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What Tim Knows, and other stories
A gallery-owner’s quest for beauty; a dancer in danger; a new mother struggling to cope with her baby; a sculptor’s search for inspiration; a teenager longing to live in the perfect family; a young boy lost and confused by the rules of life that everyone else seems to understand.
Six stand-alone short stories, spanning five decades. Each capturing a significant moment in the life of a different character.
Separate lives linked in subtle ways.
Six stand-alone short stories, spanning five decades. Each capturing a significant moment in the life of a different character.
Separate lives linked in subtle ways.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2016
About the author
Wendy Janes
13 books17 followersI love to take real life and turn it into fiction. All my writing develops from the kernel of someone’s experience. My novel, 'What Jennifer Knows', was inspired by a series of coincidences that happened to my parents. My re-imagining is more plausible, but no less dramatic.
'What Tim Knows, and other stories' explores significant events in the lives of supporting characters from 'What Jennifer Knows'.
The People's Friend have published my Pocket Novel entitled 'Lights Camera, Action!', and I have had a number of short stories published in magazines and anthologies.
My reading favourites include Graham Greene, Maggie O’Farrell, John McGregor and Liane Moriarty.
When I’m not writing I work as a freelance copy editor. I’m also a volunteer for a couple of organisations who help parents achieve the right support for their children with special educational needs.
'What Tim Knows, and other stories' explores significant events in the lives of supporting characters from 'What Jennifer Knows'.
The People's Friend have published my Pocket Novel entitled 'Lights Camera, Action!', and I have had a number of short stories published in magazines and anthologies.
My reading favourites include Graham Greene, Maggie O’Farrell, John McGregor and Liane Moriarty.
When I’m not writing I work as a freelance copy editor. I’m also a volunteer for a couple of organisations who help parents achieve the right support for their children with special educational needs.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 25, 2016
Reviewed by me as part of Rosie Amber's Review Team.
This wonderful collection of short stories takes six characters from Wendy Janes' novel 'What Jennifer Knows' and gives each of them a canvas to themselves. The stories link back cleverly to the novel and give further insights into the characters' lives and behaviour. Jennifer, the heroine of 'What Jennifer Knows', appears in every story at different points in her life. Even though the stories are entwined with the novel, they can be read as a standalone volume with great enjoyment too.
The fifth story, 'The Perfect Family', explores the shifting loyalties and cruelties of childhood friendship and how a child's perception of her parents can change in a crisis.
The emotional gem, for me, is 'What Tim Knows'. Wendy Janes has a real understanding of what it feels like for a child to be different and how this affects the behaviour and feelings of others too. The closing scene between Tim and his mother Blythe is truly heart-wrenching.
I have no hesitation in recommending this fantastic collection and hope it will send new readers in search of the novel it is so much part of.
This wonderful collection of short stories takes six characters from Wendy Janes' novel 'What Jennifer Knows' and gives each of them a canvas to themselves. The stories link back cleverly to the novel and give further insights into the characters' lives and behaviour. Jennifer, the heroine of 'What Jennifer Knows', appears in every story at different points in her life. Even though the stories are entwined with the novel, they can be read as a standalone volume with great enjoyment too.
The fifth story, 'The Perfect Family', explores the shifting loyalties and cruelties of childhood friendship and how a child's perception of her parents can change in a crisis.
The emotional gem, for me, is 'What Tim Knows'. Wendy Janes has a real understanding of what it feels like for a child to be different and how this affects the behaviour and feelings of others too. The closing scene between Tim and his mother Blythe is truly heart-wrenching.
I have no hesitation in recommending this fantastic collection and hope it will send new readers in search of the novel it is so much part of.
July 19, 2016
4.5 stars
It was so hot this afternoon that reading some easy-read short stories was all I felt fit for, and these fitted the bill perfectly. They're outtakes and glimpses into the back stories of characters from Wendy Jane's novel, What Jennifer Knows, which I haven't read yet, so I can safely say that they stand completely alone from it. I imagine that anyone who has enjoyed the novel will love to read these, and I'd recommend them even if you haven't.
Like all short story collections they vary in quality, but I'm happy to say that the only variation was from pleasantly readable to one of them which I thought was a masterpiece... I'll get to that!
The stories do not have twists in the tale or neat denouments; at times they're more like sketches, but as I read on I saw how they all tied up, loosely, which I liked very much.
I had three favourites out of the six: The Never Ending Day, about poor Sue who had just had a baby and felt as though she hadn't got a clue what to do, and never would have; I know nothing of parenthood but her despair was so well drawn I lived it with her, and the gaping chasm between her and her awful husband made me want to weep for her. The second one I liked a lot was The Perfect Family, about fourteen year old Blythe, an only child, who goes on holiday with the big, noisy family she envies, only to discover that being part of such a group is not all she'd thought it was....
....which leads me to the title story, What Tim Knows, which is far and away the best. It's told through the eyes of eight year old Tim, who is at his first children's party. I soon realised that he's autistic; I know Wendy Janes has involvement with the Autistic Society, and this story shows such insight, whilst being touching, sad and funny, all at once. It's worth getting the book for this story alone, a terrific piece of writing - big round of applause, Author!
It was so hot this afternoon that reading some easy-read short stories was all I felt fit for, and these fitted the bill perfectly. They're outtakes and glimpses into the back stories of characters from Wendy Jane's novel, What Jennifer Knows, which I haven't read yet, so I can safely say that they stand completely alone from it. I imagine that anyone who has enjoyed the novel will love to read these, and I'd recommend them even if you haven't.
Like all short story collections they vary in quality, but I'm happy to say that the only variation was from pleasantly readable to one of them which I thought was a masterpiece... I'll get to that!
The stories do not have twists in the tale or neat denouments; at times they're more like sketches, but as I read on I saw how they all tied up, loosely, which I liked very much.
I had three favourites out of the six: The Never Ending Day, about poor Sue who had just had a baby and felt as though she hadn't got a clue what to do, and never would have; I know nothing of parenthood but her despair was so well drawn I lived it with her, and the gaping chasm between her and her awful husband made me want to weep for her. The second one I liked a lot was The Perfect Family, about fourteen year old Blythe, an only child, who goes on holiday with the big, noisy family she envies, only to discover that being part of such a group is not all she'd thought it was....
....which leads me to the title story, What Tim Knows, which is far and away the best. It's told through the eyes of eight year old Tim, who is at his first children's party. I soon realised that he's autistic; I know Wendy Janes has involvement with the Autistic Society, and this story shows such insight, whilst being touching, sad and funny, all at once. It's worth getting the book for this story alone, a terrific piece of writing - big round of applause, Author!
June 27, 2017
Although each of the stories is self-contained and can be read on their own, there is a loose association between all of them which makes for added interest. One cannot help but wonder what happened to a particular person. Between stories, the time period is vastly different - sometimes as much as 40 years - where each of the characters make a reappearance, perhaps not the star attraction this time, but there none the less - so there is almost the sense of a full novel.
Wendy Janes is a skilled wordsmith and for me there is something that is nostalgically English. Each of the scenarios of the story and the characters described are interesting and I immediately want to know more about each one. They are humans in the act of being and, accordingly, there’s no pretentious description; I know people like that and I feel that I know the author.
The stories are emotionally unsettling and I want to know what happens.There’s the art dealer who has lost his star artist and discovers Gerrard, a new and up-and-coming. There’s his girlfriend, Jennifer, who we later get to meet in another story as his wife. Eventually in another story we meet their impetuous daughter, Blythe as an adolescent - eventually as the mother of Tim, an autistic child. One story I am particularly drawn to is about Sue, the woman who is finding it difficult to relate to her newborn. With each of the stories there is some resolution - no loose ends - so we are not left hanging wondering what might have happened.
There are six individual stories with the added benefit on the Ebook version of an additional story entitled “What Jennifer knows”
I think I want to read more of the writings of this author.
Wendy Janes is a skilled wordsmith and for me there is something that is nostalgically English. Each of the scenarios of the story and the characters described are interesting and I immediately want to know more about each one. They are humans in the act of being and, accordingly, there’s no pretentious description; I know people like that and I feel that I know the author.
The stories are emotionally unsettling and I want to know what happens.There’s the art dealer who has lost his star artist and discovers Gerrard, a new and up-and-coming. There’s his girlfriend, Jennifer, who we later get to meet in another story as his wife. Eventually in another story we meet their impetuous daughter, Blythe as an adolescent - eventually as the mother of Tim, an autistic child. One story I am particularly drawn to is about Sue, the woman who is finding it difficult to relate to her newborn. With each of the stories there is some resolution - no loose ends - so we are not left hanging wondering what might have happened.
There are six individual stories with the added benefit on the Ebook version of an additional story entitled “What Jennifer knows”
I think I want to read more of the writings of this author.
August 22, 2016
What Tim Knows features six short stories which all have links with this author’s novel, What Jennifer Knows, but you do not have to have read that (as I haven’t, yet!) to enjoy this, as each of these stories is complete in itself.
The stories cover five decades, all are very well written and each tells a very different tale which I found enjoyable and interesting. The writing style flows and I really liked spotting the links between each of these and What Jennifer Knows.
I don’t like picking favourites because each of them had something to recommend it but if I was pushed I would go for the story of the title, What Tim Knows. This is told from the point of view of a young boy with autism who goes to his first party. It shows terrific knowledge, insight and understanding on the part of the author, is very well written and the feelings of this little boy come across so well it manages to be both entertaining and heart breaking at the same time.
At the moment I am struggling to read anything longer than a short story so these fitted the bill perfectly. I also find a well written short story is a terrific introduction to an author’s work without too much investment of time and after reading these What Jennifer Knows is definitely on my to-be-read list.
The stories cover five decades, all are very well written and each tells a very different tale which I found enjoyable and interesting. The writing style flows and I really liked spotting the links between each of these and What Jennifer Knows.
I don’t like picking favourites because each of them had something to recommend it but if I was pushed I would go for the story of the title, What Tim Knows. This is told from the point of view of a young boy with autism who goes to his first party. It shows terrific knowledge, insight and understanding on the part of the author, is very well written and the feelings of this little boy come across so well it manages to be both entertaining and heart breaking at the same time.
At the moment I am struggling to read anything longer than a short story so these fitted the bill perfectly. I also find a well written short story is a terrific introduction to an author’s work without too much investment of time and after reading these What Jennifer Knows is definitely on my to-be-read list.
December 15, 2016
4.5 stars - lovely mix of stories
November 6, 2016
Getting to know the characters, a feeling at a time. I received an ARC copy of this book and I voluntarily decided to write a review.
I had read some of Wendy Janes’s articles about editing and I was aware of her novel ‘What Jennifer Knows’ although I had not read it. So I came to this book feeling quite curious. I had read some of the reviews, both of the novel and of this book and they were all positive, and after reading it, I can say deservedly so.
The author explains that these “stories” are scenes and background information she had written when preparing her novel, but later they did not seem to fit in with it and she did not include them but thought readers might enjoy them in their own right. Not having read the novel, I can confirm they can be read independently, although I got the feeling that perhaps some of them would be enjoyed more fully by readers who were already familiar with the story, as they would offer further insight into well-loved characters.
They stories are not typical of other short-story collections that I’ve read in the past. Although self-contained, they don’t necessarily tell a ground-breaking story, and have no sting in the tail (we might perceive one, but this is up to the reader, rather than because of an imposed twist in the action). It’s easy to work out as we read that there are connections between the characters, as many of them appear repeatedly in the stories, playing different parts (a bit like in the Seven Ages of Man by Shakespeare), but if something is distinctive about them is that they are beautifully observed. Written in the third person but from different points of view, these are clearly different people with different interests and attitudes, men and women, children and adults, and they vary from the very personal to the professional. If I had to pick up some favourites, without a doubt ‘The Never Ending Day’ (I’ve never had a baby but as a psychiatrist I’ve worked with mothers who became very depressed following the birth of their child and I recognise the themes and the description of her feelings), ‘The Perfect Family’ (where Blythe reminded me of myself, as an only child who always thought that to have a bigger family must be fun) and ‘What Tim Knows’ that is a very successful peep at how an autistic boy sees the world.
I hope to read more of the author’s work and I can recommend these stories if you want to make your own mind up about how you might feel about reading her longer fiction.
I had read some of Wendy Janes’s articles about editing and I was aware of her novel ‘What Jennifer Knows’ although I had not read it. So I came to this book feeling quite curious. I had read some of the reviews, both of the novel and of this book and they were all positive, and after reading it, I can say deservedly so.
The author explains that these “stories” are scenes and background information she had written when preparing her novel, but later they did not seem to fit in with it and she did not include them but thought readers might enjoy them in their own right. Not having read the novel, I can confirm they can be read independently, although I got the feeling that perhaps some of them would be enjoyed more fully by readers who were already familiar with the story, as they would offer further insight into well-loved characters.
They stories are not typical of other short-story collections that I’ve read in the past. Although self-contained, they don’t necessarily tell a ground-breaking story, and have no sting in the tail (we might perceive one, but this is up to the reader, rather than because of an imposed twist in the action). It’s easy to work out as we read that there are connections between the characters, as many of them appear repeatedly in the stories, playing different parts (a bit like in the Seven Ages of Man by Shakespeare), but if something is distinctive about them is that they are beautifully observed. Written in the third person but from different points of view, these are clearly different people with different interests and attitudes, men and women, children and adults, and they vary from the very personal to the professional. If I had to pick up some favourites, without a doubt ‘The Never Ending Day’ (I’ve never had a baby but as a psychiatrist I’ve worked with mothers who became very depressed following the birth of their child and I recognise the themes and the description of her feelings), ‘The Perfect Family’ (where Blythe reminded me of myself, as an only child who always thought that to have a bigger family must be fun) and ‘What Tim Knows’ that is a very successful peep at how an autistic boy sees the world.
I hope to read more of the author’s work and I can recommend these stories if you want to make your own mind up about how you might feel about reading her longer fiction.
September 25, 2016
It's a collection of stories. One story involves acting. The Broadway Hit, "Hair" is brought up in the story. I don't remember "Hair." Have now learned it might have been thought of as an Anti-Establishment drama. I do like the fact that the play is racially diverse. I'm shied away by the thought of nudity. There is quite a bit written in the story "Hope and Dreams" about the Broadway play. This real play makes the story come alive.
Some stories do seem deeply involved or overwritten. I understood Sue's fears about having a baby. It just seemed the story continued on in a monotonous way. While Gerald's thoughts in another story about a painful review seem just right, heartfelt, not too long, not too short. Plus, there isn't that feeling of boredom. When will this story end?
I especially liked "What Tim Knows." The story is very descriptive especially the part where Tim plays the game Statue. I did find it hard to believe he would make himself so comfortable in the adult bedroom at the house where the party is given. I'm thinking most children might peek in the bedroom but not enter it to jump up and down on the bed.
However, the children's voices made me feel the author loved children. I wasn't surprised to read the author's credentials. Wendy James is "a caseworker for The National Autistic Society." I took this career into account. Still, I felt Timmy's story could have had a more narrow focus: The grandfather with the kiln and his relationship to Timmy a story in itself. The overheard conversation didn't seem to fit in the story. I did read the story more than once.
Thanks again for the lovely stories from What Tim Knows. Perhaps, I will read about these characters again.
Some stories do seem deeply involved or overwritten. I understood Sue's fears about having a baby. It just seemed the story continued on in a monotonous way. While Gerald's thoughts in another story about a painful review seem just right, heartfelt, not too long, not too short. Plus, there isn't that feeling of boredom. When will this story end?
I especially liked "What Tim Knows." The story is very descriptive especially the part where Tim plays the game Statue. I did find it hard to believe he would make himself so comfortable in the adult bedroom at the house where the party is given. I'm thinking most children might peek in the bedroom but not enter it to jump up and down on the bed.
However, the children's voices made me feel the author loved children. I wasn't surprised to read the author's credentials. Wendy James is "a caseworker for The National Autistic Society." I took this career into account. Still, I felt Timmy's story could have had a more narrow focus: The grandfather with the kiln and his relationship to Timmy a story in itself. The overheard conversation didn't seem to fit in the story. I did read the story more than once.
