so it's about every on of us.
November 9, 2024
I loved this collection of short fiction and it was great to see the list of awards, prizes and placements that each piece has secured.
The stories are beautifully crafted with an energy and confidence that showcase this writer’s talent. The book is real treat – packed with short fiction pieces that scratch the surface of everyday situations to reveal rich inner thoughts and observations that feel warm and familiar.
I’m looking forward to reading to see what Hannah writes next.
The stories are beautifully crafted with an energy and confidence that showcase this writer’s talent. The book is real treat – packed with short fiction pieces that scratch the surface of everyday situations to reveal rich inner thoughts and observations that feel warm and familiar.
I’m looking forward to reading to see what Hannah writes next.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews