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Magpie: A Collection of Really Short Stories
Fast. Fearless. Memorable.
The eleven stories found in A Collection of Really Short Stories will introduce you to a motley cast of strong characters with one thing in heart. Stories include Pushcart-nominated The Blemish Collector, heart-wrenching Ashes, short-and-not-so-sweet Magpie, and the previously unpublished flash story, The Jackals.
“There are a lot of things in life that are hard. Creating yourself anew through a stale marriage. Managing your regret in the face of great trauma. Struggling with your life choices in the presence of a nun. Let Carrie Mumford walk you through these situations, crafting stories and lives that feel as dear and personal as family.” -- Joseph Carlough
Filled with tales of strong, struggling, and stunning women, A Collection of Really Short Stories, is sure to entertain.
The eleven stories found in A Collection of Really Short Stories will introduce you to a motley cast of strong characters with one thing in heart. Stories include Pushcart-nominated The Blemish Collector, heart-wrenching Ashes, short-and-not-so-sweet Magpie, and the previously unpublished flash story, The Jackals.
“There are a lot of things in life that are hard. Creating yourself anew through a stale marriage. Managing your regret in the face of great trauma. Struggling with your life choices in the presence of a nun. Let Carrie Mumford walk you through these situations, crafting stories and lives that feel as dear and personal as family.” -- Joseph Carlough
Filled with tales of strong, struggling, and stunning women, A Collection of Really Short Stories, is sure to entertain.
- GenresShort StoriesFantasy
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
73 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Mumford
7 books82 followersCarrie Mumford has lived on both the East and West coasts of Canada, and many places in between. She completed a degree in English literature at Saint Mary’s University, and went on to complete a master’s in information studies at the University of Toronto. Carrie now lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, three naughty cats, and one rambunctious dog.
Her short fiction has appeared in Full of Crow Fiction, the Bella Online Literary Review, Vine Leaves Literary Journal, the WCDR’s Whispered Words anthology and other fine journals. Her vignette, “The Blemish Collector”, was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2012. In 2013, her short story “Ashes to Ashes” was short-listed for the Room Magazine contest. Her first novel, All But What’s Left, was released in June 2018.
Her short fiction has appeared in Full of Crow Fiction, the Bella Online Literary Review, Vine Leaves Literary Journal, the WCDR’s Whispered Words anthology and other fine journals. Her vignette, “The Blemish Collector”, was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2012. In 2013, her short story “Ashes to Ashes” was short-listed for the Room Magazine contest. Her first novel, All But What’s Left, was released in June 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 24, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only.
This was a quick read that managed to cover a lot of ground. It dealt with a variety of topics very well. It felt close to poetry due both to the length of the stories and the nature of the writing, which I enjoyed.
I haven't, however, rated five stars because, although the subjects were dealt with very well, I didn't get anything from these stories that I haven't read before. I think that may be one of the issues of reading too many books.
This was a nice way to spend an hour and I'd recommend it.
This was a quick read that managed to cover a lot of ground. It dealt with a variety of topics very well. It felt close to poetry due both to the length of the stories and the nature of the writing, which I enjoyed.
I haven't, however, rated five stars because, although the subjects were dealt with very well, I didn't get anything from these stories that I haven't read before. I think that may be one of the issues of reading too many books.
This was a nice way to spend an hour and I'd recommend it.
November 19, 2018
Review to follow, but for now I’ll say I enjoyed this book!
August 20, 2018
This is short all the way around - a short volume of short stories. However, the author is still able to tackle some meaty subjects and excels at using such the short fiction format to pose intriguing and difficult questions about, primarily, women's inner lives.
While I did, often, find myself longing for more explicit conclusions, more time with characters, more information about setting/backstory, that's often true of full-length novels for me, and is in no way reflective of the author's mastery over the format.
I do feel that layers of depth are revealed, often through allusion and innuendo. This leaves most of the short stories largely up to the interpretation of the reader. I found that reading this collection was, therefore, a much more personal experience than I am accustomed to. It was delicious and a little bit unsettling in the best possible way.
There is a distinct Canadianness to this author's prose which I find refreshing. I eagerly anticipate her next release.
I received a copy of this book through the author.
While I did, often, find myself longing for more explicit conclusions, more time with characters, more information about setting/backstory, that's often true of full-length novels for me, and is in no way reflective of the author's mastery over the format.
I do feel that layers of depth are revealed, often through allusion and innuendo. This leaves most of the short stories largely up to the interpretation of the reader. I found that reading this collection was, therefore, a much more personal experience than I am accustomed to. It was delicious and a little bit unsettling in the best possible way.
There is a distinct Canadianness to this author's prose which I find refreshing. I eagerly anticipate her next release.
I received a copy of this book through the author.
August 31, 2018
I don't usually enjoy short stories. They always seem to finish before they get started. But these... These were the perfect length. Every story finished exactly where it needed to, and didn't tell you anything more than you absolutely needed to know. These short stories were snapshots of pain that anyone could understand. The writing was lyrical but not overdone, and some of the shortest stories were the most brutal. My favourite was "The Blemish Collector."
I loved this short story collection, and I can't wait to read more of the author's work in the future.
-I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only-
I loved this short story collection, and I can't wait to read more of the author's work in the future.
-I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only-
October 15, 2018
I received a free copy of this book through voracious readers only, and this in no way impacted my thoughts on the book.
I enjoyed this interesting selection of short stories, and how each one was different enough that even if you didn't like one you were bound to like another. They were the perfect length to be consumed in one sitting, or before bed (ideal if you don't have much time.)
Some of the stories contained lgbt side characters, which I loved! (although I was never quite sure what the narrators opinion on them was... mostly good, I think?)
Overall I enjoyed them, and would recommend them to people who have little time, but still love reading.
I enjoyed this interesting selection of short stories, and how each one was different enough that even if you didn't like one you were bound to like another. They were the perfect length to be consumed in one sitting, or before bed (ideal if you don't have much time.)
Some of the stories contained lgbt side characters, which I loved! (although I was never quite sure what the narrators opinion on them was... mostly good, I think?)
Overall I enjoyed them, and would recommend them to people who have little time, but still love reading.
July 19, 2018
Brilliant Vignettes
Ms Mumford delivers an amazing short collection of vignettes on the issues which terrify the hidden thoughts of many: dead or dying relationships, abortion, insanity, the inability to communicate. There is a poetic intensity in the best. While not fully developed in terms of setting or characterization, the insight into the workings of the mind makes them an enjoyable read even though about difficult subjects.
Ms Mumford delivers an amazing short collection of vignettes on the issues which terrify the hidden thoughts of many: dead or dying relationships, abortion, insanity, the inability to communicate. There is a poetic intensity in the best. While not fully developed in terms of setting or characterization, the insight into the workings of the mind makes them an enjoyable read even though about difficult subjects.
November 13, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only, and for that I thank Ms. Mumford.
I enjoyed this book. The stories were short, to the point that I finished the whole book in one day, but they left you thinking. Each one gave just enough info to entertain you, without going overboard into a lengthy story. The only reason I didn't give it the full five stars was because none of the stories were particularly original in their content. They each touched upon a strong female character in a different situation, but each situation was one that has been done before. That being said, I particularly enjoyed Ashes, Paris in a Bottle, Tiki Bar, and Streets of my City.
I enjoyed this book. The stories were short, to the point that I finished the whole book in one day, but they left you thinking. Each one gave just enough info to entertain you, without going overboard into a lengthy story. The only reason I didn't give it the full five stars was because none of the stories were particularly original in their content. They each touched upon a strong female character in a different situation, but each situation was one that has been done before. That being said, I particularly enjoyed Ashes, Paris in a Bottle, Tiki Bar, and Streets of my City.
December 30, 2018
Real. Enjoyable.
I liked the pride and the angst in each story. Mostly, I wished some of the stories were more developed, more finished, but I respect that the author wanted the reader to wonder what would happen next. Some seem like writing exercises that seemed from writing prompts, unfinished because the author ran out of time or not quite fleshed out enough for the reader to get the meaning of them.
I liked the pride and the angst in each story. Mostly, I wished some of the stories were more developed, more finished, but I respect that the author wanted the reader to wonder what would happen next. Some seem like writing exercises that seemed from writing prompts, unfinished because the author ran out of time or not quite fleshed out enough for the reader to get the meaning of them.
February 10, 2019
Oh my Best ever stories
T his. Book was amazing, seriously. The writing is just spectacular, an extraordinarily immersing text. And the stories, just wow emotions come out and you feel them,you may have lived some, if not they become real to you. I love to read, I love good w writing . I love well written stories with heart . Just a fabulous collection. Thank you author for this Wonderful treat
T his. Book was amazing, seriously. The writing is just spectacular, an extraordinarily immersing text. And the stories, just wow emotions come out and you feel them,you may have lived some, if not they become real to you. I love to read, I love good w writing . I love well written stories with heart . Just a fabulous collection. Thank you author for this Wonderful treat
June 12, 2018
Very good quick read
The short stories were very good. I felt like most of them could all turn into a book by themselves. I was very pleased and also very surprised and I was captivated until the very end I read the book in less than an hour and 1/2 . At 1st l was apprehensive by the way that it started but OMG it's wonderful thank you so much
The short stories were very good. I felt like most of them could all turn into a book by themselves. I was very pleased and also very surprised and I was captivated until the very end I read the book in less than an hour and 1/2 . At 1st l was apprehensive by the way that it started but OMG it's wonderful thank you so much
July 18, 2018
Rose
I guess some of these stories were just too short for me. I enjoy an ending that I have to keep guessing. Since I love to read new things, this was a new experience for me. For some one who likes to figure out what the stories mean this truly is a good adventure. Good luck on all your writing Carrie.
I guess some of these stories were just too short for me. I enjoy an ending that I have to keep guessing. Since I love to read new things, this was a new experience for me. For some one who likes to figure out what the stories mean this truly is a good adventure. Good luck on all your writing Carrie.
March 5, 2019
I LOVED this book! It was so weird, and wonderful. Some of the stories left you spooked and some left you scratching your head. It's not very often you come across something that is so out of the norm. I had such fun reading this!
Thanks to voracioureadersonly.com for allowing me to review this book!
Thanks to voracioureadersonly.com for allowing me to review this book!
June 20, 2018
Some of the stories were quite good and I wanted more from them. Perhaps the "what comes next ". Many though, I found too short to catch my interest.
Others I simply did not enjoy it or didn't understand the story line. I found some so short there wasn't a story told.
Others I simply did not enjoy it or didn't understand the story line. I found some so short there wasn't a story told.
September 12, 2018
Thank you Voracious Readers Only for my complimentary copy. I enjoyed this collection of short stories and was impressed with how fast the characters came to life. I especially enjoyed Ashes. There’s a lot of truth in the pages and prompted contemplation over my own decisions. Thank you Carrie!
November 26, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only.
Each of the stories were interesting a relatable in their own way. This was definitely a fast read. I would love if she could add some more stories and publish as a physical book a la David Sedaris, etc.
Each of the stories were interesting a relatable in their own way. This was definitely a fast read. I would love if she could add some more stories and publish as a physical book a la David Sedaris, etc.
December 2, 2018
I recently received a complementary copy of this book from Voracious Readers in return for an honest review.
I loved these short stories. Made a pleasant change from a full length novel.
I will look out for more from this author.
Lovely book and will sit in my top 10 for reading again.
I loved these short stories. Made a pleasant change from a full length novel.
I will look out for more from this author.
Lovely book and will sit in my top 10 for reading again.
June 19, 2019
Short stories ideal for a coffee break or when you just don’t want to read a novel. Ideal when I was in hospital recently when I couldn’t read for long due to treatment but could still escape for a while in a good story
July 29, 2018
The kind of writing that makes you think, ponder, and reflect.
Very centered on the human experience, I thought.
Very centered on the human experience, I thought.
August 15, 2018
The title story was really nice. The others didn't stay in my memory. I didn't like the last one at all.
September 1, 2018
Each story is unique and the entire book keeps your interest so you can’t put it down once you get started!
September 3, 2018
Short story stars
Great picks of short stories to open your imagination. Don't miss the adventure! It will make you love the short story again!
Great picks of short stories to open your imagination. Don't miss the adventure! It will make you love the short story again!
September 16, 2018
Not bad stories, but being so very short they don’t really go anywhere or impart anything.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
September 20, 2018
I enjoyed these short stories . They were easy to read and to the point. I dont usually read short stories but found them interesting.
May 13, 2019
Like in every short stories collections you have good ones and lesser ones, this one was just the same. But overall not bad.
April 11, 2021
Carrie Mumford brings us a tight collection of shorts that catch you off guard and unprepared. Altogether an excellent, fast trip into neverland. I am looking for her first novel. She is an author who thinks as I do. Every one of her stories 'spoke' to me. And I personally hope Cathy clocked Paul with that antique bottle... Just sayin'.
Reviewed on April 11, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
Reviewed on April 11, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
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April 25, 2019eh..
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews