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Tales of Accidental Genius
A master storyteller’s vision reawakens us to the human experience in this diverse, haunting, and unexpectedly humorous new collection of short fiction from Simon Van Booy—his first since Love Begins in Winter, winner of the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award.
“She believed it was a gift to never truly know the self. We are not who we think we are, nor how others see us. Long before death, we die a thousand times at the hands of a definition.”
In his first book of short stories since Love Begins in Winter, for which he won the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award), bestselling author Simon Van Booy offers a collection of stories highlighting how human genius can emerge through acts of compassion. Through characters including an eccentric film director, an aging Cockney bodyguard, the teenage child of Nigerian immigrants, a divorced amateur magician from New Jersey, and a Beijing street vendor who becomes an overnight billionaire, Tales of Accidental Genius contemplates individuals from different cultures, races—rich and poor, young and old—and reveals how faith and yearning for connection helps us all transcend darkness of fear and misfortune.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2015
34 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Simon Van Booy
62 books1,083 followersSimon Van Booy is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than a dozen books for adults and children, including The Illusion of Separateness and The Presence of Absence. Simon is the editor of three volumes of philosophy and has written for The New York Times, The Financial Times, The Washington Post, and the BBC. His books have been translated into many languages and optioned for film. Raised in rural North Wales, he currently lives in New York where he is also a book editor and a volunteer E.M.T. crew chief.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 15, 2020
After just reading his novel The Illusion of Separateness, I was ravenous for more from Simon Van Booy. Since I was reading an anthology of essays about friends,
Friends: Voices on the Gift of Companionship,
I thought I'd alternate with reading a collection of Van Booy's short stories. This worked well—a lot of variation.
I have a new favorite writer. Van Booy breaks all the so-called rules of short stories: he shifts focus, essentially creating multiple protagonists and splitting action in a short form story that will not usually hold up under that kind of jostling, but he makes it work. Sometimes he ends on a kind of transcendent exhalation that, in other hands, might feel incomplete. He doesn't spell everything out, but trusts the reader. The last story is a tour de force of imagination, research, and (as delineated in wonderful back-of-book extras on several of the stories) collaboration. Not only does Simon Van Booy make all this rule-breaking work, he makes it sing and by the end, I sometimes gasped with the pleasure of surprise as he looped back and zapped a story into a coherent form or laughed out loud with delight.
I must read more, more, more Simon Van Booy.
I have a new favorite writer. Van Booy breaks all the so-called rules of short stories: he shifts focus, essentially creating multiple protagonists and splitting action in a short form story that will not usually hold up under that kind of jostling, but he makes it work. Sometimes he ends on a kind of transcendent exhalation that, in other hands, might feel incomplete. He doesn't spell everything out, but trusts the reader. The last story is a tour de force of imagination, research, and (as delineated in wonderful back-of-book extras on several of the stories) collaboration. Not only does Simon Van Booy make all this rule-breaking work, he makes it sing and by the end, I sometimes gasped with the pleasure of surprise as he looped back and zapped a story into a coherent form or laughed out loud with delight.
I must read more, more, more Simon Van Booy.
September 8, 2015
Simon Van Booy writes beautiful books filled with deep longing and transcendent love. He is also a keen observer of human nature, from different points of view, ages, and backgrounds. His novels are lush and thought-provoking, but his short stories are masterful. Mr. Van Booy follows the great Alice Munro in the examination of human nature.
In his latest collection of stories, Simon travels around the world to provide the rich tapestry that make up his character. England, Nigeria, Beijing and New Jersey are among the backdrops that form these tales. He explores the nature of poverty and invention in 'Golden Helper II: An Epic Fable of Wealth, Loneliness, and Cycling,' and unspools a tender act of human kindness in 'The Goldfish.'
I always look forward to Simon's carefully constructed tales, and TALES OF ACCIDENTAL GENIUS adds another beautiful chapter in his literary body of work.
In his latest collection of stories, Simon travels around the world to provide the rich tapestry that make up his character. England, Nigeria, Beijing and New Jersey are among the backdrops that form these tales. He explores the nature of poverty and invention in 'Golden Helper II: An Epic Fable of Wealth, Loneliness, and Cycling,' and unspools a tender act of human kindness in 'The Goldfish.'
I always look forward to Simon's carefully constructed tales, and TALES OF ACCIDENTAL GENIUS adds another beautiful chapter in his literary body of work.
July 7, 2021
If you ever need a lift, delve into a Van Booy book. Each short story filled me with hope and optimism. His characters are placed in situations which are difficult or stressful but each uses good, common sense to do the right thing and everyone is all the better for it. In a world where everyone reacts, often with violence or hatred, Van Booy reminds us that we all have integrity and will make the right decision when pressed. He believes in the goodness inside everyone.
I am not one for reading short stories, perhaps because they require heightened attention to every word and more imagination for character and setting, but I thoroughly enjoyed this foray and am thankful for the monthly challenge and the BT group for the nudge.
I am not one for reading short stories, perhaps because they require heightened attention to every word and more imagination for character and setting, but I thoroughly enjoyed this foray and am thankful for the monthly challenge and the BT group for the nudge.
January 10, 2016
I loved this collection quite a bit and will be actively searching for more of Van Booy's work. There were many moments written so simply yet made me stop and become more aware of the people and moments around me.
April 1, 2023
An interesting and quite enjoyable collection of short stories set in a variety of locations including London, USA and China. A couple ended too 'suddenly' and inconclusively for me but there's no doubting the quality of the writing and the exquisite characterization in all of them. Especially liked the story of the magician and his visit to the retirement home - very moving conclusion to this one. Will certainly look out for more from this author, previously unknown to me until I saw some of his books reviewed on the Goodreads updates - 7/10.
November 20, 2016
Another beautiful book of short stories by Simon Van Booy. This collection is loosely tied together by the theme of people performing random acts of kindness for one another.
May 7, 2020
There is nothing that Simon Van Booy writes that isn't excellent. This book of short stories is from an array of countries and situations where people both young and old add to their own stories and understanding of life and transcending loneliness and fear.
July 28, 2023
I so wanted to love this book. It just seemed a bit lacking in depth to me. I had just come off of reading Annalisa Crawford’s short stories in which they all blew me away and I was expecting the same here. I enjoyed the The Goldfish.
January 3, 2016
Too short! I can never get enough of Van Booy.
Forgive the oversimplification, but - to me - this is a collection of west and east. The first 84 pages are home to five beautiful stories about characters in the west. From page 85 until the end of the collection on page 245, there are two lovely, related stories about characters in the east. They are written so differently, it's shocking that we're reading the same writer. It speaks so strongly to Van Booy's skill that stories of both the west and east are equally successful.
Quotes
Forgive the oversimplification, but - to me - this is a collection of west and east. The first 84 pages are home to five beautiful stories about characters in the west. From page 85 until the end of the collection on page 245, there are two lovely, related stories about characters in the east. They are written so differently, it's shocking that we're reading the same writer. It speaks so strongly to Van Booy's skill that stories of both the west and east are equally successful.
Quotes
April 13, 2016
If we could make it 10 stars I would chalk it up there in the blink of an eye. Humble, inventive, sweet, a ghost or two to lead the wonderful stories to their excellent completion. Genius is the word for this book.
December 31, 2015
Great collection. Some very powerful, deeply moving stories. Makes me curious for his other stuff.
December 7, 2022
Very interesting writing by a writer I had not heard of before. I get the feeling that I have missed quite a bit in these stories and might try to read some other stuff by Van Booy.
May 1, 2023
Simon Van Booy is a unique and masterful storyteller and I have especially enjoyed his books, ‘The Illusion of Separateness’ and “Night Came with Many Stars’. His stories are imaginative and heartfelt, his writing is simple and uncluttered. He is a keen observer of human nature, and his books seem to carry a common theme that we are all magically connected in life and simply touching each other with kindness and compassion can awaken an understanding that will bring people of all backgrounds, generations, and cultures together.
‘Tales of Accidental Genius’ is an anthology of 7 short stories that remind us of the unknowing genius we each spread when our spontaneous choices and small acts of kindness offer compassion, dignity, and hope to others. With each thoughtful, bittersweet story, Van Booy illustrates that our every decision and act of goodness can touch a broken life in ways we may not even realize, not only awakening our genius but possibly awakening the hidden genius in others. His characters are the vulnerable people we pass every day on the street, unassuming yet filled with personal dreams and special stories. His message to his readers is this … “Learn to observe your daily behavior then ask yourself: If everyone behaved the way I am now under similar circumstances – would this be a world I want to live in?” If you see this book in the bookstore, pick it up and read ‘The Goldfish’ … it will only take a moment and I’m fairly certain you will then purchase the book.
‘Tales of Accidental Genius’ is an anthology of 7 short stories that remind us of the unknowing genius we each spread when our spontaneous choices and small acts of kindness offer compassion, dignity, and hope to others. With each thoughtful, bittersweet story, Van Booy illustrates that our every decision and act of goodness can touch a broken life in ways we may not even realize, not only awakening our genius but possibly awakening the hidden genius in others. His characters are the vulnerable people we pass every day on the street, unassuming yet filled with personal dreams and special stories. His message to his readers is this … “Learn to observe your daily behavior then ask yourself: If everyone behaved the way I am now under similar circumstances – would this be a world I want to live in?” If you see this book in the bookstore, pick it up and read ‘The Goldfish’ … it will only take a moment and I’m fairly certain you will then purchase the book.
January 22, 2022
This collection of short fiction by Simon Van Booy illuminates and "unveils the beauty and sadness in the lives of everyday people" with his ingenious storytelling that "plunges the reader into their lives, communicating the melancholy and minute details holding [the reader's] attention".
These stories often start off simple and unassuming—like passing strangers whom we might take a moment to ponder or imagine what their lives are like should they catch our interest. However, Van Booy's knack at drawing the readers in through the building tension and swift revelation of the full picture of the characters’ lives with such succinctly elegant prose, often leaves one breathless with comprehension and empathy for the characters.
Bridey Heing aptly captures the essence of the anthology with her review of it: "Van Booy bridges vulnerability and kindness, allowing broken characters to find comfort in each other while maintaining their dignity. Whether it’s a former bodyguard helping a homeless man on his street or a couple confronting their darkest moment, Van Booy doesn’t create victims. His stories are small windows to compassion, providing an empathic lens through which to view the quiet ways people live their lives."✨
For me, these stories are the sort that is written to be savoured slowly as they tend to linger in at the back of one's thoughts long after, allowing one to mull over the narrative and their emotional weight.
These stories often start off simple and unassuming—like passing strangers whom we might take a moment to ponder or imagine what their lives are like should they catch our interest. However, Van Booy's knack at drawing the readers in through the building tension and swift revelation of the full picture of the characters’ lives with such succinctly elegant prose, often leaves one breathless with comprehension and empathy for the characters.
Bridey Heing aptly captures the essence of the anthology with her review of it: "Van Booy bridges vulnerability and kindness, allowing broken characters to find comfort in each other while maintaining their dignity. Whether it’s a former bodyguard helping a homeless man on his street or a couple confronting their darkest moment, Van Booy doesn’t create victims. His stories are small windows to compassion, providing an empathic lens through which to view the quiet ways people live their lives."✨
For me, these stories are the sort that is written to be savoured slowly as they tend to linger in at the back of one's thoughts long after, allowing one to mull over the narrative and their emotional weight.
Read
October 23, 2025A master storyteller’s vision reawakens us to the human experience in this diverse, haunting, and unexpectedly humorous new collection of short fiction from Simon Van Booy—his first since Love Begins in Winter, winner of the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award.“She believed it was a gift to never truly know the self. We are not who we think we are, nor how others see us. Long before death, we die a thousand times at the hands of a definition.”In his first book of short stories since Love Begins in Winter, for which he won the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award), bestselling author Simon Van Booy offers a collection of stories highlighting how human genius can emerge through acts of compassion. Through characters including an eccentric film director, an aging Cockney bodyguard, the teenage child of Nigerian immigrants, a divorced amateur magician from New Jersey, and a Beijing street vendor who becomes an overnight billionaire, Tales of Accidental Genius contemplates individuals from different cultures, races—rich and poor, young and old—and reveals how faith and yearning for connection helps us all transcend darkness of fear and misfortune.
September 29, 2018
Another beautiful short story collection by Simon Van Booy. His writing is truly brilliant once again. These short, simple stories show that true genius is kindness and compassion. By being kind to others in everyday ways, we create an impact with rippling effects.
Some of my favorite passages:
“The children we once were, live inside us like rings on a tree.”
“We’re not who we think we are, nor how others see us. Long before death, we die a thousand times at the hands of definition.”
“Language merely points, the rest must be imagined.”
“Life is slow to live, but quick to remember-that’s why it feels short, because of the speed of memory. “
“Awareness is the first step for change.”
“He remembered his father telling him about the sea, and how it undresses the earth every night.”
Highly recommend reading this book in one setting, preferably sitting by the ocean or in a boat on the lake. It will truly change you if you let it.
Some of my favorite passages:
“The children we once were, live inside us like rings on a tree.”
“We’re not who we think we are, nor how others see us. Long before death, we die a thousand times at the hands of definition.”
“Language merely points, the rest must be imagined.”
“Life is slow to live, but quick to remember-that’s why it feels short, because of the speed of memory. “
“Awareness is the first step for change.”
“He remembered his father telling him about the sea, and how it undresses the earth every night.”
Highly recommend reading this book in one setting, preferably sitting by the ocean or in a boat on the lake. It will truly change you if you let it.
February 4, 2019
I’ve read two of his books previously and love, love, love both immensely. The eloquence I found in his proses are mesmerising and the stories are fascinating. I purchased this collection of his short stories at #BigBadWolf sales a couple of weeks ago.
In this book, I love The Goldfish, A Slow and Deliberate Disappearance, and Infidelity amongst the seven short stories. Each short story has own unexpected turns of events and subtle twists await at the corner to brought me to pure joy or great sadness.
The longest and the last piece in the book, Golden Helper II: An Epic Fable of Wealth, Loneliness, and Cycling, was confusing to read at first for its a bit peculiar format but it was interesting read in fact. I love a few proses in this one, too.
In this book, I love The Goldfish, A Slow and Deliberate Disappearance, and Infidelity amongst the seven short stories. Each short story has own unexpected turns of events and subtle twists await at the corner to brought me to pure joy or great sadness.
The longest and the last piece in the book, Golden Helper II: An Epic Fable of Wealth, Loneliness, and Cycling, was confusing to read at first for its a bit peculiar format but it was interesting read in fact. I love a few proses in this one, too.
July 31, 2018
It's rare that Simon Van Booy's short story collections ever disappoint me - and this one was no different. Whether it was a story about an elderly man befriending his goldfish or a tale about a Chinese man reuniting with his love, Van Booy always focuses on the connections we have with each other. Each story had the perfect amount of sweetness and intrigue, mixed together with tough circumstances and the "turning lemons into limoncello" way of life. Nothing too overwhelming, but a pleasant read on a rainy day.
October 12, 2017
Reading Booy’s short stories is much like reading poetry...it wells up emotion but doesn’t really seem to bring you from point A to B. I couldn’t really sense much of a A to B plot but somehow his short minimalist prose had me whirling with emotion. I’m not a fan of this style of writing but I can sure appreciate the talent that’s there. Clearly Booy is genius.
March 15, 2023
Collection of short stories, each a little bittersweet but hopeful and good. my favorites were “A slow and deliberate disappearance “ and “golden helper II”
Writing style so minimalist yet conveys deep emotion
Also the last person to check this book out from the library was in 2017, according to the due date slip I found as a bookmark while reading
Writing style so minimalist yet conveys deep emotion
Also the last person to check this book out from the library was in 2017, according to the due date slip I found as a bookmark while reading
January 12, 2018
Looking for the best in people.
A key takeaway for me: if everyone in the world acted like me, what kind of place would this world be to live in?
Simon Van Booy is my favourite short story author. His writing has engaging charm and he always finds the left-handed best in life.
A key takeaway for me: if everyone in the world acted like me, what kind of place would this world be to live in?
Simon Van Booy is my favourite short story author. His writing has engaging charm and he always finds the left-handed best in life.
January 21, 2019
I've only read two of the five stories, because I am savoring them like they were the last box of chocolates on earth.
If you read nothing else for the rest of your life read the story "The Goldfish." It will take you 15 minutes and turn the world around for you.
In a good way.
If you read nothing else for the rest of your life read the story "The Goldfish." It will take you 15 minutes and turn the world around for you.
In a good way.
January 11, 2022
I'm a fan of Simon Van Booy. This book... well, 2 stories stood out. The one with the goldfish. And 'Golden Helper II'.
Golden Helper II was brilliant. If that was all the book had, it would have been a 5 star read. The rest of the stories were lukewarm at best.
Golden Helper II was brilliant. If that was all the book had, it would have been a 5 star read. The rest of the stories were lukewarm at best.
August 17, 2025
Un recueil de nouvelles, de longueurs inégales. J'ai moins accroché que les précédents ouvrages de van Booy, trouvant les histoires plus tirées par les cheveux. Les relations entre personnages sont authentiques et confèrent néanmoins charme et profondeur aux histoires.
November 4, 2017
Nice introduction to Simon Van Booy. Gorgeous writing. Looking forward to reading more.
March 9, 2018
'Twas aight
April 4, 2018
Took this collection to a beer-filled weekend a read it twice. Once over sober in the mornings, and another time drunk in the evenings. It was fantastic each time.
August 9, 2019
Ringkas dan mudah. Saya harap saya Fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews