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The Boy Who Could See Death
From Salley Vickers, bestselling author of Miss Garnet's Angel, comes The Boy Who Could See Death, an enchanting and unsettling collection of short stories.
Eli is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary gift. It will shape the course of his whole life but, he learns the hard way, he must keep it hidden from those who know him best. Seeing death is a mixed blessing.
Eli is not the only one defying the world's expectations of him. Cousin Francesca, a charming spinster and a favourite with the children, is harbouring kleptomaniac tendencies. Sarah Palliser, living alone next to a ramshackle graveyard, is more scared of the small box under her stairs than the ghosts outside her window. Meanwhile dreamy artist Nan is nursing a growing obsession with wolves in Britain and the recently widowed Frances finds herself inventing an exotic imaginary boyfriend to pass the time.
Push through an unassuming front door on an unremarkable street or peer into the glowing fluorescent windows of an urban office block and within you'll find strange and unforgettable scenes, normal people caught in situations they do not quite comprehend...
Salley Vickers is a master of the uncanny and the unexpected. In this collection of eleven remarkable stories, she explores bereavement and betrayal, closely guarded secrets and common gossip, long-overdue endings and decidedly strange beginnings. Each story is perfectly formed: a snapshot of a total stranger, a fleeting glimpse of lives spiced with a little something extra.
'Salley Vickers sees with a clear eye and writes with a light hand - she knows how the world works. Salley is a presence worth cherishing' - Philip Pullman
Eli is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary gift. It will shape the course of his whole life but, he learns the hard way, he must keep it hidden from those who know him best. Seeing death is a mixed blessing.
Eli is not the only one defying the world's expectations of him. Cousin Francesca, a charming spinster and a favourite with the children, is harbouring kleptomaniac tendencies. Sarah Palliser, living alone next to a ramshackle graveyard, is more scared of the small box under her stairs than the ghosts outside her window. Meanwhile dreamy artist Nan is nursing a growing obsession with wolves in Britain and the recently widowed Frances finds herself inventing an exotic imaginary boyfriend to pass the time.
Push through an unassuming front door on an unremarkable street or peer into the glowing fluorescent windows of an urban office block and within you'll find strange and unforgettable scenes, normal people caught in situations they do not quite comprehend...
Salley Vickers is a master of the uncanny and the unexpected. In this collection of eleven remarkable stories, she explores bereavement and betrayal, closely guarded secrets and common gossip, long-overdue endings and decidedly strange beginnings. Each story is perfectly formed: a snapshot of a total stranger, a fleeting glimpse of lives spiced with a little something extra.
'Salley Vickers sees with a clear eye and writes with a light hand - she knows how the world works. Salley is a presence worth cherishing' - Philip Pullman
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
14 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Salley Vickers
37 books353 followersSalley Vickers was born in Liverpool, the home of her mother, and grew up as the child of parents in the British Communist Party. She won a state scholarship to St Paul’s Girl’s School and went on to read English at Newnham College Cambridge.
She has worked, variously, as a cleaner, a dancer, an artist’s model, a teacher of children with special needs, a university teacher of literature, and a psychoanalyst. Her first novel, ‘Miss Garnet’s Angel’, became an international word-of-mouth bestseller. She now writes full time and lectures widely on many subjects, particularly the connections between, art, literature, psychology and religion.
Her principal interests are opera, bird watching, dancing, and poetry. One of her father's favourite poets, W.B.Yeats, was responsible for her name Salley, (the Irish for 'willow') which comes from Yeats’s poem set to music by Benjamin Britten 'Down by the salley gardens'.
She has worked, variously, as a cleaner, a dancer, an artist’s model, a teacher of children with special needs, a university teacher of literature, and a psychoanalyst. Her first novel, ‘Miss Garnet’s Angel’, became an international word-of-mouth bestseller. She now writes full time and lectures widely on many subjects, particularly the connections between, art, literature, psychology and religion.
Her principal interests are opera, bird watching, dancing, and poetry. One of her father's favourite poets, W.B.Yeats, was responsible for her name Salley, (the Irish for 'willow') which comes from Yeats’s poem set to music by Benjamin Britten 'Down by the salley gardens'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 9, 2018
A few very powerful and emotionally charged stories, mixed with some mediocre ones (as is probably the way for most short story collections) but on the whole, Vickers has a lovely way of writing. She makes you feel as though the stories she tells are directed at you personally which is always an attractive quality. I would like to read more of her work.
December 26, 2015
Not usually a fan of short stories up until now but really enjoyed some of these including - Kleptomania, Vacation, Mown Grass and Rescue and I loved The Train That Left When It Was Not Supposed To.
August 12, 2015
This was a pain to read. I felt like some kind of bookish Dementor was sucking out my passion for reading, honestly. It would have been another addition to my did-not-finish shelf if I didn't need it for my A-to-Z.
I already don't really like short story collections, but I have an especially potent distaste when the short stories aren't even good. You finished each one thinking, "What was the point of that?"; they had no discernible meaning, they evoked little to no emotional response from the reader and were essentially pointless. You know something is amiss when a short story titled "A Sad Tale" is unequivocally not sad.
I think we are all familiar with the feeling of dread you get when you start a new book and the opening is terrible and you aren't grasped by the story... now imagine that feeling recurring 10 times and never actually improving at any point. That was this book. The eponymous short story "The Boy Who Could See Death" had an interesting premise, and it began well. But it ended up being drier than the Sahel Region, and I was left disappointed and wasted as a human being. This short story was the one that actually begun me on this journey through the circles of hell, and yet it was not even enjoyable to read.
I don't think a single one of the plethora of mundane characters had any more depth to their personalities than a puddle in the road. It would have been better if some colour was splashed into the black-and-white environment that the stories seemed to occur in, Jackson Pollock-style; maybe then the characters might have some feelings.
If you think you have seen clichés, you ain't seen nothing yet. Any mystery that may have been wringed out of this was ruined by the fact you guess the conclusion almost immediately after you have dug around for the thread of a storyline that was supposedly written in. "Kleptomania" is very much the doppelgänger of "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant in every sense, as doppelgängers are often uglier as well.
I think it is clear that I hated this book. I would feel bad about being so harsh about it in this review, but I am currently using all my sympathy on myself for having to spend a torturous evening getting through this book. I mean, you can read it if you feel like it but all I'm saying is, don't.
I'm sorry, Salley Vickers, but this was just deplorable for me, but I wish you all the best nonetheless.
I already don't really like short story collections, but I have an especially potent distaste when the short stories aren't even good. You finished each one thinking, "What was the point of that?"; they had no discernible meaning, they evoked little to no emotional response from the reader and were essentially pointless. You know something is amiss when a short story titled "A Sad Tale" is unequivocally not sad.
I think we are all familiar with the feeling of dread you get when you start a new book and the opening is terrible and you aren't grasped by the story... now imagine that feeling recurring 10 times and never actually improving at any point. That was this book. The eponymous short story "The Boy Who Could See Death" had an interesting premise, and it began well. But it ended up being drier than the Sahel Region, and I was left disappointed and wasted as a human being. This short story was the one that actually begun me on this journey through the circles of hell, and yet it was not even enjoyable to read.
I don't think a single one of the plethora of mundane characters had any more depth to their personalities than a puddle in the road. It would have been better if some colour was splashed into the black-and-white environment that the stories seemed to occur in, Jackson Pollock-style; maybe then the characters might have some feelings.
If you think you have seen clichés, you ain't seen nothing yet. Any mystery that may have been wringed out of this was ruined by the fact you guess the conclusion almost immediately after you have dug around for the thread of a storyline that was supposedly written in. "Kleptomania" is very much the doppelgänger of "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant in every sense, as doppelgängers are often uglier as well.
I think it is clear that I hated this book. I would feel bad about being so harsh about it in this review, but I am currently using all my sympathy on myself for having to spend a torturous evening getting through this book. I mean, you can read it if you feel like it but all I'm saying is, don't.
I'm sorry, Salley Vickers, but this was just deplorable for me, but I wish you all the best nonetheless.
May 9, 2019
I'm sorry but I just can't finish this.
I don't know what's the point of this book.
I made a huge mistake when I bough it, because I just read the synopsis that looked good, but turned out this book is just a bind up of 10 shorts stories. If you only read the synopsis on the back of the book, you'll never know it's not just one good story about a boy who could see death. No. It's a bunch of weirds short stories that make absolutely no sense.
I really didn't like it.
0.75
Around the Year in 52 books 2017.
22. A book by an author you haven't read before.
I don't know what's the point of this book.
I made a huge mistake when I bough it, because I just read the synopsis that looked good, but turned out this book is just a bind up of 10 shorts stories. If you only read the synopsis on the back of the book, you'll never know it's not just one good story about a boy who could see death. No. It's a bunch of weirds short stories that make absolutely no sense.
I really didn't like it.
0.75
Around the Year in 52 books 2017.
22. A book by an author you haven't read before.
April 14, 2015
Eli is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary gift. It will shape the course of his whole life but, he learns the hard way, he must keep it hidden from those who know him best. Seeing death is a mixed blessing.
Eli is not the only one defying the world's expectations of him. Cousin Francesca, a charming spinster and a favourite with the children, is harbouring kleptomaniac tendencies. Sarah Palliser, living alone next to a ramshackle graveyard, is more scared of the small box under her stairs than the ghosts outside her window. Meanwhile dreamy artist Nan is nursing a growing obsession with wolves in Britain and the recently widowed Frances finds herself inventing an exotic imaginary boyfriend to pass the time.
A book of short stories that kept me going whilst moving home. A brilliant book that is wonderfully entertaining.
Eli is not the only one defying the world's expectations of him. Cousin Francesca, a charming spinster and a favourite with the children, is harbouring kleptomaniac tendencies. Sarah Palliser, living alone next to a ramshackle graveyard, is more scared of the small box under her stairs than the ghosts outside her window. Meanwhile dreamy artist Nan is nursing a growing obsession with wolves in Britain and the recently widowed Frances finds herself inventing an exotic imaginary boyfriend to pass the time.
A book of short stories that kept me going whilst moving home. A brilliant book that is wonderfully entertaining.
August 27, 2016
in order to enjoy this book, you have to accept the fact that these stories do not have a point or a purpose. and the ending is not a happy ending or an expected one.
July 8, 2015
I chose this book from the library as it is a collection of short stories and as I don't normally read this style of book I was hoping it would be a good "summer read". I like Salley Vickers' writing. I had recently thoroughly enjoyed a novel of hers entitled The Cleaner of Chartres so I felt that these stories could be good.
There are 10 short stories in this collection, some of them I really enjoyed, in particular Kleptomania - which made me laugh aloud as I finished it - and The Sofa. Some of the others were interesting, but others were fairly unremarkable, which was a shame. But having said that, not everyone likes the same ideas so possibly those stories I found less interesting may well be another person's favourite...!
There are 10 short stories in this collection, some of them I really enjoyed, in particular Kleptomania - which made me laugh aloud as I finished it - and The Sofa. Some of the others were interesting, but others were fairly unremarkable, which was a shame. But having said that, not everyone likes the same ideas so possibly those stories I found less interesting may well be another person's favourite...!
January 17, 2017
Highly accomplished short stories with a very personal touch - the foreward from the author gives the impression that the reader is being invited to share in the delight of circumstances and memories and imaginings. This is definitely a collection for those who want to 'try' short stories, and also for those who are already fans of the genre.
May 26, 2018
I've read a number of Salley Vickers's novels, all of which I enjoyed, so I was looking forward to reading all the short stories in this collection. The stories did not disappoint - they were written beautifully in a gentle literary style. I particularly enjoyed the title story and the story about the sofa. I shall look forward to reading more short story collections by this author.
May 10, 2017
I love this author and have enjoyed reading her work!!
This book is a series of short stories and whilst I'm not a huge fan of short stories this collection was outstanding...... varied and thought provoking😊
This book is a series of short stories and whilst I'm not a huge fan of short stories this collection was outstanding...... varied and thought provoking😊
June 25, 2015
Strange book. Can't say I enjoyed any of the stories and found myself asking, 'what was the point'?
May 19, 2018
Short story collection with some weird twists and turns. But I enjoyed almost every one!
September 4, 2025
An amazing collection of shirt stories. My favourites were The Sofa, The boy who could see Death and The train that left when it was not supposed to.
Every story has a different theme running through it. Some did seem mediocre as described by other reviewers, but this does not mean that the author missed the point of the story. She has a clever way of writing that makes you sit and ponder about what you have read.
Read each story as they are a different story from the previous one you have just read, and not read them as part of a book. Short stories often make me think could the write have done more, some work and some don't, this is same with every author that tackles short stories.
I read this because the book title grabbed my attention at my local library, not realising it was a collection of short stories. I am pleased I have read it as another author I have now been exposed to of their writing style.
Every story has a different theme running through it. Some did seem mediocre as described by other reviewers, but this does not mean that the author missed the point of the story. She has a clever way of writing that makes you sit and ponder about what you have read.
Read each story as they are a different story from the previous one you have just read, and not read them as part of a book. Short stories often make me think could the write have done more, some work and some don't, this is same with every author that tackles short stories.
I read this because the book title grabbed my attention at my local library, not realising it was a collection of short stories. I am pleased I have read it as another author I have now been exposed to of their writing style.
December 9, 2020
Wonderful Short Stories
I have been dropping in and out of this book over about four or five weeks, the stories are so good I just wanted to make them last. I am fairly new to Salley Vickers only having read one of her titles, Grandmothers which was a lovely book. I will most certainly be reading more of her work, including Aphrodite's Hat another book of short stories.
If you like to read a short story i recommend this book of eleven stories that cover a range of subjects bereavement, secrets, obsession to name a few and all beautifully written - thank you Salley, I'm certainly hoping for more
I have been dropping in and out of this book over about four or five weeks, the stories are so good I just wanted to make them last. I am fairly new to Salley Vickers only having read one of her titles, Grandmothers which was a lovely book. I will most certainly be reading more of her work, including Aphrodite's Hat another book of short stories.
If you like to read a short story i recommend this book of eleven stories that cover a range of subjects bereavement, secrets, obsession to name a few and all beautifully written - thank you Salley, I'm certainly hoping for more
September 8, 2022
This collection of short stories was published shortly before Salley’s novel Cousins and I could see there were certain themes and preoccupations in common. This was a much more enjoyable read though some of the stories had little appeal, notably The train that left when it was not supposed to which I struggled to finish. I did however very much enjoy A sad tale when I realised it was a retelling of Shakespeare’s The winter’s tale. I had forgotten the details of the original and there are some differences. That one I will definitely read again. I was also intrigued by the ghostly first story The churchyard.
December 5, 2017
The most enticing blurb is used to pull you in and then the book doesn't deliver.
This is a book of short stories. Predictable short stories. Uninteresting short stories. Boring short stories. Ranging from supposed ghosts and lacklustre supernatural.
Two main themes that popped out throughout the entire book was death and infidelity.
I'm aware of good short compilations existing, but this isn't one of them. At least, not for me.
This is a book of short stories. Predictable short stories. Uninteresting short stories. Boring short stories. Ranging from supposed ghosts and lacklustre supernatural.
Two main themes that popped out throughout the entire book was death and infidelity.
I'm aware of good short compilations existing, but this isn't one of them. At least, not for me.
September 4, 2020
1st story - I liked
2nd - not bad , I liked
3rd story - confused wtf , story was everywhere , small but still had no point , to many perspectives couldnt understand who was who sometimes
4rd story - I liked
5th story - I liked
6th story - I liked
7th story - I liked
8th story - I liked
9th story - I liked
10th story - I liked
Intrigued by the chapter from book cousins at the end will seek to try that out to .
2nd - not bad , I liked
3rd story - confused wtf , story was everywhere , small but still had no point , to many perspectives couldnt understand who was who sometimes
4rd story - I liked
5th story - I liked
6th story - I liked
7th story - I liked
8th story - I liked
9th story - I liked
10th story - I liked
Intrigued by the chapter from book cousins at the end will seek to try that out to .
April 9, 2018
Disappointingly derivative collection with homages to other, better practitioners of the short-story form...though well-written & amusing in parts.Vickers personifies the modern, literary stylist, with her own readership...& her own tropes...but, alas, I shall not be amongst the acolytes nor enjoy the further liberal-left views of the present rash of acclaimed novelists! I am far too philistine!
May 8, 2019
This book is lots of short stories with no real plot. I do not understand what was meant to be happening. There seemed to be no end to a story before the next was beginning. I picked this book up off the display in the library as part of a "Book Bingo" event and am sad to say it should have stayed on the shelf.
July 10, 2021
Unless you are a lover of short stories then give this book a miss. I didn't realise it was a collection of short stories until I had finished the first one. The only vaguely entertaining stories were the first and last ones. Although well written they did not hold my attention which is needed for a short story. A very disappointing and laborious read.
April 16, 2019
Very enjoyable set of ten short stories. I had never heard of Sally Vickers and took a punt on this thinking it might be spooky. It was not what I expected - in some ways it was better.
The standout stories for me were:
The title story
A Sad Tale
Mown Grass
The standout stories for me were:
The title story
A Sad Tale
Mown Grass
December 16, 2017
couldn't really get into this book, i read about a quarter of it and it ust didnt suck me in enough to continue
August 13, 2018
It nearly killed me to finish, YET, the the themes and ideas of the short stories were interesting but they just dragggedddd on and bored me to death
June 15, 2019
I keep trying to enjoy short stories but it's still not working!
January 17, 2020
Pretty average book, some of the short stories weren't that interesting but overall a nice, chill read. Ones I particularly enjoyed were mown grass, the boy who could see death and vacation..
August 7, 2023
There where some story’s that I didn’t like personally but the boy who could see death story was the best would like it more if it was longer but that is personal
December 2, 2023
Mixed bag of short stories, an enjoyable enough read that I got through in a few hours, quite varied in tone and genre, nothing outstanding for me.
October 22, 2025
First short story book I’ve really enjoyed !
July 22, 2020
As most short story collections, it was a mix... some were clear 5-star for me, intriguing and leaving me stunned (“wait, what??!!”) - and some were, well, not (“wait, what?” but not in a good way...)
Mown grass I loved the most. Vacation was also very good, leaving me wanting more - a novel?
But then there were the others that left me cold...
So overall, 3.
Mown grass I loved the most. Vacation was also very good, leaving me wanting more - a novel?
But then there were the others that left me cold...
So overall, 3.
October 12, 2016
Did not even know this book was a collection of short stories. I literally picked it up because I liked the cover art.
Needless to say the stories were very enjoyable. I really like reading small stories like this, it's a change from the great big bulky things I pick up all the time. Maybe I should pick these types of books up more often.
Needless to say the stories were very enjoyable. I really like reading small stories like this, it's a change from the great big bulky things I pick up all the time. Maybe I should pick these types of books up more often.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews