Opus 22: A Rhapsody of Short Fiction - Stories by Twenty-two New Authors

by Lee Jackson (Editor), Misha Pinkhasov (Contributor)

Ever considered driving a piano? No? How about moving one? Or learning to play? The authors of these twenty-two captivating stories explore these thoughts and more, making us laugh, cry, love, and cringe in equal measure. Characters from the past, present, and future pull us through their lives, loves, crimes, and passions. Join children in their games, adults with their busy lives, families in turmoil, and the elderly with it all behind them. Ranging from heart-wrenching to heart-lifting, peaceful to horrific, this anthology of short fiction reaches across genres with one common the piano. This collection presents an international assembly of carefully selected, emerging authors who entertain, enchant, and enrich the world with their creativity and insight. Consider their tales a taste of more to come from a new generation of talented writers. The authors Akira Fuyuno, Michaela Eastman McCoin, Misha Pinkhasov, Isabelle Yuen, Paul Toritto, Wayne Meyers, Lee Diogeneia, Shauna Philp, Vickey Bagg, S. C. Jensen, Bry Jackson Wood, Eric Wheeler, Mary Grossett, MaFer Glez, Lazarus Gray, Clint Davis, Elaine Manning, P. J. Mayhair, Deacon Gray, Janel Comeau, Michelle Freson and Heather Grossart.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2017

About the author

L.M. JACKSON lives in London with his partner Joanne. His first book, London Dust, was shortlisted for the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award. He is fascinated by the social history of Victorian London and spends much of his time on the ongoing development of his website.

Reviews

[Claire O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A short story is like a kiss in the dark from a stranger.” Stephen King
Opus22 is an original anthology from the newly formed Melius Scripto Press, a small publisher born out of an International community of both experienced and emerging authors and editors. It’s an eclectic collection of stories, across genres and styles, with a common theme. The collection comprises of 22 stories. Each one is about or mentions the theme Piano.
From reminisiscence and regret to genuine horror this collection has been thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. I won’t review each story but my personal favorites and worthy of mentioning are

The poetic prose of Akira Fuyuno’s Chocolate Soup.

The Dystopian fantasy of Wayne Meyer’s Sonnet of the New Dawn.

The dry satire of Michelle Freson’s domestic noir, The Final Supper

The engrossing depths of Lazarus Gray’s The End of Love

The vivid and shocking imagery of Deacon Gray’s Requiem for a Liar

Despite choosing the above stories, I can honestly say I enjoyed every single one, despite length and genre. Some are steeped in nostalgia and romance, others are traditionally crafted in their genre. If you’re a reader that enjoys anthologies, you’re going to love Opus22.

[Esther Sintim · Rating 4 out of 5]

hen you give a group of writers a single prompt you never know where they will take it. This book is 22 ways to view the prompt 'Piano'. Within this pages you will find a story that tugs at your soul, is the balm to your pain, a reflection of yourself and the revelation of things unknown. This is a beautiful collection of stories that are good, great and amazing. Several brought a lump to my throat as I read, others simply opened my eyes to the concept of what a piano could be and brought a smile to my lips. This is a wonderful book to slip into and get lost in. It can easily be read a story at a time but don't be surprised when you discover you have been lost in several. For those of you who love short stories this is a must. Looking for a gift for that music loving piano playing friend, this is it. There is a story for everyone within these pages and you don't want to miss it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant 22 stories with a piano theme, i enjoyed every one, some macabre, some romantic, some silly, some funny. A Must read from Amazon!