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A Beautiful Place to Die
A pensioner with advancing cancer is kicked out of her home with her dog. She doesn’t want to die on the filthy city streets so sets about finding a more beautiful place to rest her head.
A lady sick of seeing people act coldly decides to help a man on the street. She later finds out he escaped from prison only twenty-four hours before.
A Beautiful Place to Die is a heart-warming short story collection that will make you laugh and cry. Plunging you into the minds of outsiders of all stripes, from nine- to ninety-year-olds, and from settings as diverse as derelict warehouses and wild woodland, these stories highlight the beauty buried in the most unlikely of places.
A lady sick of seeing people act coldly decides to help a man on the street. She later finds out he escaped from prison only twenty-four hours before.
A Beautiful Place to Die is a heart-warming short story collection that will make you laugh and cry. Plunging you into the minds of outsiders of all stripes, from nine- to ninety-year-olds, and from settings as diverse as derelict warehouses and wild woodland, these stories highlight the beauty buried in the most unlikely of places.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2018
2 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 7, 2022
[Edited, spoilers hidden 10/7/2022]
A collection of great short stories from this British writer. Several focus on down-and-out folks in Manchester. And a lot of dogs! Some examples of the stories:
In Where’s Amit a dementia patient in a nursing home – 'a waiting place to die' - has caring and very uncaring caregivers.
In The Soldier of Luxury, a friendless man, twenty years older than all his co-workers, gets invited by them to a weekend hike. We know why he’s friendless:
The Odd Couple shows us the boredom and worries of an on-call prostitute and the abject loneliness of one of her clients.
In I’m Cold Darling, two lesbians with totally opposite personalities rarely have a civil word for each other and hardly even get along.
A homeless woman and her dog row out to an island in a park to find shelter for the night. We know how this ends because it’s the title story.
In another homeless story, The Watcher Woman, two starving women in an abandoned warehouse are so desperate
Good stories with a wide variety of characters and quite original plots.
Being a geographer, I was intrigued by the down-and-out setting of many of these stories. These settings reminded me of Swing Hammer Swing by Jeff Torrington which is set in the late 1960s in Gorbals, the worst slum in Glasgow. (Since then that slum has been urban-renewed). So I looked up Manchester slums on the web and found, indeed some are still there and homelessness is a serious problem as noted in this 2018 article. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co....
I thank the author, Sam Bigglesworth, for sending me an advance reading copy of this book for review.
Top photo of Manchester slum bedroom in 1971 from confidentials.com/manchester
Lower photo of contemporary homelessness in Manchester from manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A collection of great short stories from this British writer. Several focus on down-and-out folks in Manchester. And a lot of dogs! Some examples of the stories:
In Where’s Amit a dementia patient in a nursing home – 'a waiting place to die' - has caring and very uncaring caregivers.
In The Soldier of Luxury, a friendless man, twenty years older than all his co-workers, gets invited by them to a weekend hike. We know why he’s friendless:
The Odd Couple shows us the boredom and worries of an on-call prostitute and the abject loneliness of one of her clients.
In I’m Cold Darling, two lesbians with totally opposite personalities rarely have a civil word for each other and hardly even get along.
A homeless woman and her dog row out to an island in a park to find shelter for the night. We know how this ends because it’s the title story.
In another homeless story, The Watcher Woman, two starving women in an abandoned warehouse are so desperate
Good stories with a wide variety of characters and quite original plots.
Being a geographer, I was intrigued by the down-and-out setting of many of these stories. These settings reminded me of Swing Hammer Swing by Jeff Torrington which is set in the late 1960s in Gorbals, the worst slum in Glasgow. (Since then that slum has been urban-renewed). So I looked up Manchester slums on the web and found, indeed some are still there and homelessness is a serious problem as noted in this 2018 article. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co....
I thank the author, Sam Bigglesworth, for sending me an advance reading copy of this book for review.
Top photo of Manchester slum bedroom in 1971 from confidentials.com/manchester
Lower photo of contemporary homelessness in Manchester from manchestereveningnews.co.uk
September 22, 2018
A Beautiful Place to Die is a collection of short stories featuring characters of all ages and in various settings, and life circumstances in or near Manchester, England. Short story collections are often hard for me to rate as they contain many stories and while some may hit the mark there will be some that don't. For the most part, I enjoyed all the short stories in this collection to varying degrees. My two favorites were "Where's Amit?" and "The Watcher Woman".
This book deals with the human condition and as the title suggests most of the stories deal with death, being close to death, having an illness, etc. The Author tackles these subjects with ease and care. The short stories providing the reader with brief glimpses into the lives of others. Most will enjoy the nice mix of characters in all stages of life and the Author made a point to have an almost equal balance of female and male protagonists.
In the past, I would become frustrated with short stories as I found many ended just while I was getting interested in them. Over the years, I have found that I am enjoying short stories more and more. In some of these stories I did want to know more but also appreciated how the Author took a short span of time and told his story within those limited pages. In some of the stories, I definitely wanted more which is a compliment as I was really enjoying the story. In most of the short stories the characters are tackling morale issues, deciding between right and wrong. I enjoyed how these issues were presented, specifically in "Where is Amit" a nurse is caring for a woman with Alzheimer's. The woman is confused and scared. I thought the Author did an excellent job depicting the woman and her symptoms. He also showed how two staff members had differing styles/ways of taking care of her - one respectful and one rude. The stories are heartfelt, have some humor and some are on the darker side.
Short story fans should check this book out!
I received an ARC of this short story collection from author in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
This book deals with the human condition and as the title suggests most of the stories deal with death, being close to death, having an illness, etc. The Author tackles these subjects with ease and care. The short stories providing the reader with brief glimpses into the lives of others. Most will enjoy the nice mix of characters in all stages of life and the Author made a point to have an almost equal balance of female and male protagonists.
In the past, I would become frustrated with short stories as I found many ended just while I was getting interested in them. Over the years, I have found that I am enjoying short stories more and more. In some of these stories I did want to know more but also appreciated how the Author took a short span of time and told his story within those limited pages. In some of the stories, I definitely wanted more which is a compliment as I was really enjoying the story. In most of the short stories the characters are tackling morale issues, deciding between right and wrong. I enjoyed how these issues were presented, specifically in "Where is Amit" a nurse is caring for a woman with Alzheimer's. The woman is confused and scared. I thought the Author did an excellent job depicting the woman and her symptoms. He also showed how two staff members had differing styles/ways of taking care of her - one respectful and one rude. The stories are heartfelt, have some humor and some are on the darker side.
Short story fans should check this book out!
I received an ARC of this short story collection from author in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
December 6, 2018
A new albeit ominous voice in the vein of Shirley Jackson & Flannery O'Connor, it also delves into a Murakami-like simplicity that pulsates with a wicked undertow. These short stories are full of life, character, manically-distinct description. Realities are established impeccably--so well, in fact, that a lack of plot in several of these vignettes seems just so right, very natural. Bigglesworth develops a slight psychosis in most of his tales that does not paint everything quite black. It manifests itself in the mundane dog walk, in the forgotten homeless. Forest walks or long journeys through adulthood; life's stretched out & then condensed. For our reader's pleasure.
Also, the illustrations by Henry Boon add a children's story sadness to the whole collection. It's a good one!
Also, the illustrations by Henry Boon add a children's story sadness to the whole collection. It's a good one!
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October 27, 2018Out today!
Huge thanks to everyone for your support! Both formats are on for a special low price this weekend, in case anyone wants to grab a bargain :-)
'In this must-read, in-your-face collection of spine-tingling short stories rife with metaphor, author Samuel Bigglesworth approaches the taboo subject of death and the triumph of the human spirit with humor, brutal honesty and compassion' - Lianna Albrizio for IndieReader.
'An exciting collection from a big-hearted and perceptive writer' - Clare Fisher, author of All the Good Things.
From British author Samuel Bigglesworth, comes this heart-wrenching collection of short stories which will make you laugh and cry. Plunging you into the minds of outsiders of all stripes, from nine to ninety-year-olds, and from settings as diverse as derelict warehouses and wild woodland, these stories highlight the beauty buried in the most unlikely of places.
This collection has been given an 'Indie Reader Approved' rating - a rating designed to help readers identify high-quality and exciting reads.
This will be enjoyed most by people who like short, slice-of-life style stories, and with Henry Boon's beautiful illustrations, it would make a great present for a loved one.
--------------------------------------
Well, that's the first batch of print ARCs gone out. For those in America it may take a week or two to receive them.
The book will appeal to fans of Roald Dahl, Elizabeth Strout and Matt Haig. There is an roughly equal split between male and female protagonists so hopefully something for everyone. I would love to know which are people's favourite stories!
Please note the book is in British English!
Hope you like them!
Cheers and love to all
Huge thanks to everyone for your support! Both formats are on for a special low price this weekend, in case anyone wants to grab a bargain :-)
'In this must-read, in-your-face collection of spine-tingling short stories rife with metaphor, author Samuel Bigglesworth approaches the taboo subject of death and the triumph of the human spirit with humor, brutal honesty and compassion' - Lianna Albrizio for IndieReader.
'An exciting collection from a big-hearted and perceptive writer' - Clare Fisher, author of All the Good Things.
From British author Samuel Bigglesworth, comes this heart-wrenching collection of short stories which will make you laugh and cry. Plunging you into the minds of outsiders of all stripes, from nine to ninety-year-olds, and from settings as diverse as derelict warehouses and wild woodland, these stories highlight the beauty buried in the most unlikely of places.
This collection has been given an 'Indie Reader Approved' rating - a rating designed to help readers identify high-quality and exciting reads.
This will be enjoyed most by people who like short, slice-of-life style stories, and with Henry Boon's beautiful illustrations, it would make a great present for a loved one.
--------------------------------------
Well, that's the first batch of print ARCs gone out. For those in America it may take a week or two to receive them.
The book will appeal to fans of Roald Dahl, Elizabeth Strout and Matt Haig. There is an roughly equal split between male and female protagonists so hopefully something for everyone. I would love to know which are people's favourite stories!
Please note the book is in British English!
Hope you like them!
Cheers and love to all
January 21, 2019
This was a rather wonderful collection of short stories. The author refuses to be tied down by genre and the tales here are somewhat eclectic. To take them one at a time:
1. ‘The Coral Tailed Waffle Bird’
A father tries to impart a life lesson to his young daughter on a bird-watching trip, with limited success. 3 stars
2. ‘Where’s Amit?’ - A truly heart-breaking story about a lady with dementia in a nursing home. SO well observed that I’m almost certain the author must have some experience of this world; the picture he painted took me right back to my days as a nurse. 5 stars
3. ‘The Soldier of Luxury’ - An obnoxious dickhead learns a lesson on a group hike. I liked the premise and it did raise a chuckle but I didn’t quite buy the characters as real people. 3 stars
4. 'The Odd Couple' - I honestly thought this story was going down a horror route but it actually turned out to be quite sweet... sort of. 4 stars
5. ‘I’m Cold Darling’ - A high-maintenance nightmare of a woman learns the hard way that being completely self-centred can have terrible consequences. 4 stars
6. ‘The Gremlin’ - The life of one boy and the physical (?) manifestation of his neuroses. Quite clever. 4 stars
7. ‘The Watcher Woman’ - A great, emotive story about a homeless woman who ends up having to do a lot more than watch. 4 stars
8. The Phone Jacker’ - A bizarre encounter on a train, which left me smiling if a little bemused. 4 stars
9. ‘Wizards of the Forest’ - Quite entertaining but I’m not sure what the deeper meaning was, if any. 3 stars
10. ‘The Hanging Tree’ - A young Boy gets a shock while on a walk in the countryside. A wonderfully observed exercise in empathy. 5 stars
11. ‘The Dog Whisperer’ - Another well-observed piece about a guy who tries to solve his lack of purpose in life by adopting a dog. Like a couple of the other stories in this book, though, it suffers from the lack of a satisfying conclusion. 3 stars
12. ‘I Got Them Trying To’ - Two seemingly dissimilar people are brought together through their church. A heart-breaking, yet uplifting, story. 5 stars
13. ‘A Beautiful Place to Die’ - You’ll have to excuse me a minute while I stick my heart back together with duct tape... 5 stars
14. ‘The Escapee’ – A tale of trust, charity and naïveté. Not the best to end the book on, in my opinion, but you know what they say about opinions… 3 stars
Overall score: 4 stars. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more by this author in future.
1. ‘The Coral Tailed Waffle Bird’
A father tries to impart a life lesson to his young daughter on a bird-watching trip, with limited success. 3 stars
2. ‘Where’s Amit?’ - A truly heart-breaking story about a lady with dementia in a nursing home. SO well observed that I’m almost certain the author must have some experience of this world; the picture he painted took me right back to my days as a nurse. 5 stars
3. ‘The Soldier of Luxury’ - An obnoxious dickhead learns a lesson on a group hike. I liked the premise and it did raise a chuckle but I didn’t quite buy the characters as real people. 3 stars
4. 'The Odd Couple' - I honestly thought this story was going down a horror route but it actually turned out to be quite sweet... sort of. 4 stars
5. ‘I’m Cold Darling’ - A high-maintenance nightmare of a woman learns the hard way that being completely self-centred can have terrible consequences. 4 stars
6. ‘The Gremlin’ - The life of one boy and the physical (?) manifestation of his neuroses. Quite clever. 4 stars
7. ‘The Watcher Woman’ - A great, emotive story about a homeless woman who ends up having to do a lot more than watch. 4 stars
8. The Phone Jacker’ - A bizarre encounter on a train, which left me smiling if a little bemused. 4 stars
9. ‘Wizards of the Forest’ - Quite entertaining but I’m not sure what the deeper meaning was, if any. 3 stars
10. ‘The Hanging Tree’ - A young Boy gets a shock while on a walk in the countryside. A wonderfully observed exercise in empathy. 5 stars
11. ‘The Dog Whisperer’ - Another well-observed piece about a guy who tries to solve his lack of purpose in life by adopting a dog. Like a couple of the other stories in this book, though, it suffers from the lack of a satisfying conclusion. 3 stars
12. ‘I Got Them Trying To’ - Two seemingly dissimilar people are brought together through their church. A heart-breaking, yet uplifting, story. 5 stars
13. ‘A Beautiful Place to Die’ - You’ll have to excuse me a minute while I stick my heart back together with duct tape... 5 stars
14. ‘The Escapee’ – A tale of trust, charity and naïveté. Not the best to end the book on, in my opinion, but you know what they say about opinions… 3 stars
Overall score: 4 stars. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more by this author in future.
November 30, 2018
This is an eclectic collection of heart warming, thought provoking short stories with a leaning towards the fragility of life.
As with most collections some stories are better than others but all an all it’s an interesting read.
One story that really resonated with me was the story of a man who thought that he’d get a dog from the local pound and train it to be a loyal faithful companion. But in the end who trains who to be the loyal faithful companion? I wonder how many people can relate to that.
Recommended with four stars.
As with most collections some stories are better than others but all an all it’s an interesting read.
One story that really resonated with me was the story of a man who thought that he’d get a dog from the local pound and train it to be a loyal faithful companion. But in the end who trains who to be the loyal faithful companion? I wonder how many people can relate to that.
Recommended with four stars.
September 20, 2018
This was a strange read, but not in a bad way. Like most short story collections, it borders on the weird and hard to understand, and is mostly about morally grey situations. What is different from most short story collections, though, is that it's interconnected.
The interconnectedness was both a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing was that I think it's absolutely awesome when the same characters appear in different stories at different points in their lives. They form storylines that are not central to each short story in question - and so, they make the book bigger than just the sum of all the stories.
But there's also a bad side to the characters reappearing. It's because some of the stories are there just to be a connecting bit for the storyline of the character, but if they were to be read as stabdalones, you'd just look like the dude with question marks around his head, like the GIF:
That was me throughout parts of the book.
So the stories absolutely have to be read in sequence, and that's how it goes. But nevermind that, the story collection was a one-evening read for me, and it was engaging. There were a few stories that hit me right in the feels too. So if you like stories about the human condition, weirdness and morally confusing situations, definitely go for it.
I thank the author for giving me a review copy on exchange to an honest review. This did not affect my opinion.
More Bookish Talk on my Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
The interconnectedness was both a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing was that I think it's absolutely awesome when the same characters appear in different stories at different points in their lives. They form storylines that are not central to each short story in question - and so, they make the book bigger than just the sum of all the stories.
But there's also a bad side to the characters reappearing. It's because some of the stories are there just to be a connecting bit for the storyline of the character, but if they were to be read as stabdalones, you'd just look like the dude with question marks around his head, like the GIF:
That was me throughout parts of the book.
So the stories absolutely have to be read in sequence, and that's how it goes. But nevermind that, the story collection was a one-evening read for me, and it was engaging. There were a few stories that hit me right in the feels too. So if you like stories about the human condition, weirdness and morally confusing situations, definitely go for it.
I thank the author for giving me a review copy on exchange to an honest review. This did not affect my opinion.
More Bookish Talk on my Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
September 19, 2018
I would like to thank the author for sending me an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This collection of short stories has a wide variety of characters in various settings and many of them work reasonably well. A few stories were a little dark with the main characters either down on their luck or close to dying (as the title suggests) but they were written in a somewhat positive manner and showed some warmth and humanity. As with any book of short stories there were some that hit the mark with me and others that didn’t. My two favourites were ‘The Gremlin’ and ‘The Soldier of Luxury.’
This collection of short stories has a wide variety of characters in various settings and many of them work reasonably well. A few stories were a little dark with the main characters either down on their luck or close to dying (as the title suggests) but they were written in a somewhat positive manner and showed some warmth and humanity. As with any book of short stories there were some that hit the mark with me and others that didn’t. My two favourites were ‘The Gremlin’ and ‘The Soldier of Luxury.’
September 27, 2018
3.5
Sam Bigglesworth's collection A Beautiful Place to Die demonstrates his ability to capture a character's pivotal moment. I often found myself invested in the characters to the point I wished their story continued.
The fourteen stories are quite diverse. Some are open-ended, some have a surprise or shock ending. Characters have a moment of life-altering clarity, lessons are learned, frailties uncovered, alliances made or severed. Shocking conclusions come in several of the stories.
The Watcher Woman is set in a dystopia where starving women living in urban decay encounter a callous, well-fed man.
The Soldier of Luxury is about a competitive, self-satisfied man trusting in the wrong things.
In The Wizard of the Forest a son watches his idolized father wield 'tree magic' but soon learns the limits of influence. A father teaches a life lesson to his daughter in The Coral Tailed Waffle Bird.
A dementia patient challenges her care workers in Where's Amit. A Beautiful Place to Die tells the heartbreaking story of a dying woman endeavoring to control her last days, cast out by a cold world.
The protagonist in The Dog Whisperer needs a purpose in life and adopts a rescue dog. The story recalled my own experience of adopting a troubled but lovable puppy mill rescue dog.
The writing is very descriptive and engages all the senses.
Overall, I enjoyed the stories and find some linger in my mind.
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Sam Bigglesworth's collection A Beautiful Place to Die demonstrates his ability to capture a character's pivotal moment. I often found myself invested in the characters to the point I wished their story continued.
The fourteen stories are quite diverse. Some are open-ended, some have a surprise or shock ending. Characters have a moment of life-altering clarity, lessons are learned, frailties uncovered, alliances made or severed. Shocking conclusions come in several of the stories.
The Watcher Woman is set in a dystopia where starving women living in urban decay encounter a callous, well-fed man.
The Soldier of Luxury is about a competitive, self-satisfied man trusting in the wrong things.
In The Wizard of the Forest a son watches his idolized father wield 'tree magic' but soon learns the limits of influence. A father teaches a life lesson to his daughter in The Coral Tailed Waffle Bird.
A dementia patient challenges her care workers in Where's Amit. A Beautiful Place to Die tells the heartbreaking story of a dying woman endeavoring to control her last days, cast out by a cold world.
The protagonist in The Dog Whisperer needs a purpose in life and adopts a rescue dog. The story recalled my own experience of adopting a troubled but lovable puppy mill rescue dog.
The writing is very descriptive and engages all the senses.
Overall, I enjoyed the stories and find some linger in my mind.
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
September 24, 2018
It’s a collection of 14 short stories. I usually like long stories/ novels more compared to short stories but I definitely loved this one. Fourteen stories based on stories of all age groups and every single human emotion is covered. Writing style of author is beautiful. Well descriptive stories make us feel like we are watching movies in our imagination. Heart touching stories. My favourite stories are very first and the last one. “The coral tailed waffle bird” in that beautiful relationship of a father and daughter is shown and how parenting need a lots of patience that is shown perfectly. “A beautiful place to die” is a really heart touching story! Overall I loved the book!
September 9, 2018
I received an ARC of this book, so thank you for sending me a copy.
I enjoyed this. There are quite a few short stories so I think it will appeal to many people. Overall, a nice read for those cozy Sunday afternoons.
I enjoyed this. There are quite a few short stories so I think it will appeal to many people. Overall, a nice read for those cozy Sunday afternoons.
January 27, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I received a paperback copy, and it has some lovely illustrations; the front cover is particularly nice, and there is a little picture at the start of each story. I liked this touch a lot. It really sets the tone for the stories inside.
This is a collection of short stories, and they are all quite touching stories based around the human experience. Some of them have morals to be gleaned from their pages, some are based in slightly different worlds to our own, but they are all about human emotion and our relationships with each other.
The characters in the stories are all very different, and they all have different experiences and tales to tell. The author has tried to include a wide range of feelings and situations, and they all have unique identities, but a similar feel to them. The writing is poetic in parts, and very simple in others. Some sections, stories and even some sentences on their own are truly beautifully written and touching.
Some of the stories are a little strange, as I think I expected something to happen at the end - a little twist, or the moral of the story presented in a nicely rounded way. The author, however, doesn't seem to see things in such a linear way. At times a story just stopped short leaving me, a little surprised, to consider the meaning behind it. I don't think this is a bad thing - especially with emotive stories like these, you don't always need everything to be spelled out on the page. Sometimes, you need to consider things yourself and think about the meaning of the words.
I didn't read this whole book in one go. Rather, it was more of a coffee table book which I dipped into every now and then over Christmas and early January. It was especially nice to consider these tales during the festive period, and afterwards when things can sometimes seem a little bleak. Just as December and January can present a whole range of emotions and experiences, and be full of friends, family and also some solitary moments, these short stories contain all of those things too.
I did enjoy this book, as it presented me with a few thoughtful moments, which are always appreciated.
This is a collection of short stories, and they are all quite touching stories based around the human experience. Some of them have morals to be gleaned from their pages, some are based in slightly different worlds to our own, but they are all about human emotion and our relationships with each other.
The characters in the stories are all very different, and they all have different experiences and tales to tell. The author has tried to include a wide range of feelings and situations, and they all have unique identities, but a similar feel to them. The writing is poetic in parts, and very simple in others. Some sections, stories and even some sentences on their own are truly beautifully written and touching.
Some of the stories are a little strange, as I think I expected something to happen at the end - a little twist, or the moral of the story presented in a nicely rounded way. The author, however, doesn't seem to see things in such a linear way. At times a story just stopped short leaving me, a little surprised, to consider the meaning behind it. I don't think this is a bad thing - especially with emotive stories like these, you don't always need everything to be spelled out on the page. Sometimes, you need to consider things yourself and think about the meaning of the words.
I didn't read this whole book in one go. Rather, it was more of a coffee table book which I dipped into every now and then over Christmas and early January. It was especially nice to consider these tales during the festive period, and afterwards when things can sometimes seem a little bleak. Just as December and January can present a whole range of emotions and experiences, and be full of friends, family and also some solitary moments, these short stories contain all of those things too.
I did enjoy this book, as it presented me with a few thoughtful moments, which are always appreciated.
December 4, 2018
'In this must-read, in-your-face collection of spine-tingling short stories rife with metaphor, author Samuel Bigglesworth approaches the taboo subject of death and the triumph of the human spirit with humor, brutal honesty and compassion' - Lianna Albrizio for IndieReader. 'An exciting collection from a big-hearted and perceptive writer' - Clare Fisher, author of All the Good Things. From British author Samuel Bigglesworth, comes this heart-wrenching collection of short stories which will make you laugh and cry. Plunging you into the minds of outsiders of all stripes, from nine to ninety-year-olds, and from settings as diverse as derelict warehouses and wild woodland, these stories highlight the beauty buried in the most unlikely of places. This collection has been given an 'Indie Reader Approved' rating - a rating designed to help readers identify high-quality and exciting reads.
December 27, 2019
An emotional, evocative and poignant collection of stories that portray in great depth the driving force behind a myriad human emotions. A mother suffering from severe dementia calling out to her son who will near appear by her side, a pensioner with a terminal illness after being mercilessly kicked out of her house hauls and heaves herself to a verdant setting since she does not want to die amidst the filth and clutter of the streets, a Gremlin who mysteriously materialises at the shoulder of a little boy and leaving him only after a decade and a half, all make for some interesting and innovative reading.
There is a judicious mixture of wit and woe, passion and pity, sympathy and serendipity in all the stories. The narrative is smooth and flowing, the plot predictable yet pleasing and the length of the stories just about right.
A Beautiful Place to Die - An absorbing read
There is a judicious mixture of wit and woe, passion and pity, sympathy and serendipity in all the stories. The narrative is smooth and flowing, the plot predictable yet pleasing and the length of the stories just about right.
A Beautiful Place to Die - An absorbing read
October 22, 2018
Short story collections tend to be a mixed bag. I'm always pleased if even half of the stories are good. So when I picked up this collection of self-published short stories by a dude I'd never heard of I was skeptical, to say the least. Honestly, the very first story ("The Coral-Tailed Waffle Bird") didn't really convince me. It was decent but not exciting. Then the second story, "Where's Amit", blew me away, and it only got better from there. There were one or two mediocre stories after that but I'm happy to say this collection was mostly filled with wonderful stories. My absolute favorite in the entire collection was "I Got Them Trying To" but I also loved the title story. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2018
The author very kindly sent me a copy for me to review. Such a beautiful collection of short stories, I especially appreciate the end story as I myself am vegan and you dont often read about vegetarian or vegan people in novels. I also loved the morals in the older boss who wanted to outdo his younger colleagues, it was very true to life, I felt sorry for him, but also thought get a grip Lols.
Such a well written beleiveable bunch of characters and such slice of life stories that will stay with you well after you finish reading. Fully recomnend. Five stars from me,
Such a well written beleiveable bunch of characters and such slice of life stories that will stay with you well after you finish reading. Fully recomnend. Five stars from me,
September 18, 2018
Thank you Goodreads for sending me this book. I have not read any of this authors books before, and I enjoyed this one. It is a collection of short stories, so you can pick it up and put it down, reading it in short bursts. The stories display a number of emotions sometimes sadness, funny, heart-warming, shocking, often all within the same story. The descriptions of the characters are good and the stories very descriptive and atmospheric - I could almost taste the samosas in one story!
September 24, 2018
I really like this collection of short stories. They were interesting and kept you wanting to read more. I like that it was easy to stop and pick up again and how some stories intertwined. If you need something to warm your heart or lift you up I would read this. Some stories are sad and some are uplifting and they have cute pictures at the beginning of each story that went along with the story.
August 27, 2018
This is a collection of short stories with a common theme of questioning what humanity is. I was given an ARC and will honour it with an honest review.
The stories were poignant and engaging on the most part, and most of them felt as though they fit in with this collection. Some of the voice for me is reminiscent of Elizabeth Strout's. The better stories were sensitive and beautiful, and I really empathised with the POV character and they kept me very interested.
I don't know if I'm mistaken, but two of the stories were connected when the rest weren't. This was a strange choice for me, and I would have preferred if they were all connected or not at all. Also, there was a contrast in style where a couple of the stories had strong magical realist elements which were obtrusive in a collection of very realist stories.
I didn't enjoy any stories where kids spoke. They were annoying enough to put me off the story. It's a shame the collection started with one. Unfortunately I don't think the dialogue was written particularly convincingly in many stories, with a lot of characters in different stories saying 'Oh my goodness' (I don't think there's many people that say that these days) and some characters sounding out of character, and I didn't find the prose particularly inspiring. I feel bad saying this. But the stories were good and touching and for the most part engaging.
The stories were poignant and engaging on the most part, and most of them felt as though they fit in with this collection. Some of the voice for me is reminiscent of Elizabeth Strout's. The better stories were sensitive and beautiful, and I really empathised with the POV character and they kept me very interested.
I don't know if I'm mistaken, but two of the stories were connected when the rest weren't. This was a strange choice for me, and I would have preferred if they were all connected or not at all. Also, there was a contrast in style where a couple of the stories had strong magical realist elements which were obtrusive in a collection of very realist stories.
I didn't enjoy any stories where kids spoke. They were annoying enough to put me off the story. It's a shame the collection started with one. Unfortunately I don't think the dialogue was written particularly convincingly in many stories, with a lot of characters in different stories saying 'Oh my goodness' (I don't think there's many people that say that these days) and some characters sounding out of character, and I didn't find the prose particularly inspiring. I feel bad saying this. But the stories were good and touching and for the most part engaging.
September 13, 2018
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A Beautiful Place to Die is a collection of short stories by the British author Samuel Bigglesworth. Set mostly in Manchester, England each story contains a unique set of characters from diverse backgrounds. Beginning with a story about an endangered bird and ending with an escaped convict, the fourteen tales have the ability to cause both laughter and tears.
The titular story, A Beautiful Place to Die concerns a cancer-suffering pensioner who has been evicted from her home. Not wanting to die on the streets, she tries to find a nicer place to rest her head. Many of the other stories also involve death, sometimes with added violence and others in a more matter-of-fact manner, however, whatever the storyline, they are a gentle, easy read.
The issue with short stories is just as the reader gets comfortable with one character, it ends and a new story begins. Also, none of the tales has a definite conclusion, leaving much to the imagination. Whilst this may be frustrating, it is an accurate reflection on life. People are forever coming in and out of our lives, never to be seen or heard of again. These stories are like a snippet into the life of someone you sat opposite to on a bus or passed in a street. The characters are ordinary people but with their own unique story to tell.
A Beautiful Place to Die is a great book to dip in and out of at leisure. Short and sweet, it could be read in a matter of hours or savoured over a length of time. It is also easy to go back and reread favourite stories as many times as one wishes.
With digital illustrations by Henry Boon accompanying each title, A Beautiful Place to Die is a slim book that is good to have to hand whenever something is needed to pass the time. With fourteen stories to choose from, it is almost guaranteed that everyone will be able to relate to one character or another. They may only be short but Samuel Bigglesworth has proved his diverse writing skills with this collection. He will touch people's hearts with his writing.
A Beautiful Place to Die is a collection of short stories by the British author Samuel Bigglesworth. Set mostly in Manchester, England each story contains a unique set of characters from diverse backgrounds. Beginning with a story about an endangered bird and ending with an escaped convict, the fourteen tales have the ability to cause both laughter and tears.
The titular story, A Beautiful Place to Die concerns a cancer-suffering pensioner who has been evicted from her home. Not wanting to die on the streets, she tries to find a nicer place to rest her head. Many of the other stories also involve death, sometimes with added violence and others in a more matter-of-fact manner, however, whatever the storyline, they are a gentle, easy read.
The issue with short stories is just as the reader gets comfortable with one character, it ends and a new story begins. Also, none of the tales has a definite conclusion, leaving much to the imagination. Whilst this may be frustrating, it is an accurate reflection on life. People are forever coming in and out of our lives, never to be seen or heard of again. These stories are like a snippet into the life of someone you sat opposite to on a bus or passed in a street. The characters are ordinary people but with their own unique story to tell.
A Beautiful Place to Die is a great book to dip in and out of at leisure. Short and sweet, it could be read in a matter of hours or savoured over a length of time. It is also easy to go back and reread favourite stories as many times as one wishes.
With digital illustrations by Henry Boon accompanying each title, A Beautiful Place to Die is a slim book that is good to have to hand whenever something is needed to pass the time. With fourteen stories to choose from, it is almost guaranteed that everyone will be able to relate to one character or another. They may only be short but Samuel Bigglesworth has proved his diverse writing skills with this collection. He will touch people's hearts with his writing.
September 12, 2018
I was sent an ARC by the author in exchange for a review.
I love short stories. They’re my favourite thing to read. I don’t know if it’s because I like seeing glimpses into people’s lives, or if it’s because I have a short attention span, but I like short stories more than anything else. That’s probably why I write them myself. Whenever I get a collection of short stories it goes right to the top of my ‘to read’ pile. And I’m rarely let down. ‘A Beautiful Place To Die’ is one of those collections that didn’t let me down.
‘A Beautiful Place To Die’ is a collection of fourteen stories based around the theme of human vulnerability, and in my opinion absence as well. From the absence of food to the absence of life itself. Despite sometimes taking the darker path to some more unhappy themes Samuel manages to write in a lighthearted way, stopping you from sinking down into the depths of melancholy entirely, and giving you some glimpse of light beyond.
The stories are mostly set around Manchester and although I’ve never been there I somehow feel he captured the city well. Good descriptions, but not letting you get bogged down in an abundance of details.
At the start of every story there are illustrations, done by Henry Boon, which give you an idea of what the story will be about without giving too much away. I feel these small illustrations really add to the book, giving it something others don’t have.
All in all, I highly recommend ‘A Beautiful Place To Die’ if you’re looking for a collection of stories, something somewhat lighthearted, or just something new to read. Will definitely be getting his previous book when I get a chance.
Favourite stories: ‘The Soldier Of Luxury’, ‘The Odd Couple’, ‘The Hanging Tree’, ‘The Dog Whisperer’, ‘I Got Them Trying To’, and ‘A Beautiful Place To Die’.
Thanks again to Samuel for sending me a copy.
I love short stories. They’re my favourite thing to read. I don’t know if it’s because I like seeing glimpses into people’s lives, or if it’s because I have a short attention span, but I like short stories more than anything else. That’s probably why I write them myself. Whenever I get a collection of short stories it goes right to the top of my ‘to read’ pile. And I’m rarely let down. ‘A Beautiful Place To Die’ is one of those collections that didn’t let me down.
‘A Beautiful Place To Die’ is a collection of fourteen stories based around the theme of human vulnerability, and in my opinion absence as well. From the absence of food to the absence of life itself. Despite sometimes taking the darker path to some more unhappy themes Samuel manages to write in a lighthearted way, stopping you from sinking down into the depths of melancholy entirely, and giving you some glimpse of light beyond.
The stories are mostly set around Manchester and although I’ve never been there I somehow feel he captured the city well. Good descriptions, but not letting you get bogged down in an abundance of details.
At the start of every story there are illustrations, done by Henry Boon, which give you an idea of what the story will be about without giving too much away. I feel these small illustrations really add to the book, giving it something others don’t have.
All in all, I highly recommend ‘A Beautiful Place To Die’ if you’re looking for a collection of stories, something somewhat lighthearted, or just something new to read. Will definitely be getting his previous book when I get a chance.
Favourite stories: ‘The Soldier Of Luxury’, ‘The Odd Couple’, ‘The Hanging Tree’, ‘The Dog Whisperer’, ‘I Got Them Trying To’, and ‘A Beautiful Place To Die’.
Thanks again to Samuel for sending me a copy.
January 31, 2019
What a wonderful book!
A Beautiful Place to Die by Samuel Bigglesworth is a collection of short stories, which are easy to read and full of different perspectives.
I was a tiny bit uncertain to be honest, because it has been a very long time since I last read a collection of short stories. But it was worth it!
We get a glimpse of people’s life in and out of Manchester, who come from all sorts of back-grounds and it’s fascinating. Some struggle emotionally or physically and it is so relatable. I think that was the beautiful part of the story. We get to see so many different point of views and I was touched how real the situation felt. Those could be just the normal people we see almost every day like our neighbour, colleague or friend.
One story in particular stayed with me for quite some time: Chapter 3 ‘The Soldier of Luxury’.
It tells the story of an overly competitive man who has difficulties getting along with his younger colleagues. On a group hike he (and the others) finally learn a life lesson or two. I really enjoyed this story! It left me quite touched at the outcome because I wasn’t expecting such a little plot twist and it was perfect.
And I was even more delighted when that same man turned up in another story.
I can really recommend this book because those stories are for everyone. They are relatable, interesting and real, giving glimpses into people’s ups and downs, thoughts and fears.
Those really are stories which have life lessons within.
Thank you for letting me read this book!
I received a free paperback from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
A Beautiful Place to Die by Samuel Bigglesworth is a collection of short stories, which are easy to read and full of different perspectives.
I was a tiny bit uncertain to be honest, because it has been a very long time since I last read a collection of short stories. But it was worth it!
We get a glimpse of people’s life in and out of Manchester, who come from all sorts of back-grounds and it’s fascinating. Some struggle emotionally or physically and it is so relatable. I think that was the beautiful part of the story. We get to see so many different point of views and I was touched how real the situation felt. Those could be just the normal people we see almost every day like our neighbour, colleague or friend.
One story in particular stayed with me for quite some time: Chapter 3 ‘The Soldier of Luxury’.
It tells the story of an overly competitive man who has difficulties getting along with his younger colleagues. On a group hike he (and the others) finally learn a life lesson or two. I really enjoyed this story! It left me quite touched at the outcome because I wasn’t expecting such a little plot twist and it was perfect.
And I was even more delighted when that same man turned up in another story.
I can really recommend this book because those stories are for everyone. They are relatable, interesting and real, giving glimpses into people’s ups and downs, thoughts and fears.
Those really are stories which have life lessons within.
Thank you for letting me read this book!
I received a free paperback from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
October 30, 2018
I loved this quirky set of short stories. Character-driven, emotive tales that leave tears in your eyes, your heart in your mouth, or make you think. Most of these stories made me think, actually. Particularly about what kind of world we live in, and how we treat other people such as the homeless, ill, those different than ourselves, and the vulnerable.
[TRIGGER WARNING]
I was watching an advert on TV for a charity last week where a mother told her son's story. All this wee bairn had seen in his lifetime was war, death, and heads rolling on the ground. Then they come to this country and have to put up with racism from idiots who have no idea what these people have gone through, instead of receiving the compassion they deserve. Just like this book, it made me think. We should never forget how lucky we are to live in a country of relative freedom, where we can review honestly how we feel about a piece of writing.
Well-written (although there were some wee typos), well thought out, and leaves you wanting to read more by this author. My particular favourites were the title story, 'A Beautiful Place To Die', and 'I Got Them Trying To'. The Henry Boon illustrations that partnered each story were spot on and most expressive.
I received an eARC which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. Any opinions are my own.
[TRIGGER WARNING]
I was watching an advert on TV for a charity last week where a mother told her son's story. All this wee bairn had seen in his lifetime was war, death, and heads rolling on the ground. Then they come to this country and have to put up with racism from idiots who have no idea what these people have gone through, instead of receiving the compassion they deserve. Just like this book, it made me think. We should never forget how lucky we are to live in a country of relative freedom, where we can review honestly how we feel about a piece of writing.
Well-written (although there were some wee typos), well thought out, and leaves you wanting to read more by this author. My particular favourites were the title story, 'A Beautiful Place To Die', and 'I Got Them Trying To'. The Henry Boon illustrations that partnered each story were spot on and most expressive.
I received an eARC which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. Any opinions are my own.
October 7, 2018
Humanity. That would be the first word that pops into my head when I think about all of the short stories included in this book A Beautiful Place to Die by Samuel Bigglesworth. There are 14 in all, short stories I mean, that will take you through every emotion possible. Some were more dark than others but the complexities and realisms were true in each one. There are many age groups, settings, and timeframes that encompass the beauty of each story. I have a hard time actually saying which one would be my favorite because they all have a special meaning for me. They all also have a vulnerability aspect that you will actually see as you read the stories. The Coral Tailed Waffle Bird is about patience and what it is like being a parent. This one actually hit home on many levels and so if I actually had to choose a favorite, this one would be it. I hope that you take the time to actually read these stories and try to understand what that person must be going through and you will truly see the good in humanity.
Thank you to the author as well as goodreads for giving this copy away for me to rad and give my honest review.
Thank you to the author as well as goodreads for giving this copy away for me to rad and give my honest review.
January 23, 2019
A Beautiful Place To Die is a great collection of short stories exploring relationships, life and loss.
I gave this book 5 stars because there were a number o the stories that really touched me - in particular ‘Where’s Amit?’, ‘The Gremlin’ and ‘I Got Them Trying To’.
There is a real thread of loss running through the stories, sometimes sprinkled with hope, but not always. Which isn’t anywhere near as depressing as it sounds.
On a personal level, the areas where lots of the stories are based (around Manchester) are very familiar to me. Even more familiar are some of the subjects broached, including dementia, homelessness, loneliness and self confidence.
All in all a great little book!
Thank you to the author for sending this ARC for me to review. I’ll be passing this on with high praise!
I gave this book 5 stars because there were a number o the stories that really touched me - in particular ‘Where’s Amit?’, ‘The Gremlin’ and ‘I Got Them Trying To’.
There is a real thread of loss running through the stories, sometimes sprinkled with hope, but not always. Which isn’t anywhere near as depressing as it sounds.
On a personal level, the areas where lots of the stories are based (around Manchester) are very familiar to me. Even more familiar are some of the subjects broached, including dementia, homelessness, loneliness and self confidence.
All in all a great little book!
Thank you to the author for sending this ARC for me to review. I’ll be passing this on with high praise!
May 31, 2019
The thing I adore about reading short stories is that I get to encounter a variety of different characters and worlds in fleeting visits. When done well you find your imagination well and truly spoiled. Bigglesworth does an exquisite job, appetising the reader. I savoured every moment for as long as possible. The pace for each story was just right and kept you absorbed with the countless events that surrounded you.
I particularly enjoyed discovering how each story had a theme and a message to the reader. The reality of growing old, how money can’t buy everything (especially friends) and overcoming self doubt. These are just a few as the list is endless. They have been carefully crafted into each story and encourage the reader to think outside the box. It’s therapeutic writing and makes you generally stop and have a think about the ways of life.
Bigglesworth has a knack for writing about the little details that people often miss or forget. In a world that is currently dominated by a plague of walking zombies glued to their smartphones, it’s a welcoming sight to read and reminds you that it is healthy to sometimes switch off.
The character development was brilliantly done given the stories are short. They are loaded with depth and emotion in such a limited time. We hear from young voices to old and Bigglesworth skilfully transitions between the two, giving this book that extra depth of realism that is often misplaced these days.
My favourite tale has got to be The Coral Tailed Waffle Bird. There’s something about the way Bigglesworth writes about the innocence and excitement of a child that is captivatingly charming. The build up and thrill that Bigglesworth portrays takes you back to your childhood days when everything was a lot simpler. The very prospect of seeing a rare bird was an event and would mean the whole world to you. Now as adults we are more likely to brush it off and not be bothered in the slightest. Bigglesworth reminds the reader of this lost youth and takes them back for just a few minutes to a time long faded. It’s sad yet comforting and I had fun reading it.
I really appreciate photographic writing. Where I can see the scene like a photo in front of me as I am reading. My senses come alive and I can taste the atmosphere on the tip of my tongue. Bigglesworth did not disappoint, which made this book even more of a delight to read.
I give A Beautiful Place To Die By Samuel Bigglesworth a Four out of Five Star rating.
A variety of voices and stories I was kept entertained until the very end. I cried, laughed and cried some more at the natural flair as the stories gracefully skipped across the page. I look forward to reading more of Bigglesworth’s work in the future, a wonderful writer who knows how to express the emotions that life blissfuly bestows upon us.
I particularly enjoyed discovering how each story had a theme and a message to the reader. The reality of growing old, how money can’t buy everything (especially friends) and overcoming self doubt. These are just a few as the list is endless. They have been carefully crafted into each story and encourage the reader to think outside the box. It’s therapeutic writing and makes you generally stop and have a think about the ways of life.
Bigglesworth has a knack for writing about the little details that people often miss or forget. In a world that is currently dominated by a plague of walking zombies glued to their smartphones, it’s a welcoming sight to read and reminds you that it is healthy to sometimes switch off.
The character development was brilliantly done given the stories are short. They are loaded with depth and emotion in such a limited time. We hear from young voices to old and Bigglesworth skilfully transitions between the two, giving this book that extra depth of realism that is often misplaced these days.
My favourite tale has got to be The Coral Tailed Waffle Bird. There’s something about the way Bigglesworth writes about the innocence and excitement of a child that is captivatingly charming. The build up and thrill that Bigglesworth portrays takes you back to your childhood days when everything was a lot simpler. The very prospect of seeing a rare bird was an event and would mean the whole world to you. Now as adults we are more likely to brush it off and not be bothered in the slightest. Bigglesworth reminds the reader of this lost youth and takes them back for just a few minutes to a time long faded. It’s sad yet comforting and I had fun reading it.
I really appreciate photographic writing. Where I can see the scene like a photo in front of me as I am reading. My senses come alive and I can taste the atmosphere on the tip of my tongue. Bigglesworth did not disappoint, which made this book even more of a delight to read.
I give A Beautiful Place To Die By Samuel Bigglesworth a Four out of Five Star rating.
A variety of voices and stories I was kept entertained until the very end. I cried, laughed and cried some more at the natural flair as the stories gracefully skipped across the page. I look forward to reading more of Bigglesworth’s work in the future, a wonderful writer who knows how to express the emotions that life blissfuly bestows upon us.
October 1, 2018
A free advanced reader copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you!) My review was in no way influenced by this consideration.
I have to start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of short-form fiction as a rule, but I do make exceptions for remarkable writing: Anthony Doerr, E. B. White, and Mark Twain all come to mind. Readers of my blog will find a few collections of short stories by modern authors that I've liked, as well. This is not one of them.
I try to be fair and honest in my reviews, even when I've been given a copy by the author, though then I feel more hesitant--as if I'm sending any criticism directly to a human who might feel badly. That said, this is an unpolished work. It reads like a collection of mid-grade high school essays, in both quality of content and editing (I found simple spell-check type errors throughout the finished printed copy.) Some of the stories were somewhat engaging, if not always lyrically executed, but others seemed fumbling, lost for direction. The quality of writing throughout lacked voice. If I had been Mr. Bigglesworth's editor, I would have asked for rewrites--one senses that the writer is not pushing himself hard enough.
Put down halfway through.
I have to start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of short-form fiction as a rule, but I do make exceptions for remarkable writing: Anthony Doerr, E. B. White, and Mark Twain all come to mind. Readers of my blog will find a few collections of short stories by modern authors that I've liked, as well. This is not one of them.
I try to be fair and honest in my reviews, even when I've been given a copy by the author, though then I feel more hesitant--as if I'm sending any criticism directly to a human who might feel badly. That said, this is an unpolished work. It reads like a collection of mid-grade high school essays, in both quality of content and editing (I found simple spell-check type errors throughout the finished printed copy.) Some of the stories were somewhat engaging, if not always lyrically executed, but others seemed fumbling, lost for direction. The quality of writing throughout lacked voice. If I had been Mr. Bigglesworth's editor, I would have asked for rewrites--one senses that the writer is not pushing himself hard enough.
Put down halfway through.
March 13, 2019
I was provided with an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. My only regret is how long it took me to finish.
This collection of short stories is a real mixed bag of work. Some of them I enjoyed, some of them I didn't quite know how to react to, and some of them were funny. All and all I would say its an enjoyable collection that I would recommend to literary enthusiasts. I wish I had more to say but I was not particularly tickled by this collection, but I think that has more to do with my own personal tastes than anything else.
This collection of short stories is a real mixed bag of work. Some of them I enjoyed, some of them I didn't quite know how to react to, and some of them were funny. All and all I would say its an enjoyable collection that I would recommend to literary enthusiasts. I wish I had more to say but I was not particularly tickled by this collection, but I think that has more to do with my own personal tastes than anything else.
October 16, 2018
This collection of short stories is the kind where you keep thinking they'll connect somehow in the end. The stories don't - at least not directly. What the stories do instead, is showcase a series of snapshots out of the lives of different people who might just have all lived in the same area. It shows how there is profundity to be found in small moments in life.
August 26, 2023
A collection of short stories based on people in their various stages of life. Had a hard time following some of the stories, others were good. I really liked what looked like penciled artwork. That is what pushed this book to three stars for me. Thank you to the Mr. Bigglesworth for the Goodreads advanced reader copy and the wonderful hand-written note included.
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