Thanks again for the lovely stories from What Tim Knows. Perhaps, I will read about these characters again.
August 8, 2016
The short stories in this book are connected to significant moments in the lives of a group of people who feature in Wendy Janes’ novel What Jennifer Knows. There is no need to have read the novel first but it certainly gave an added dimension to me.
The first story, Beauty, describes the paramount need for beauty to surround Rollo, an Art Gallery owner. When he parts company with one of his exhibitors, the “empty plinths,” are reduced, “to totem poles with no message,” so it is essential that he finds beauty elsewhere. Never-Ending Day struck a chord with me as it reminded me so well of those awful first weeks, as a new mother, when you realise that you know nothing about babies and that you are making a terrible mess of trying to care for this one. Similarly, Perfect Family made me aware of the contrast between my home life as an only child and that of lively families with several siblings which seemed to have such fun together.
What Tim Knows contrasts completely with What Jennifer Knows. Jennifer knew too much, but Tim knows too little, or at least his comprehension of the world is very different to that of the people who surround him. Having taught children on the autistic spectrum, I have been caught out by my inability to state exactly what is a fact and am aware that there are no greys for many. I love the way this story puts us inside Tim’s head and shows us what an inexplicable world we live in!
A refreshing look at life through a wide variety of characters.
The first story, Beauty, describes the paramount need for beauty to surround Rollo, an Art Gallery owner. When he parts company with one of his exhibitors, the “empty plinths,” are reduced, “to totem poles with no message,” so it is essential that he finds beauty elsewhere. Never-Ending Day struck a chord with me as it reminded me so well of those awful first weeks, as a new mother, when you realise that you know nothing about babies and that you are making a terrible mess of trying to care for this one. Similarly, Perfect Family made me aware of the contrast between my home life as an only child and that of lively families with several siblings which seemed to have such fun together.
What Tim Knows contrasts completely with What Jennifer Knows. Jennifer knew too much, but Tim knows too little, or at least his comprehension of the world is very different to that of the people who surround him. Having taught children on the autistic spectrum, I have been caught out by my inability to state exactly what is a fact and am aware that there are no greys for many. I love the way this story puts us inside Tim’s head and shows us what an inexplicable world we live in!
A refreshing look at life through a wide variety of characters.
August 4, 2016
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. I knew it was a short story collection featuring characters from Wendy Janes' novel What Jennifer Knows, so that made me wonder whether it would have been better to read the novel first. I decided to read this book first anyway, and am very glad I did. It is wonderful as a stand-alone collection of stories. It's also a great introduction to Wendy Janes' writing. The first chapter of her novel is also included at the end. I enjoyed all the stories and the sample chapter from the novel.
Wendy Janes is a talented writer. I found myself really drawn into the stories. The characters are all so realistic and this author has a way of taking you inside their minds and making you understand them and empathise with their feelings. The stand-out stories for me were "Hopes and Dreams" and "The Never-Ending Day", but I loved all the stories for different reasons and liked the way that there were links here and there between the stories, with some characters appearing in more than one of the tales. This is a really special book, very cleverly put together, and I'm happy to have found a new favourite author.
Wendy Janes is a talented writer. I found myself really drawn into the stories. The characters are all so realistic and this author has a way of taking you inside their minds and making you understand them and empathise with their feelings. The stand-out stories for me were "Hopes and Dreams" and "The Never-Ending Day", but I loved all the stories for different reasons and liked the way that there were links here and there between the stories, with some characters appearing in more than one of the tales. This is a really special book, very cleverly put together, and I'm happy to have found a new favourite author.
December 5, 2016
Fascinating approach of exploring the supporting cast from a full-length novel, such that the protagonist from that book pops up fleetingly in each of these stories, in different decades. Janes does an exceptional job of creating a unique voice for these six characters, giving them varied problems with differing stakes. This was a quick read (each story just right for those few minutes at bedtime) and while all the tales were compelling, I particularly enjoyed spending time with Rollo and Tim. A great introduction to this author's talents.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews