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Open Wounds

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Her eyes drift as she wonders who they are and where they’re going. More importantly, where is she going? Where are they going? And what’s going to happen when they get there? A new life? A new beginning? She bites her lip. She doesn’t think so.

Australia is known as the lucky country, but as we know luck is relative.

S.C. Farrow’s Open Wounds is a collection of unflinching Australian short stories that shines light
on those moments in life that are as profound as they are traumatic.

94 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2025

2 people want to read

About the author

S.C. Farrow

6 books16 followers
S.C. Farrow is an Australian literary author and screenwriter whose work explores trauma, silence, and the complexity of the human psyche. Her writing is known for its lyrical style, philosophical depth, and raw emotional honesty. She holds a PhD in creative writing and loves exploring the raw edges of human experience, bringing common struggles to light in uncommon ways.

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
1 review1 follower
July 22, 2020
I absolutely LOVED - really, really loved - Open Wounds! Wow... this is the first fiction by S.C. Farrow that I have read and I am left wanting so much more.

Every story in Open Wounds stirred up strong emotions in me and left me itching with questions.

What happened to Sandra? Is she coming back? My heart aches for her.

What does Olivia do!? Who is Graham to her? (I am delighted by the way the wind and the leaves were described - it’s a visual orgy.)

Heat - one of my favourites. Again, the description of the weather and scenery was so appealing. I could feel myself there. I hope the cops don’t let the guy go without realising that he’s responsible for more than just what they observed. Why did the cops let the girl get on the bus? Shouldn’t they be getting a statement from her? Oh, so many questions! I want a sequel.

Daniel... oh, heart wrenching. I feel overwhelming empathy for him and Kelly. The ending had me pleading in my head... please don’t do it... please don’t...

Jean Lee - another favourite. I love the way this was written, too. The build up is tremendous. Agnes, I want to see what she does next! There’s definitely another story there.

Overall, I’m incredibly impressed. These stories generated feelings that I wasn’t expecting - rage, grief, despondency, affection, sadness, agitation, and despair.

THANK YOU for sharing your writing with us, S.C. Farrow. I can't wait to read more from you.
Profile Image for Nadia King.
Author 13 books78 followers
November 11, 2019
A powerful collection of contemporary short stories covering a variety of themes from depression to the execution of a criminal. Visually strong with potent language, this is a short story collection not to be missed. Highly recommended for lovers of the short form.
Profile Image for Joel Schueler.
Author 6 books28 followers
April 7, 2020
These stories are punchy, full of vigour, and don’t hold back. Farrow is not afraid to explore and understand the parts of life others daren't. A bold collection
Profile Image for Books Review.
98 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2023
🌺My Opinion🌺

"Open Wounds" by S.C. Farrow is a collection of Australian short stories that left a profound impact on me. This book is not just a collection of stories; it's a journey through the human experience, filled with moments that are both poignant and thought-provoking. Farrow's storytelling is raw and unflinching, capturing the essence of life's profound and sometimes traumatic moments. Each story is a window into the lives of its characters, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human soul.
What struck me the most about this collection is the authenticity of the narratives. Farrow doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of life. Instead, she dives headfirst into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the consequences of our choices. The stories are a reflection of the human condition, portraying characters who grapple with their past, their desires, and the uncertain future. Farrow's ability to create characters that feel real and relatable is commendable.

🌸About Book🌸

Australia, often referred to as the lucky country, is depicted here in a different light. Through these stories, Farrow explores the idea that luck is subjective and that life's fortunes can be a double-edged sword. The characters in "Open Wounds" face various challenges and trials, and the narratives shed light on the resilience of the human spirit. From broken relationships to life-altering decisions, the stories in this collection resonate with the universal themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Farrow's writing style is evocative, and she has a knack for drawing readers into the emotional depths of each story. The descriptions are vivid, and the settings feel authentic, whether it's the Australian landscape or the intimate spaces where these characters' lives unfold. The prose is beautifully crafted, making each story a literary gem that leaves a lasting impression.

✨Final Verdict✨

In conclusion, "Open Wounds" is a collection of Australian short stories that offers a powerful and poignant exploration of the human experience. S.C. Farrow's storytelling is a testament to the depth and complexity of human emotions. These stories will make you reflect on your own life, your choices, and the moments that leave their mark. If you're a fan of literature that delves into the heart of the human condition, "Open Wounds" is a must-read. It's a book that lingers in your thoughts, long after you've turned the last page, and reminds you of the enduring power of storytelling.
Profile Image for Jithendra Jithu.
2,188 reviews106 followers
August 19, 2023
Open Wounds

By

S. C. Farrow

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉"Open Wounds" by S. C. Farrow is an extraordinary work that left an indelible mark on me. As my first foray into the realm of S. C. Farrow's fiction, I was both amazed and captivated, yearning for more even as I turned the final pages.

👉The collection of stories within "Open Wounds" ignited a profound array of emotions within me, taking me on a rollercoaster of feelings that ranged from passionate adoration to deep introspection. Each narrative, carefully woven by Farrow, resonated with a power that left me tingling with a mixture of emotions and a barrage of questions.

👉The mystery surrounding Sandra, her whereabouts, and the enigmatic promise of her return had my heart racing with anticipation. The complexity of Olivia's character and her connection to Graham, set against the backdrop of Farrow's exquisitely painted scenes involving the breeze and leaves, forged a captivating visual and emotional experience.

👉"Warmth," a personal favorite, showcased Farrow's exceptional talent in portraying weather and landscapes in a manner that transported me to the heart of the story. Yet, my anxiety rose as questions remained unanswered: Why did the police allow the girl on the bus? Would they apprehend the person responsible? The narrative's depth and my investment in these questions led me to yearn for a continuation.

👉The tale of Daniel and Kelly tugged at my heartstrings with its poignancy. Farrow's portrayal of their struggles and the heart-wrenching conclusion elicited an overwhelming sense of empathy. The uncertainty surrounding their fate had me pleading for a different outcome, a testament to how deeply I had become attached to their plight.

👉The narrative of Jean Lee stood out for its unique approach and immense character development. The intricacies of Agnes's journey left me longing for more insight into her story. The potential for another narrative stemming from this thread was palpable and left me eagerly desiring to delve further.

👉As a whole, "Open Wounds" delivered a breathtaking spectrum of emotions—anger, sorrow, love, melancholy, empathy, and disturbance.
Profile Image for Elijah.
21 reviews
August 29, 2020
I would absolutely suck up and love this but I haven't finished yet. However, the ones I have read are awesome nonetheless. Barbie doll bitch kind of got me wondering what the fuck is going in but besides that it's written well with the lines of describing what I think is the horrors of having to stand in front of a crowd and the 'barbie doll bitch' not understanding, a thing called, AN X I E TY. I won't say I do understand completely what is going on in that short as it is about a young girl getting along with a lonely girl but then going on about how horrible the teacher is and I don't understand but I like it.
Falling, the second short, hit close to home. Speaking of God and how she's waiting for him to do something and that maybe stepping off into the unknown would be a better idea than being a useless women as Farrow has described. Written well and it made me hate men way more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
59 reviews
June 24, 2020
A slim anthology of particularly, peculiarly Australian stories, Farrow looks at some of the less salubrious parts of being Australian. Farrow has a wonderful eye for detail as the stories take you to many different places and times in Australia. Worth a read.
Profile Image for S.C. Farrow.
Author 6 books16 followers
August 3, 2025
Assaulted by her mother’s boyfriend, a fourteen-year-old girl longs to be loved by her teen-aged crush. An immigrant woman who fled her homeland is forced to travel across county by the man who promised her a better life. An acutely-sensitive eleven-year-old girl is despised by her fifth-grade teacher. A war veteran’s family falls apart as he combats the consequences of PTSD. An Anglican nun struggles to comfort a woman who’s been sentenced to the gallows. These people exist in different times and have vastly different lives, yet all of them suffer from the devastating effects of trauma.

Everything about a person, from the way they think, remember, learn, how they feel about themselves and others, and the way they view and understand the world, is affected and shaped by the trauma they experience.
Profile Image for Teri Palmer.
15 reviews
April 13, 2022
Open wounds by S. C. Farrow, is a thrilling book. It's moving. Heart shaddering. And shows you an insight into the realities of others lives. This collection of Australian short stories is a must tbr. I feel like it's unlike anyother book I've read before. I'm glad I read it, because the langauage and style created a emotional response while reading this books content. Love the authors voice and love the work. Can't wait to read more!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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