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The Lady in the Window: A Miscellany of Tales
This is a variety of short stories to appeal to a variety of readers.
- GenresFiction
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Dermot O'Hanlon
15 books45 followersI spent the early years of my life in the Curragh Camp, Co.Kildare, Ireland, before my family moved to Dublin about 1939. My secondary education was at the Dominican College, Newbridge, while I was living in the Curragh Camp, and at St.Andrew's CBS with the Irish Christian Brothers in Westland Row, Dublin. After leaving school, I was a railway clerk in country stations in Enniscorthy, Co.Wexford, and Navan, Co.Meath, for four or five years. I then commenced my medical studies at University College, Dublin, and qualified as a doctor in 1952. I then emigrated to England, and after pursuing ophthalmology as a specialty in St.Paul's Eye Hospital, Liverpool, The Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, and Southampton Eye Hospital, practized as an ophthalmologist in Colchester, Essex, until my retirement in 1986. I then returned to Ireland to live in Co. Wicklow.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 17, 2018
Very enjoyable collection of all types of stories.
January 5, 2019
I received an ebook copy of this book through a giveaway hosted on GoodReads.
Dermot O’Hanlan’s collection of short stories, The Lady in the Window, showcases a mastery of the mysterious, taking moments from everyday life, across many stages and circumstances of life, and makes them seem magical. Across his 12 tales, only around half (give or take one or two, depending on your interpretation) have an actual magical or supernatural explanation, but they are all written in a way that leaves you on the edge of your seat to see the truth, as well as revealing the magic and mystery of daily life in the stories which don’t truly involve ghosts or spells.
Not every story in this collection was fully my cup of tea. While I found every story interesting in its narrative and composition, there were a few that dragged a bit when being read, though I still respect O’Hanlan’s skill, and can see how others may enjoy them more than I had. I do feel he is a talented writer, but most of his stories would probably appeal more to readers who enjoy adult literature (whereas I usually prefer YA or juvenile fiction). That being said, if you are looking for something to have your teen or child read for fun, this is probably not the book you are looking for. Although there is little that I would deem inappropriate for younger readers, it is just not the right pace for someone who is likely use to the quick action of the books and television shows aimed at them today. However, if you are looking for a quiet yet intriguing read for yourself, or if you are planning to choose individual stories for students to study in a writing class, then this book may be great. There are even a few stories with young protagonists that, given to a teen - or to a younger reader with a high enough reading level - could prove to be a fun read on its own, separate from the stories more focused on adult life.
Dermot O’Hanlan’s collection of short stories, The Lady in the Window, showcases a mastery of the mysterious, taking moments from everyday life, across many stages and circumstances of life, and makes them seem magical. Across his 12 tales, only around half (give or take one or two, depending on your interpretation) have an actual magical or supernatural explanation, but they are all written in a way that leaves you on the edge of your seat to see the truth, as well as revealing the magic and mystery of daily life in the stories which don’t truly involve ghosts or spells.
Not every story in this collection was fully my cup of tea. While I found every story interesting in its narrative and composition, there were a few that dragged a bit when being read, though I still respect O’Hanlan’s skill, and can see how others may enjoy them more than I had. I do feel he is a talented writer, but most of his stories would probably appeal more to readers who enjoy adult literature (whereas I usually prefer YA or juvenile fiction). That being said, if you are looking for something to have your teen or child read for fun, this is probably not the book you are looking for. Although there is little that I would deem inappropriate for younger readers, it is just not the right pace for someone who is likely use to the quick action of the books and television shows aimed at them today. However, if you are looking for a quiet yet intriguing read for yourself, or if you are planning to choose individual stories for students to study in a writing class, then this book may be great. There are even a few stories with young protagonists that, given to a teen - or to a younger reader with a high enough reading level - could prove to be a fun read on its own, separate from the stories more focused on adult life.
July 11, 2019
A dozen delightful short stories with the common theme of: things are not always as they appear. The characters show unusual depth for short stories. The vocabulary was equally impressive. The British settings do not detract from the enjoyment or flow of the reading. I will definitely read this author again.
October 30, 2018
Loved this collection of short stories. Highly recommend!!
October 31, 2018
I won this Kindle Edition book on a GoodReads giveaway - thank you to everyone involved!!
This is a collection of really good short stories. I highly recommend!!
This is a collection of really good short stories. I highly recommend!!
October 24, 2018
A collection of quirky short stories, 'The Lady in the Window: A Miscellany of Tales' by Dermont O'Hanlon is an amusing read. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of each story. Many of the stories left me thinking "wow". I recommend this book. Thank you Goodreads.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews