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The Minotaur's Son & Other Wild Tales
“Once the evening’s entertainment was over the Minotaur, as naked as Nature intended, clumped into Pablo Zapata’s bar…”
A baby with a passion for theoretical physics…
A winged nymph who exacts terrible revenge…
A stolen coin that releases a wish-granting genie…
And where else would you see Ginger Rogers learning the Ali shuffle, or a humble fisherman making friends with Poseidon?
Charlatans and shapeshifters, lovers and leprechauns, ghosts and office creeps are just some of the characters that Kevin Ansbro brings to life in this volume of short stories. His tales span the globe and range from the wickedly funny to the sad and deeply unnerving. With his perceptive take on human failings, his vivid imagination and his glorious grasp of language, Ansbro’s thought-provoking stories will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
284 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2019
5 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Ansbro
5 books1,769 followersI was born to Irish parents, and have also lived in Malaysia and Germany.
My formal education was at Hamond's Grammar School in Swaffham, and at the Norfolk College of Arts and Technology (Stephen Fry being a much more famous former student).
I write in the magical realism genre, meshing otherworldliness into the harshness of our real world. I also like to handcuff humour and tragedy to the same radiator.
Perhaps incongruously for an author, I have a background in karate and kickboxing and travel extensively - particularly in the Far East.
I'm married (to Julie) and currently live in Norwich, England.
Stuff about me: I'm a foodie and an avid reader who values good manners, love and friendship. I am constantly putting my foot in it, am reputed to have a wicked sense of humour and love to laugh, but sometimes make that 'snorty pig' noise when doing so.
I'm also easygoing and extremely friendly. So, come on over for a chat — I'll put the kettle on!
Twitter: @kevinansbro
www.kevinansbro.co.uk
My formal education was at Hamond's Grammar School in Swaffham, and at the Norfolk College of Arts and Technology (Stephen Fry being a much more famous former student).
I write in the magical realism genre, meshing otherworldliness into the harshness of our real world. I also like to handcuff humour and tragedy to the same radiator.
Perhaps incongruously for an author, I have a background in karate and kickboxing and travel extensively - particularly in the Far East.
I'm married (to Julie) and currently live in Norwich, England.
Stuff about me: I'm a foodie and an avid reader who values good manners, love and friendship. I am constantly putting my foot in it, am reputed to have a wicked sense of humour and love to laugh, but sometimes make that 'snorty pig' noise when doing so.
I'm also easygoing and extremely friendly. So, come on over for a chat — I'll put the kettle on!
Twitter: @kevinansbro
www.kevinansbro.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 14, 2023
Coming to the end of my first full year on GR and closing 2022, I wanted to select the final few books from my favourite authors this year, and of course it would be hard to move past Kevin Ansbro, whose writing style and imagination just works its magic on me every time.
Eclectic, clever and even absurd at times, this collection of stories is possibly my favourite book of short stories I have ever read. Why? It touches on so many emotions, life lessons, themes, interesting characters, and a wide range of tales with significance and purpose. Whilst possessing a dizzying array of characters, like the Minoatur’s son, the mermaid, ghosts, nymph’s, shapeshifters, all of which are superb, it is the emphasis on ‘meaning’ and ‘choice’ that fascinates me through themes of love, greed, passion, and betrayal.
Once again, we see the accomplished wordsmith, because Ansbro is so vividly descriptive that you are guaranteed to be captivated, amused, entertained, and even prodded emotionally. The balance between powerful messages and humour is amazing, so nothing ever feels flippant nor overly sentimental. I chuckle a lot, with the impish dialogue and often wonder how he comes up with these books, but he just does.
So, if you want to treat someone at any time then look no further than this wonderful book of short stories that I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending. A fabulous collection that will entertain, draw you to the many messages as you embrace the themes and tales that are written by the ultimate wordsmith. An author who possesses such a wickedly imaginative mind. What more can I say about these stories. Magical, tormenting, lingering, reflective, irresistible, and sad but also beautiful.
I will be rereading and adding some reviews throughout 2023 on this collection. There are so many and so different it cannot be done in one go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Wow! You’re the fabled nymph I have heard so much about,” he gushed in wonderment. The beat of her diaphanous wings whined louder than those of a hundred mosquitoes and her iridescent toes skimmed the water around him. “If you promise to be kind and loyal to me, handsome, I shall consider you my friend,” she said airily.”
And one of my favourite type of comments, with that all important counsel…
“A woman is like an ocean, sir, beautiful to look at but dangerous to cross.”
Eclectic, clever and even absurd at times, this collection of stories is possibly my favourite book of short stories I have ever read. Why? It touches on so many emotions, life lessons, themes, interesting characters, and a wide range of tales with significance and purpose. Whilst possessing a dizzying array of characters, like the Minoatur’s son, the mermaid, ghosts, nymph’s, shapeshifters, all of which are superb, it is the emphasis on ‘meaning’ and ‘choice’ that fascinates me through themes of love, greed, passion, and betrayal.
Once again, we see the accomplished wordsmith, because Ansbro is so vividly descriptive that you are guaranteed to be captivated, amused, entertained, and even prodded emotionally. The balance between powerful messages and humour is amazing, so nothing ever feels flippant nor overly sentimental. I chuckle a lot, with the impish dialogue and often wonder how he comes up with these books, but he just does.
So, if you want to treat someone at any time then look no further than this wonderful book of short stories that I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending. A fabulous collection that will entertain, draw you to the many messages as you embrace the themes and tales that are written by the ultimate wordsmith. An author who possesses such a wickedly imaginative mind. What more can I say about these stories. Magical, tormenting, lingering, reflective, irresistible, and sad but also beautiful.
I will be rereading and adding some reviews throughout 2023 on this collection. There are so many and so different it cannot be done in one go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Wow! You’re the fabled nymph I have heard so much about,” he gushed in wonderment. The beat of her diaphanous wings whined louder than those of a hundred mosquitoes and her iridescent toes skimmed the water around him. “If you promise to be kind and loyal to me, handsome, I shall consider you my friend,” she said airily.”
And one of my favourite type of comments, with that all important counsel…
“A woman is like an ocean, sir, beautiful to look at but dangerous to cross.”
September 28, 2024
Five brilliantly shining stars! My favorite read of the year!
"We lose ourselves in books. We find ourselves there too."
–Anonymous
As I closed the gorgeous cover of this book, I find that more exact words were never written. I have been swept away by mermaids, lost in a faraway world with a space-travelling cowboy and found myself in tears over a love that could not be. Kevin Ansbro has indeed taken me on a journey from Cornwall to Phuket and nearly every exciting place in-between. Reading The Minotaur’s Son & Other Wild Tales has been like peeping through the looking glass into worlds I could never have dreamed of. I feel like Alice in the Wonderland that Ansbro has created!
And some of these wild tales will make you cackle. I laughed so hard at the hip-thrusting cowboy from the twenty-second century that my dog growled at me. The growling, of course, only made me chuckle even louder! However, within these pages you will also find poignant stories of honor and modern-day fables that are packed with moral dilemmas. There is even a magical concubine and a postman. One would be hard-pressed to ever come across such a fantastical cast of characters. Honestly, there wasn’t one of these brilliant allegories that I didn’t love.
I have to give a special nod to one story in particular. Kinnara, another dazzling book by this author, is my favorite book of all time, and in this splendid assemblage, I was given another taste of Thailand. A lovely surprise!
I would be remiss if I didn’t lavish praise over the buttery rich picturesque prose that graces the pages of every Ansbro creation. Some of the passages are so artfully crafted that I reread them just to bask in the glorious images Ansbro paints with words.
"Once the sea was alone, it whispered its watery secrets and drifted into a deep sleep."
So, if you like historical fiction, this book has it. Fancy a little Science Fiction? Here it is! How about some spectacular magical realism? Yesiree! Step right up and get yourself a copy! Love, laughter, tragedy, longing, greed ... all that and more burst to life from these fabulous pages. I haven’t quit thinking about the array of fascinating characters and a reread is sure to beckon.
There couldn’t possibly be a more entertaining book on the market today!
"We lose ourselves in books. We find ourselves there too."
–Anonymous
As I closed the gorgeous cover of this book, I find that more exact words were never written. I have been swept away by mermaids, lost in a faraway world with a space-travelling cowboy and found myself in tears over a love that could not be. Kevin Ansbro has indeed taken me on a journey from Cornwall to Phuket and nearly every exciting place in-between. Reading The Minotaur’s Son & Other Wild Tales has been like peeping through the looking glass into worlds I could never have dreamed of. I feel like Alice in the Wonderland that Ansbro has created!
And some of these wild tales will make you cackle. I laughed so hard at the hip-thrusting cowboy from the twenty-second century that my dog growled at me. The growling, of course, only made me chuckle even louder! However, within these pages you will also find poignant stories of honor and modern-day fables that are packed with moral dilemmas. There is even a magical concubine and a postman. One would be hard-pressed to ever come across such a fantastical cast of characters. Honestly, there wasn’t one of these brilliant allegories that I didn’t love.
I have to give a special nod to one story in particular. Kinnara, another dazzling book by this author, is my favorite book of all time, and in this splendid assemblage, I was given another taste of Thailand. A lovely surprise!
I would be remiss if I didn’t lavish praise over the buttery rich picturesque prose that graces the pages of every Ansbro creation. Some of the passages are so artfully crafted that I reread them just to bask in the glorious images Ansbro paints with words.
"Once the sea was alone, it whispered its watery secrets and drifted into a deep sleep."
So, if you like historical fiction, this book has it. Fancy a little Science Fiction? Here it is! How about some spectacular magical realism? Yesiree! Step right up and get yourself a copy! Love, laughter, tragedy, longing, greed ... all that and more burst to life from these fabulous pages. I haven’t quit thinking about the array of fascinating characters and a reread is sure to beckon.
There couldn’t possibly be a more entertaining book on the market today!
December 3, 2024
Imaginative
The Minotaur's Son: & other wild tales is a book of short stories that is unbounded in its imagination and entertainment. A collection of tales that I want to imagine being told around the metaphorical campfire, late at night, when the teller want to enthral and beguile their listeners. Stories that cause us to think that little bit deeper and wonder what we would do in those situations.
From ancient Greece to outer space, from Poseidon to Kevin himself, from the Minotaur’s son to genies, mermaids, ghosts and leprechauns, the variety of tales is astounding. Looking back what is clear is the highly imaginative mind Kevin possesses and his ability to masterfully write stories with authority. The narrative entertains and treats us to captivating tales that are magical and enthralling, and espouse the true nature of storytelling - to take the reader to another time, place or world. I have never finished a collection of short stories from a single author and felt I'd been taken on such a diverse journey.
The storytelling power is elevated through the clever dialogue between the array of characters, as promises are made, gifts are bestowed, and tricks are set in motion. The unreliable human nature influenced by greed, love and power, weaves its chaos through most of these stories. If only we could accept the gifts we have and not pursue false bounty. Many of the situations are humorous often with a dark wit that is devious and engages us page by page.
I would highly recommend this book and I would like to thank Kevin Ansbro for providing me with a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
The Minotaur's Son: & other wild tales is a book of short stories that is unbounded in its imagination and entertainment. A collection of tales that I want to imagine being told around the metaphorical campfire, late at night, when the teller want to enthral and beguile their listeners. Stories that cause us to think that little bit deeper and wonder what we would do in those situations.
From ancient Greece to outer space, from Poseidon to Kevin himself, from the Minotaur’s son to genies, mermaids, ghosts and leprechauns, the variety of tales is astounding. Looking back what is clear is the highly imaginative mind Kevin possesses and his ability to masterfully write stories with authority. The narrative entertains and treats us to captivating tales that are magical and enthralling, and espouse the true nature of storytelling - to take the reader to another time, place or world. I have never finished a collection of short stories from a single author and felt I'd been taken on such a diverse journey.
The storytelling power is elevated through the clever dialogue between the array of characters, as promises are made, gifts are bestowed, and tricks are set in motion. The unreliable human nature influenced by greed, love and power, weaves its chaos through most of these stories. If only we could accept the gifts we have and not pursue false bounty. Many of the situations are humorous often with a dark wit that is devious and engages us page by page.
I would highly recommend this book and I would like to thank Kevin Ansbro for providing me with a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
January 9, 2024
Intelligent!
Well, what else can I say?
This book is magnificent.
It has the charm and naughty rhythm of Saki and Cheever. The exuberance of Fitzgerald. And the wickedness of the Grimm Brothers (original version, of course).
The witticisms are highly amusing. The wordplay is brilliant and I have enjoyed reading this book so much I feel kind of sad that I have finished it.
So now I’m moving on to another. I hope l have as much pleasure. It’s time to get going. What am I waiting for?
Marvelous! Five stars 💫💫💫💫💫
Well, what else can I say?
This book is magnificent.
It has the charm and naughty rhythm of Saki and Cheever. The exuberance of Fitzgerald. And the wickedness of the Grimm Brothers (original version, of course).
The witticisms are highly amusing. The wordplay is brilliant and I have enjoyed reading this book so much I feel kind of sad that I have finished it.
So now I’m moving on to another. I hope l have as much pleasure. It’s time to get going. What am I waiting for?
Marvelous! Five stars 💫💫💫💫💫
October 14, 2019
Oh, come on, Goodreads! : )
Inviting an author to review his own book is like asking a fox to look after your hens!
It beggars belief, it really does, and I don't approve of it one bit. No, siree!
My inner voice beseeched me to do the ethical thing and award this dreary offering just one humble star, that I may be a beacon for all that is good and virtuous in this conceited world.
Then I told myself to stop being such a crybaby and fill it up to the top! So I did! : )
Inviting an author to review his own book is like asking a fox to look after your hens!
It beggars belief, it really does, and I don't approve of it one bit. No, siree!
My inner voice beseeched me to do the ethical thing and award this dreary offering just one humble star, that I may be a beacon for all that is good and virtuous in this conceited world.
Then I told myself to stop being such a crybaby and fill it up to the top! So I did! : )
October 12, 2019
"A book doesn't come alive until it is being read"-Kevin Ansbro
An eclectic reader will arguably wander from his/her comfort zone, at times, to explore new genres. For me, the mark of an awesome read is one that can create a vivid picture in my mind's eye. "The Minotaur's Son: & other wild tales" by Kevin Ansbro is "distinctly flavorful" in the hands of this masterful wordsmith. The wild tales are set in different locales ranging from Ancient Greece, 328 BC to teleportation to the Twenty-Second Century. They display a gamut of emotions: love, lust, greed, surprise, exaggeration, and speechlessness to name a few.
"The Concubine and the Postman" circa 1932, tells the story of Yara, the maharaja's favorite concubine. Yara has been gifted with magic powers by a "benevolent-but-wrathful Hindu goddess". On a home visit to her humble village, she is accosted by "three idiot thieves" who refer to her as "the maharaja's pretty porcupine". Oh my gosh! One cannot possibly imagine what is in store for this bumbling trio. I laughed my fool head off!
"Kardashian's Bottom" is a fun story about two hunters from the Mikopo tribe who find a glossy photo of Kim Kardashian that has been ejected from a Cessna flying above the trees in the jungle. "...just look at the size of her bottom." The men of the village had small-bottomed wives. This called for a meeting in the village longhouse.
"A Matter of Honor" is set in Allied Turkey, 1854, at a British Army Hospital during the Crimean War. Nurse Clementine Gresham "imaged how dashing [Captain Hugo Pinkerton] must look in his finery". Hugo had just awoken from a "chloroform inducted sleep" to address his injuries. Time marches on. Pinkerton declares his love for Clem, but alas, she is betrothed to another. Safely home in England, Hugo receives a letter from her.
T'nera is the only surviving inhabitant from the Planet Apromis in the story "Extinction". He sets "navigation coordinates for Planet Earth". T'nera's craft "...penetrated Earth's atmosphere, activated an invisibility filter and transformed his ship into a rain cloud...Earth's air was having an asphyxiating effect on him. [Gliding] through the doors of a birthing centre...he needed to find a human host...".
"The Minotaur's Son: & other wild tales" by Kevin Ansbro is a delightful, fun-filled, hilarious ride. Buckle your seat belt and embark on this fantastical journey!
An eclectic reader will arguably wander from his/her comfort zone, at times, to explore new genres. For me, the mark of an awesome read is one that can create a vivid picture in my mind's eye. "The Minotaur's Son: & other wild tales" by Kevin Ansbro is "distinctly flavorful" in the hands of this masterful wordsmith. The wild tales are set in different locales ranging from Ancient Greece, 328 BC to teleportation to the Twenty-Second Century. They display a gamut of emotions: love, lust, greed, surprise, exaggeration, and speechlessness to name a few.
"The Concubine and the Postman" circa 1932, tells the story of Yara, the maharaja's favorite concubine. Yara has been gifted with magic powers by a "benevolent-but-wrathful Hindu goddess". On a home visit to her humble village, she is accosted by "three idiot thieves" who refer to her as "the maharaja's pretty porcupine". Oh my gosh! One cannot possibly imagine what is in store for this bumbling trio. I laughed my fool head off!
"Kardashian's Bottom" is a fun story about two hunters from the Mikopo tribe who find a glossy photo of Kim Kardashian that has been ejected from a Cessna flying above the trees in the jungle. "...just look at the size of her bottom." The men of the village had small-bottomed wives. This called for a meeting in the village longhouse.
"A Matter of Honor" is set in Allied Turkey, 1854, at a British Army Hospital during the Crimean War. Nurse Clementine Gresham "imaged how dashing [Captain Hugo Pinkerton] must look in his finery". Hugo had just awoken from a "chloroform inducted sleep" to address his injuries. Time marches on. Pinkerton declares his love for Clem, but alas, she is betrothed to another. Safely home in England, Hugo receives a letter from her.
T'nera is the only surviving inhabitant from the Planet Apromis in the story "Extinction". He sets "navigation coordinates for Planet Earth". T'nera's craft "...penetrated Earth's atmosphere, activated an invisibility filter and transformed his ship into a rain cloud...Earth's air was having an asphyxiating effect on him. [Gliding] through the doors of a birthing centre...he needed to find a human host...".
"The Minotaur's Son: & other wild tales" by Kevin Ansbro is a delightful, fun-filled, hilarious ride. Buckle your seat belt and embark on this fantastical journey!
October 4, 2019
Oops, he did it again. 5⭐ plus. What a ride!
As Richie Benaud would say "Marvellous".
When a book opens with a story about a lad who is stuck in the netherworld after drowning, features a talking cat & a mermaid keening her siren's call, you know you're in for an absolute treat.
Shapeshifters, a wolverine, a conman, a disco dancing space captain, some time travel, a wish-granting genie, an extraterrestrial, an overworked salaryman, a party bore... they're all here. Even Poseidon makes an appearance. As does Dorothy. But these are all a mere sweetener, an amuse bouche if you will, of the many delights that await you within these pages. Go on, tuck into the main course.
Devilishly clever tales with razor sharp humour. From the bawdy, and downright funny, to the atmospherically dark, these tales cover the spectrum of the human condition. Jealousy, lust, impatience, greed, love. The Seven Sins have never been so much fun.
The word play is sublime. And the scope of the stories is impressive. Each one utterly unique.
Short stories are my favourite genre. So what a thrill to have Kevin Ansbro weave his magic and come up with such a sparkling collection. Sigh. I cannot gush about this one enough.
I am seriously blown away by this book.
And I've learnt from it too. I think I now know where the phrase frog in your throat originated from. Or should that be toad in your throat (or somewhere else). Hmmmm... Capt. Chuck (dude-alicious!) Montana, please explain.
Yes, they all have a delightful twist. Many will make you laugh. Others will make you sad. Some will make you blink away a tear. They'll all make you think.
Tomfoolery aside (mine, not Mr. Ansbro's) there is a devastating story set during the Crimean War "A Matter of Honour" that will leave you emotionally shaken.
Also the story "Waiting for Ryan"... How wonderful to meet the beautiful Sawat again (from "Kinnara") . Picture a piece of paper shredded into tiny pieces and released. That will be your heart.
Just as you shouldn't leave a movie before all the credits have rolled, make sure you read the "Acknowledgements" section of this book. It is told with stylish wit. Kevvy, I agree, Carly Simon definitely had you in mind when she wrote "that" song (Warren who?).
Another Aussie icon Ian "Molly" Meldrum had the catchphrase "Do yourself a favour" (on the TV show "Countdown") to convince punters to go out and buy the latest record. I concur. Do yourself a favour and read this book NOW. It's just that good.
NOTE TO AUTHOR: Any chance you'd narrate an audio-version? I've never been tempted by them before, but you could twist my arm...
AUTHOR INTERVIEW!
Make sure you read the Author's pearls of wisdom via the utterly charming & fun interview with Collin which can be read here
Some snippets to whet your appetite:
"The sea nymph luxuriated in the shallows only yards away, seductive and breathtakingly beautiful."
"Captain Chuck Montana of the United States Spaceforce was having the time of his life strutting his stuff on a dancefloor that was lit up like a Vegas slot machine."
" 'A talking dog?' replied Toro, more than a little baffled. 'What is its name?'. 'Mind your own business,' the dog snapped."
"He set Veronica's coffee on the bedside dresser and kissed her botoxed forehead."
"A gentleman goes in search of flattery as keenly as a bee hunts for pollen."
"I'm not your fecking friend, you grinning gobshite."
"Are you even real? she mused, falling in love for the first time in her young life."
As Richie Benaud would say "Marvellous".
When a book opens with a story about a lad who is stuck in the netherworld after drowning, features a talking cat & a mermaid keening her siren's call, you know you're in for an absolute treat.
Shapeshifters, a wolverine, a conman, a disco dancing space captain, some time travel, a wish-granting genie, an extraterrestrial, an overworked salaryman, a party bore... they're all here. Even Poseidon makes an appearance. As does Dorothy. But these are all a mere sweetener, an amuse bouche if you will, of the many delights that await you within these pages. Go on, tuck into the main course.
Devilishly clever tales with razor sharp humour. From the bawdy, and downright funny, to the atmospherically dark, these tales cover the spectrum of the human condition. Jealousy, lust, impatience, greed, love. The Seven Sins have never been so much fun.
The word play is sublime. And the scope of the stories is impressive. Each one utterly unique.
Short stories are my favourite genre. So what a thrill to have Kevin Ansbro weave his magic and come up with such a sparkling collection. Sigh. I cannot gush about this one enough.
I am seriously blown away by this book.
And I've learnt from it too. I think I now know where the phrase frog in your throat originated from. Or should that be toad in your throat (or somewhere else). Hmmmm... Capt. Chuck (dude-alicious!) Montana, please explain.
Yes, they all have a delightful twist. Many will make you laugh. Others will make you sad. Some will make you blink away a tear. They'll all make you think.
Tomfoolery aside (mine, not Mr. Ansbro's) there is a devastating story set during the Crimean War "A Matter of Honour" that will leave you emotionally shaken.
Also the story "Waiting for Ryan"... How wonderful to meet the beautiful Sawat again (from "Kinnara") . Picture a piece of paper shredded into tiny pieces and released. That will be your heart.
Just as you shouldn't leave a movie before all the credits have rolled, make sure you read the "Acknowledgements" section of this book. It is told with stylish wit. Kevvy, I agree, Carly Simon definitely had you in mind when she wrote "that" song (Warren who?).
Another Aussie icon Ian "Molly" Meldrum had the catchphrase "Do yourself a favour" (on the TV show "Countdown") to convince punters to go out and buy the latest record. I concur. Do yourself a favour and read this book NOW. It's just that good.
NOTE TO AUTHOR: Any chance you'd narrate an audio-version? I've never been tempted by them before, but you could twist my arm...
AUTHOR INTERVIEW!
Make sure you read the Author's pearls of wisdom via the utterly charming & fun interview with Collin which can be read here
Some snippets to whet your appetite:
"The sea nymph luxuriated in the shallows only yards away, seductive and breathtakingly beautiful."
"Captain Chuck Montana of the United States Spaceforce was having the time of his life strutting his stuff on a dancefloor that was lit up like a Vegas slot machine."
" 'A talking dog?' replied Toro, more than a little baffled. 'What is its name?'. 'Mind your own business,' the dog snapped."
"He set Veronica's coffee on the bedside dresser and kissed her botoxed forehead."
"A gentleman goes in search of flattery as keenly as a bee hunts for pollen."
"I'm not your fecking friend, you grinning gobshite."
"Are you even real? she mused, falling in love for the first time in her young life."
September 29, 2019
The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales is a collection of short quirky stories. Hmmm, perhaps “quirky” is an understatement, or perhaps the wrong word completely. It might be easier just to give you the gist of the stories and you will get the idea.
The first story, The Siren Call finds the ghost of five-year dead teenager, Jacob Fletcher, sitting on a fisherman’s roof by the sea talking to a cat and a bat. Yes, I did say cat and bat. The teenager, despite frantic attempts from his father and two lifeguards to save him, drowned five years ago in the sea. He is trapped in this limbo state because his body was never recovered. As you can imagine life has become a tad boring for a teenage ghost who spends his time sitting on a roof and talking to a cat and bat. So, he is more than a little interested when a mermaid approaches him from the sea with a mesmerising offer.
I’m willing to bet with the second story “Chuck Montana in the Twenty-Second Century”, Ansbro is having a stab at William Shatner’s portrayal of Captain Kirk from Star trek and Austin Powers. Either way it is an hilarious story that will have you laughing right from the first paragraph.
Just as I thought that the entire collection was going to be full of stories of magical realism and science fiction, I should have remembered the saying, never judge a book by its cover as Ansbro delivers a third story that is a sad reminder of appreciation and tolerance for our aging parents.
“The Minotaur’s Son”, feels like it has come from the imagination of Guillermo del Toro, and is a wonderful, fantastical tale, again with a parable type lesson.
“The Show-off” seems to be an anecdotal story about the kind of person I think we have all met at a party. I am burning to find out more about this one.
The longest of the stories, “A Matter of Honour”, is perhaps my favourite of the collection. This love story set in the aftermath of the Crimean War would make a brilliant full-length novel. The Charge of the Light Brigade, the Nightingales, this story was made for me and has a beautiful poignant ending.
The antics of the three main characters, Om, Kabir and Sanjay will have you in hysterics as they kidnap the maharaja’s favourite concubine and hold her for ransom in “The Concubine and the Postman”.
“Extinction” is the story of a planet that has heated up to the extent that it can no longer support life. Hmmm. The last alien alive has a ship containing the last embryos of its species and is heading off on a Hail-Mary mission to a planet in another solar system that is capable of sustaining life. The planet’s name, Earth. This one almost seems like the uber refugee story.
You have to smile when the alien eventually makes it to Earth and has trouble breathing because of the high levels of carbon dioxide in the air. But the smiles disappear come the ending.
“Brian the Bigot” contains easily the most odious character in the collection, oh but his actions and offensive attitude towards, well, just about everything, make for some great laughs. Especially the way he treats his customers. He’s homophobic, he’s racist. He’s sexist, he’s the complete package.
Once again this one ends with a wicked, evil twist.
The rest of the stories take the reader to Ancient Greece, Modern day Japan, Africa in the seventeenth century, Ireland, and Kansas with “Dorothy in Oz”. So many different locations but they all share wonderful stories.
Most of the stories contain the same humour and clever twists at the end, and many read like a parable with an important message gifted to the reader upon conclusion. They also all contain Ansbro’s lovely metaphorical writing style. He also has a knack for placing the right adjective in a sentence to make it pop. In fact, I may as well just say it, he writes beautifully. If you like flowing descriptive writing, as I do, then you will love the stories regardless of content. Well that may be a bit of a stretch, but not by much.
I was hoping that this collection was going to be a nice read, easy and light so I could just give it a three or four star rating and then people would think that I have not been swayed by friendship, but the simple fact of the matter is that this wonderful collection deserves a five. The writing is superb, the stories are a joy to read and cover so many topics and genres. In fact. the only quibble I have is that it could have had a couple of more stories. Congratulations on a wonderful book Kevin, I will be reading all your work. 5 stars!
I must also thank Kevin very much for graciously accepting my invite for a little interview which I will post on my blog as soon as I can. Have a look, the site manager says that my site has the record for the least amount of views on the entire server. 😊
Here is the link - /www.collinsbookblog.com/post/ten-ques...
The first story, The Siren Call finds the ghost of five-year dead teenager, Jacob Fletcher, sitting on a fisherman’s roof by the sea talking to a cat and a bat. Yes, I did say cat and bat. The teenager, despite frantic attempts from his father and two lifeguards to save him, drowned five years ago in the sea. He is trapped in this limbo state because his body was never recovered. As you can imagine life has become a tad boring for a teenage ghost who spends his time sitting on a roof and talking to a cat and bat. So, he is more than a little interested when a mermaid approaches him from the sea with a mesmerising offer.
I’m willing to bet with the second story “Chuck Montana in the Twenty-Second Century”, Ansbro is having a stab at William Shatner’s portrayal of Captain Kirk from Star trek and Austin Powers. Either way it is an hilarious story that will have you laughing right from the first paragraph.
Just as I thought that the entire collection was going to be full of stories of magical realism and science fiction, I should have remembered the saying, never judge a book by its cover as Ansbro delivers a third story that is a sad reminder of appreciation and tolerance for our aging parents.
“The Minotaur’s Son”, feels like it has come from the imagination of Guillermo del Toro, and is a wonderful, fantastical tale, again with a parable type lesson.
“The Show-off” seems to be an anecdotal story about the kind of person I think we have all met at a party. I am burning to find out more about this one.
The longest of the stories, “A Matter of Honour”, is perhaps my favourite of the collection. This love story set in the aftermath of the Crimean War would make a brilliant full-length novel. The Charge of the Light Brigade, the Nightingales, this story was made for me and has a beautiful poignant ending.
The antics of the three main characters, Om, Kabir and Sanjay will have you in hysterics as they kidnap the maharaja’s favourite concubine and hold her for ransom in “The Concubine and the Postman”.
“Extinction” is the story of a planet that has heated up to the extent that it can no longer support life. Hmmm. The last alien alive has a ship containing the last embryos of its species and is heading off on a Hail-Mary mission to a planet in another solar system that is capable of sustaining life. The planet’s name, Earth. This one almost seems like the uber refugee story.
You have to smile when the alien eventually makes it to Earth and has trouble breathing because of the high levels of carbon dioxide in the air. But the smiles disappear come the ending.
“Brian the Bigot” contains easily the most odious character in the collection, oh but his actions and offensive attitude towards, well, just about everything, make for some great laughs. Especially the way he treats his customers. He’s homophobic, he’s racist. He’s sexist, he’s the complete package.
Once again this one ends with a wicked, evil twist.
The rest of the stories take the reader to Ancient Greece, Modern day Japan, Africa in the seventeenth century, Ireland, and Kansas with “Dorothy in Oz”. So many different locations but they all share wonderful stories.
Most of the stories contain the same humour and clever twists at the end, and many read like a parable with an important message gifted to the reader upon conclusion. They also all contain Ansbro’s lovely metaphorical writing style. He also has a knack for placing the right adjective in a sentence to make it pop. In fact, I may as well just say it, he writes beautifully. If you like flowing descriptive writing, as I do, then you will love the stories regardless of content. Well that may be a bit of a stretch, but not by much.
I was hoping that this collection was going to be a nice read, easy and light so I could just give it a three or four star rating and then people would think that I have not been swayed by friendship, but the simple fact of the matter is that this wonderful collection deserves a five. The writing is superb, the stories are a joy to read and cover so many topics and genres. In fact. the only quibble I have is that it could have had a couple of more stories. Congratulations on a wonderful book Kevin, I will be reading all your work. 5 stars!
I must also thank Kevin very much for graciously accepting my invite for a little interview which I will post on my blog as soon as I can. Have a look, the site manager says that my site has the record for the least amount of views on the entire server. 😊
Here is the link - /www.collinsbookblog.com/post/ten-ques...
July 22, 2021
My favourite books are the ones where I fall in love with them within the first few pages. This one grabbed me from, more or less, the first sentence.
Fifteen years old and adrift from our world, with only a conceited cat and a tatty-winged bat for company, Jacob Fletcher sat high upon the frosty roof of a fisherman’s cottage looking over a moonlit swathe of Cornish coastline.
With that image firmly planted in my brain, I went forth to discover even more beauty, humour, love, in tales that cover a myriad of human failings such as lust, envy, jealousy, and greed, as well as love and even war. The characters including a mermaid, a genie, shape shifters, Dorothy (but no Scarecrow, Wizard, Tin Man or Lion) - Oh, my!, Poseidon, and more. So much more.
Short stories are not, typically, a genre that I’m drawn to, especially when the stories have nothing connecting them, but I loved this collection. These are very thought provoking at times, even when they are hilarious, or uniquely different from the ones before, they are connected by these shared human conditions. Ansbro keeps you on your toes through laughter, a few tears, and the beauty of his writing.
If you’ve read Ansbro’s Kinnara then you will happily reconnect with Sawat in ”Waiting for Ryan” in this collection, which made this one of my favourites of this collection. ”A Matter of Honour” also was so beautifully shared and was such a heartrending story that takes place in 1854, at a British Army Hospital during the Crimean War. ”The Siren Call,” set such a lovely stage for what would follow… ”a brooding Bible-black sky and a hushed town tucked up in bed as the dew fell without a whisper.” and was also among my favourites.
Read this and weep – a little, but you’ll also laugh, smile, and give thanks for this lovely collection of stories which shares humour, tragedy, and, like Aesop’s fables, perhaps a moral message, or two, as well.
December 4, 2019
This is an eclectic mix of stories peppered with plenty of humour and some really good twists that I enjoyed. We have a ghost with a mermaid seductress, a space traveler who goes backwards in time, a coin with a genie, a vampire, a leprechaun to name but a few! The Minotaurs son with his hat is an image I’ll remember for a long time! We even had KK’s copious rear end appearing in a very unlikely location!!
I like the fact that the stories go backwards and forwards in time there’s one with Greek mythology, another one set in the Crimean War era which is very good and some set in the future. There’s one featuring an alien in a human baby which was a kind of weird Boss Baby which is really entertaining. Although I can honestly say I like them all, my favourite is The Show-off, featuring none other than our Kevin. I especially love this one as I have a suspicion that Kevin and I are evil thought twins except I sincerely hope his face is better at hiding his thoughts as mine boldly telegraphs my feelings apparently!!! I really hope this story is true and if it’s not make it true next time you have the mind numbing encounter with a Bentley owner - ok? 😂
Overall, a really well written, highly entertaining, funny (some so funny there were unladylike explosions of laugher and I’ll admit to the odd snort. Equally unladylike) and some very clever twists.
Big thanks to Kevin for the treat of this early Christmas present. Cheers 🥂😀
I like the fact that the stories go backwards and forwards in time there’s one with Greek mythology, another one set in the Crimean War era which is very good and some set in the future. There’s one featuring an alien in a human baby which was a kind of weird Boss Baby which is really entertaining. Although I can honestly say I like them all, my favourite is The Show-off, featuring none other than our Kevin. I especially love this one as I have a suspicion that Kevin and I are evil thought twins except I sincerely hope his face is better at hiding his thoughts as mine boldly telegraphs my feelings apparently!!! I really hope this story is true and if it’s not make it true next time you have the mind numbing encounter with a Bentley owner - ok? 😂
Overall, a really well written, highly entertaining, funny (some so funny there were unladylike explosions of laugher and I’ll admit to the odd snort. Equally unladylike) and some very clever twists.
Big thanks to Kevin for the treat of this early Christmas present. Cheers 🥂😀
February 2, 2024
“I also see it perfectly,” squeaked the bat, keen to dispel the myth that his genus was as blind as the idiom suggests.
A spellbinding breach of literary status-quo!!
Stretching the very limits of his imagination, whilst maintaining the precepts of magical realism, author Kevin Ansbro gifts us this eclectic anthology of short stories whose ingenuity might take a first-time Ansbro reader by surprise.
Both in storytelling and imagination, this author writes with a virtuosity that is incomparable. His lines are so heavily packed with literary tools that they might make one reminiscent of a Japanese tattooist going about their craft. The stories, each set in differing geographical locations, permits us workaholics to reunite with that part of ourselves which seeks a deeper meaning, that silently hungers for a swift rewind to the moment of a beloved’s permanent departure, and which yearns to watch holders of power lay drifting eyes upon unsung heroes.
What additionally sets this collection ablaze is how the author achieves the difficult feat of constructing characters that are entirely memorable, despite the dalliance with them being no more than an average of seven pages ( the longest being twenty-seven pages).
And, as always, Ansbro remains the extractor of human emotions, eliciting laughter, tears, anger, romance and regret to the fullest degree.
Oh and how admirably matched to their selves are the names of many characters! One only needs to take notice! Plus, the cover picture has been painted by the author himself.
I am completely certain that this assorted collection of short stories will endure in the hearts of all who read it!
Also, I recommend the author's other novel, Kinnara . The novelty in that story might make you want to come and personally thank me for the recommendation.
A spellbinding breach of literary status-quo!!
Stretching the very limits of his imagination, whilst maintaining the precepts of magical realism, author Kevin Ansbro gifts us this eclectic anthology of short stories whose ingenuity might take a first-time Ansbro reader by surprise.
Both in storytelling and imagination, this author writes with a virtuosity that is incomparable. His lines are so heavily packed with literary tools that they might make one reminiscent of a Japanese tattooist going about their craft. The stories, each set in differing geographical locations, permits us workaholics to reunite with that part of ourselves which seeks a deeper meaning, that silently hungers for a swift rewind to the moment of a beloved’s permanent departure, and which yearns to watch holders of power lay drifting eyes upon unsung heroes.
What additionally sets this collection ablaze is how the author achieves the difficult feat of constructing characters that are entirely memorable, despite the dalliance with them being no more than an average of seven pages ( the longest being twenty-seven pages).
And, as always, Ansbro remains the extractor of human emotions, eliciting laughter, tears, anger, romance and regret to the fullest degree.
Oh and how admirably matched to their selves are the names of many characters! One only needs to take notice! Plus, the cover picture has been painted by the author himself.
I am completely certain that this assorted collection of short stories will endure in the hearts of all who read it!
Also, I recommend the author's other novel, Kinnara . The novelty in that story might make you want to come and personally thank me for the recommendation.
June 20, 2021
This book has some five-star stories, there is excellence here. What most impressed me in The Minotaur's Son is Kevin Ansbro's range. The collection is exceptionally eclectic. Unlike in many short-story collections and with many writers for that matter, if they were presented to you one at a time you might not be able to identify them all as having come from the same mind. He's outstanding in and comfortable with a variety of subjects and tones. The collection goes from strength to strength.
Humor, pathos, wisdom, mythology, slapstick and sorrow and plenty of twists are in these stories which take place across time periods and continents. Kevin Ansbro does it so well. These stories include mythical creatures, a new look at Dorothy Gale, a poignant pair of lovers, an alien and a heartbreaker on the consequences of war. In The Pantheon, Ansbro's paradise has an eclectic collection of the dead including Bob Marley, Boris Yeltsin, Bowie and Bhutto. I especially enjoyed a clever refrain from Dickens and the snarky exchange between Oscar Wilde and Hemingway.
Range. I don't get choked up easily while reading but a story that takes place during the Crimean War melted me into a puddle. In another story there's a bit of a cameo by the main character from The Fish That Climbed a Tree. You won't miss a thing if you haven't read the book. For me, coming upon it was a delightful surprise.
And there's a loveable, audacious story in which the author is his own main character, clever and entertaining -- Ansbro and the story. Love that one. Initially I wished he'd saved it for last but then realized that would be the obvious choice and Ansbro doesn't go for obvious choices If he did there wouldn't be that story centered around Kim Kardashian's butt. It was brief, unique and amusing but because of the, um, terrain it was the only one I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Still, unlike the butt it was organic and well done.
The man can write. He's got a gift for great dialogue, description and pace, sets the scene and takes us into his characters very quickly and moves things along with great skill. This collection is like a box of fine chocolates: it's special, with something for every taste including ones with soft centers, ones that are chewy and some full of nuts. It's a real treat.
Humor, pathos, wisdom, mythology, slapstick and sorrow and plenty of twists are in these stories which take place across time periods and continents. Kevin Ansbro does it so well. These stories include mythical creatures, a new look at Dorothy Gale, a poignant pair of lovers, an alien and a heartbreaker on the consequences of war. In The Pantheon, Ansbro's paradise has an eclectic collection of the dead including Bob Marley, Boris Yeltsin, Bowie and Bhutto. I especially enjoyed a clever refrain from Dickens and the snarky exchange between Oscar Wilde and Hemingway.
Range. I don't get choked up easily while reading but a story that takes place during the Crimean War melted me into a puddle. In another story there's a bit of a cameo by the main character from The Fish That Climbed a Tree. You won't miss a thing if you haven't read the book. For me, coming upon it was a delightful surprise.
And there's a loveable, audacious story in which the author is his own main character, clever and entertaining -- Ansbro and the story. Love that one. Initially I wished he'd saved it for last but then realized that would be the obvious choice and Ansbro doesn't go for obvious choices If he did there wouldn't be that story centered around Kim Kardashian's butt. It was brief, unique and amusing but because of the, um, terrain it was the only one I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Still, unlike the butt it was organic and well done.
The man can write. He's got a gift for great dialogue, description and pace, sets the scene and takes us into his characters very quickly and moves things along with great skill. This collection is like a box of fine chocolates: it's special, with something for every taste including ones with soft centers, ones that are chewy and some full of nuts. It's a real treat.
August 15, 2024
This author is one of my favorite interpreters of the genre, magical realism.
And…I have had the pleasure to read several of his books. I have included links to my reviews of his other books I have read below.
One day…I was surprised to receive the gift of this book in the mail from the author…
Which…I have been happily reading since last month as an in-between book.
For anyone who has been following my reviews, an in-between book (to me), is one that I read, while I am reading a 300-400+ page novel. Especially, when an in-between book is filled with short stories.
And that is what this book is…A compilation of several short stories of a few pages each. Magical realism. Historical fiction. Science fiction. Mystery. Contemporary fiction. And More. He gives us it all!
Which has been perfect…So that…Every now and then when I have needed to break away from the longer novels…
I have been able to gain a fresh breath of Ansbro, and just kick back…
And…Feel anything from a sense of joyous humor, magic, quirky characters (including the author himself as one!), a celebrity sighting, otherworldly beauty, boldness and bravado, and/or crazy antics between the pages.
How do I describe this, but to say…
Ansbro takes us to another world of characters who jump off the page because their personalities are big and unique and full of life.
There were even moments when I had to pull out the Kleenex. Truly. My heart was full with this collection of imaginary but real-life feeling characters.
So much so…I want to see them on the big screen. I imagine they will captivate audiences in amusing and heart-full ways.
To be honest…I am spoiled by this author.
So…I know this book is supposed to go to my Little Free Library Shed…
But…They are going to have to wait. I want to stay with these characters for a little while longer.
I want to thank Kevin Ansbro for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
My review for Kinnara is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review for The Fish that Climbed a Tree is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review for In the Shadow of Time is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And…I have had the pleasure to read several of his books. I have included links to my reviews of his other books I have read below.
One day…I was surprised to receive the gift of this book in the mail from the author…
Which…I have been happily reading since last month as an in-between book.
For anyone who has been following my reviews, an in-between book (to me), is one that I read, while I am reading a 300-400+ page novel. Especially, when an in-between book is filled with short stories.
And that is what this book is…A compilation of several short stories of a few pages each. Magical realism. Historical fiction. Science fiction. Mystery. Contemporary fiction. And More. He gives us it all!
Which has been perfect…So that…Every now and then when I have needed to break away from the longer novels…
I have been able to gain a fresh breath of Ansbro, and just kick back…
And…Feel anything from a sense of joyous humor, magic, quirky characters (including the author himself as one!), a celebrity sighting, otherworldly beauty, boldness and bravado, and/or crazy antics between the pages.
How do I describe this, but to say…
Ansbro takes us to another world of characters who jump off the page because their personalities are big and unique and full of life.
There were even moments when I had to pull out the Kleenex. Truly. My heart was full with this collection of imaginary but real-life feeling characters.
So much so…I want to see them on the big screen. I imagine they will captivate audiences in amusing and heart-full ways.
To be honest…I am spoiled by this author.
So…I know this book is supposed to go to my Little Free Library Shed…
But…They are going to have to wait. I want to stay with these characters for a little while longer.
I want to thank Kevin Ansbro for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
My review for Kinnara is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review for The Fish that Climbed a Tree is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review for In the Shadow of Time is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 16, 2019
The Minotaur's Son or as I call it "The 23 lives of Kevin Ansbro" that's right folks I've unlocked the secret of this book: 23 mini biographies chronicling the many lives that Kevin has lived throughout time. The trick is identifying which one is him, farmer or leprechaun? Dance master or shapeshifting queen? The only way you're gonna find out is to read the book yourself.
As for the book itself, it is wonderful, every single story draws you in and there is no way in hell you're gonna be able to put down the book mid story. There are so many fantastic characters, 15 year old Jacob Fletcher, The mighty Chuck Montana (the chap that every man aspires to be) and Kim Kardashian's Bottom were a few of my favourites. Each story has Kevin's little touch of humour, a few even end on a punchline. Favourite stories were; "Dorothy in Oz", ever wondered what happened to Dorothy after the movie ended? Well look no further. "Waiting for Ryan" easily my favourite, it was brilliant to revisit scenes from Kinnara and I loved Sawat's cameo.
I wasn't sure how the short stories would work as Kevin is well known for weaving an intricate plot with many twists and turns but I've been blown away with how good this was, not a single weakness.
Check my blog review if you wanna see what happened when I tried to set fire to the book> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2019...
As for the book itself, it is wonderful, every single story draws you in and there is no way in hell you're gonna be able to put down the book mid story. There are so many fantastic characters, 15 year old Jacob Fletcher, The mighty Chuck Montana (the chap that every man aspires to be) and Kim Kardashian's Bottom were a few of my favourites. Each story has Kevin's little touch of humour, a few even end on a punchline. Favourite stories were; "Dorothy in Oz", ever wondered what happened to Dorothy after the movie ended? Well look no further. "Waiting for Ryan" easily my favourite, it was brilliant to revisit scenes from Kinnara and I loved Sawat's cameo.
I wasn't sure how the short stories would work as Kevin is well known for weaving an intricate plot with many twists and turns but I've been blown away with how good this was, not a single weakness.
Check my blog review if you wanna see what happened when I tried to set fire to the book> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2019...
January 17, 2020
In this his 4th book, Kevin Ansbro has produced a selection of short stories, every one of them, unique and different yet also all of them written in his magical writing style. I love his metaphors. Sometimes they are hilarious, others can reduce me to tears. The quality of these short stories is sky high.I found myself dipping into this one rather than reading it straight through and I savoured every one of his quirky tales. That for me was how I felt it needed to be read. When the book arrived I was enchanted by the beautiful cover even before turning to the first page. Some readers have chosen favourites among the diverse short tales but I never really found one that stood out from the rest. I enjoyed them all. Perhaps the story of the genii might well stick in my mind, not because I felt it was the best though. It just reminded me of the various stories about genius I read as a child and of course indulged in the fantasy of putting myself in the position of being given three wishes. Another story I remember was about unfulfilled love which made my heart ache. Kevin Ansbro has the gift of ending his stories or chapters in a full length novel with an intriguing twist and there were in abundance here. I would imagine almost every genre possible is covered by one or other of these lovely short stories The book is like an Aladdin's cave full of many faceted jewels. I really loved the book and heartily recommend it whatever the reader's taste. Thank you Kevin Ansbro. for the delight of reading this latest book and the earlier ones too.
March 28, 2020
If you are looking for something that will take you away, something that will make you giggle, and something that will leave a number of ah-ha moments, then you must take a walk a bit on the wild tale side with Kevin Ansbro's short story collection. I had such fun with this group of short stories and since fun seems to be in short supply these days, I so appreciated the ability to be sucked in, mesmerized and even had times of laugh out loud loveliness.
“A woman is like an ocean, sir, beautiful to look at but dangerous to cross.” Already Kevin knows 50% of his audience well!
“A gentleman goes in search of flattery as keenly as a bee hunts for pollen.” and here we see the other 50%!
I am not really a short story reader as I have found that I no sooner seem to get to know the characters and events then they are gone and for me that relationship I look to have disappears. So truthfully, I was not the best audience for this book. However, I have to confess that each and every tale, left me feeling something. It's hard to decide on a favorite though I am partial to the tale of the father-son relationship. DOTH THOU THINK ME A FOOL? really got to me and I had some teary eyed moments with that one.
There is a whole plethora of mystical, magical creatures and one of the human kind, who in all honestly act like we would figure them to. Some are greedy, some are so caught up in themselves that you want to kick them into the twilight zone, some are lovable, (the leprechaun in THE POT OF GOLD), and some are the opposite of that. (that would be you, Brian, with Matt coming in a very close second)
Kevin tickled my die hard devotion to Star Trek (yes I am and always will be a Trekkie!) with his CHUCK MONTANA IN THE TWENTY-SECOND CENTURY story. It was one of the lol stories I mentioned earlier. .......and if you are looking for more lol moments than Kevin's THE CONCUBINE AND THE POSTMAN, will have you rolling as as trio of numbskulls, Om, Kabir and Sanjay, kidnap the maharaja’s favorite concubine. ......and I bet you wonder where the Postman comes in?
BRIAN THE BIGOT will set your teeth on edge but you will be cheering as Brian gets his just desserts in a most wonderfully devious way. In a close second place to taking the trophy home for being the most obnoxious person in the room (or maybe in the country, planet, galaxy) was Matt, a person we all have met, in THE SHOW-OFF. He proves to all that there are many who believe themselves just too cool for school!
Kevin has been able to masterfully engender all the emotions in this collection. He takes us to faraway places with kindness, an eye on the right, the just, and also an eye, that in the end, many of us get exactly what we deserve. Wickedly funny, showing a keen understanding of the human spirit or lack thereof, Kevin weaves his tales so well that this becomes a book that is hard to put aside.
Do I recommend this collection? Oh yes, indeed! It was a ray of definite sunshine with a bit of a rainbow attached and to me it was the perfect way to spend a day or two with many delightful and nefarious characters.
“A woman is like an ocean, sir, beautiful to look at but dangerous to cross.” Already Kevin knows 50% of his audience well!
“A gentleman goes in search of flattery as keenly as a bee hunts for pollen.” and here we see the other 50%!
I am not really a short story reader as I have found that I no sooner seem to get to know the characters and events then they are gone and for me that relationship I look to have disappears. So truthfully, I was not the best audience for this book. However, I have to confess that each and every tale, left me feeling something. It's hard to decide on a favorite though I am partial to the tale of the father-son relationship. DOTH THOU THINK ME A FOOL? really got to me and I had some teary eyed moments with that one.
There is a whole plethora of mystical, magical creatures and one of the human kind, who in all honestly act like we would figure them to. Some are greedy, some are so caught up in themselves that you want to kick them into the twilight zone, some are lovable, (the leprechaun in THE POT OF GOLD), and some are the opposite of that. (that would be you, Brian, with Matt coming in a very close second)
Kevin tickled my die hard devotion to Star Trek (yes I am and always will be a Trekkie!) with his CHUCK MONTANA IN THE TWENTY-SECOND CENTURY story. It was one of the lol stories I mentioned earlier. .......and if you are looking for more lol moments than Kevin's THE CONCUBINE AND THE POSTMAN, will have you rolling as as trio of numbskulls, Om, Kabir and Sanjay, kidnap the maharaja’s favorite concubine. ......and I bet you wonder where the Postman comes in?
BRIAN THE BIGOT will set your teeth on edge but you will be cheering as Brian gets his just desserts in a most wonderfully devious way. In a close second place to taking the trophy home for being the most obnoxious person in the room (or maybe in the country, planet, galaxy) was Matt, a person we all have met, in THE SHOW-OFF. He proves to all that there are many who believe themselves just too cool for school!
Kevin has been able to masterfully engender all the emotions in this collection. He takes us to faraway places with kindness, an eye on the right, the just, and also an eye, that in the end, many of us get exactly what we deserve. Wickedly funny, showing a keen understanding of the human spirit or lack thereof, Kevin weaves his tales so well that this becomes a book that is hard to put aside.
Do I recommend this collection? Oh yes, indeed! It was a ray of definite sunshine with a bit of a rainbow attached and to me it was the perfect way to spend a day or two with many delightful and nefarious characters.
April 24, 2023
Kevin Ansbro stirs me youth and reminiscences back to those long ago hard cover library novels of Dickens, Hardy, and a dozen, or two, classic yarn spinners.
I sent thousands of hand written letters, the words carefully composed, with my fountain pen - oh how I loved calligraphy!
Yes Kevin! Thank you for your creative writing indeed!
“ "Well, sir, extraordinary as it might seem, the Americans are working on a voice communication device_"
Captain Pinkerton's eyebrows shot to the top of his forehead. "A voice communication device, Pike? What the deuce?"
"Yes, sir. They say that it will sit in one's home, sir, and will allow the purchaser to converse with a person of their acquaintance without having to be anywhere near them."
"My dear fellow, once we allow such a contraption into our homes the art of writing letters will be lost and people won't feel the need to venture outside." “
I sent thousands of hand written letters, the words carefully composed, with my fountain pen - oh how I loved calligraphy!
Yes Kevin! Thank you for your creative writing indeed!
“ "Well, sir, extraordinary as it might seem, the Americans are working on a voice communication device_"
Captain Pinkerton's eyebrows shot to the top of his forehead. "A voice communication device, Pike? What the deuce?"
"Yes, sir. They say that it will sit in one's home, sir, and will allow the purchaser to converse with a person of their acquaintance without having to be anywhere near them."
"My dear fellow, once we allow such a contraption into our homes the art of writing letters will be lost and people won't feel the need to venture outside." “
May 28, 2022
Kevin Ansbro is to cool writing as Dunkin Donuts is to morning coffee. He produces what’s needed and makes it taste good too.
If he were a musician, I would say that his work is fun and has a good beat you can dance to.
Having read a couple of his novels, I picked up his 2019 collection of shorter work - The Minotaur's Son & Other Wild Tales.
My first thought was to compare this work to Kurt Vonnegut’s 1968 anthology Welcome to the Monkey House. Both writers explore a diverse panoply of subjects, styles, themes and settings. Both demonstrate a great range of ability and declare that they do not fit easily into a literary categorization. While most could be defined in the broad classification of speculative fiction, the stories present a wide array of entertaining and imaginative narrative.
I also think of Ray Bradbury’s brilliant short work and also the short stories of Philip K. Dick. The writers all use the short story medium to explore a variety of ideas that provoke thought and elucidate a fecundity of original ideas.
The comparison to Dick is especially poignant as both writers, PKD in his early years, had great peer recognition but not as much commercial success. I’m quite frankly shocked that Ansbro does not have thousands of ratings and reviews on Goodreads.
These 22 stories range widely in setting and theme, but what holds them all together is Ansbro’s voice, his great talent for storytelling. While some of the sketches can be predictable, it is Ansbro’s personality, shining through, that makes these so enjoyable.
While I liked them all, my favorites were:
Fait Accompli – an heiress is seduced and taken advantage of, but who has the last laugh?
El Hijo del Minotauro – the eponymous tale is a modern fable of greed with a reminder of the fickle danger of fairies
Fiona’s Birthday – a paranormal tale with elements of horror and the surreal
The Fable of the Fisherman’s Hat – a cautionary tale of mythical entanglements
Now I’m off to find my next Ansbro book.
If he were a musician, I would say that his work is fun and has a good beat you can dance to.
Having read a couple of his novels, I picked up his 2019 collection of shorter work - The Minotaur's Son & Other Wild Tales.
My first thought was to compare this work to Kurt Vonnegut’s 1968 anthology Welcome to the Monkey House. Both writers explore a diverse panoply of subjects, styles, themes and settings. Both demonstrate a great range of ability and declare that they do not fit easily into a literary categorization. While most could be defined in the broad classification of speculative fiction, the stories present a wide array of entertaining and imaginative narrative.
I also think of Ray Bradbury’s brilliant short work and also the short stories of Philip K. Dick. The writers all use the short story medium to explore a variety of ideas that provoke thought and elucidate a fecundity of original ideas.
The comparison to Dick is especially poignant as both writers, PKD in his early years, had great peer recognition but not as much commercial success. I’m quite frankly shocked that Ansbro does not have thousands of ratings and reviews on Goodreads.
These 22 stories range widely in setting and theme, but what holds them all together is Ansbro’s voice, his great talent for storytelling. While some of the sketches can be predictable, it is Ansbro’s personality, shining through, that makes these so enjoyable.
While I liked them all, my favorites were:
Fait Accompli – an heiress is seduced and taken advantage of, but who has the last laugh?
El Hijo del Minotauro – the eponymous tale is a modern fable of greed with a reminder of the fickle danger of fairies
Fiona’s Birthday – a paranormal tale with elements of horror and the surreal
The Fable of the Fisherman’s Hat – a cautionary tale of mythical entanglements
Now I’m off to find my next Ansbro book.
September 16, 2021
This book of short stories was terrific. There's something for every taste and a moral to every story.
I finished this wonderful book of short stories in a couple of days. I met a 15-year old deceased boy, Jacob Fletcher who resides on the rooftop of a cottage with his only company being a conceited cat and a tatty winged bat. I also meet a mermaid who seduces Jacob. This is my favorite story in the book.
Also, a favorite is the time-traveling cowboy, Chuck Montana. I laughed throughout this story at Captain Montana's gyrations on the dance floor before he is zapped by his Admiral 200 years in the future.
The other stories are just as entertaining, but the top two are my favorites. I chuckled, laughed out loud and almost came to tears. There's simply a large range of emotions to be felt while reading these stories. Kevin Ansbro is indeed a wordsmith. Beautiful prose that flows almost like poetry.
The only reason for the 4* is Kevin's book The Fish That Climbed a Tree remains my top read in the magical realism genre for the year. I just, in good conscience, rate it as highly as that one.
Highly recommended.
I finished this wonderful book of short stories in a couple of days. I met a 15-year old deceased boy, Jacob Fletcher who resides on the rooftop of a cottage with his only company being a conceited cat and a tatty winged bat. I also meet a mermaid who seduces Jacob. This is my favorite story in the book.
Also, a favorite is the time-traveling cowboy, Chuck Montana. I laughed throughout this story at Captain Montana's gyrations on the dance floor before he is zapped by his Admiral 200 years in the future.
The other stories are just as entertaining, but the top two are my favorites. I chuckled, laughed out loud and almost came to tears. There's simply a large range of emotions to be felt while reading these stories. Kevin Ansbro is indeed a wordsmith. Beautiful prose that flows almost like poetry.
The only reason for the 4* is Kevin's book The Fish That Climbed a Tree remains my top read in the magical realism genre for the year. I just, in good conscience, rate it as highly as that one.
Highly recommended.
October 12, 2022
First off, I would like to express my appreciation to Kevin Ansbro for having gifted me with this wonderful book.
Having ventured myself into the stories contained in this book I got to experience different settings, people, locations (earth, underworld, cyberspace), and more.
I can't really tell I have a favorite story as such (I have in fact many), I was left with a very pleasant feeling and I can only say I would definitely recommend this book letting yourself be exposed to Kevin's peculiar writing style.
Having ventured myself into the stories contained in this book I got to experience different settings, people, locations (earth, underworld, cyberspace), and more.
I can't really tell I have a favorite story as such (I have in fact many), I was left with a very pleasant feeling and I can only say I would definitely recommend this book letting yourself be exposed to Kevin's peculiar writing style.
February 6, 2022
**4.5 stars**
As Emerson said,
“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.”
Well, 2 years in Goodreads, and I still haven’t learned how to review a short story collection. Without, of course, writing an individual review for each of them, which again I don’t think I should resort to, because it will hamper everyone else’s reading experience.
Now, the best aspect of this collection is the outstanding range of all the stories, be it in terms of the locations or the scenarios. In the overall vision and imaginative prowess, Ansbro pays the most definitive homage to Gabriel García Márquez (incidentally everyone who knows about me knows he is one of my all-time favourite authors) that I’ve ever seen.
Also, like all brilliant pieces of writings should be, not for once does it lose its authenticity. You can sense the author’s love for the masters of the genre, but not for once does his writing style deviate from the usual and replicate anyone else’s, something I’ve seen most of the authors of magic realism (and fantasy, too) dangerously prone to. I can’t say how much of a relief that is, to tell the truth.
The standout feature, according to me is the constant shift between the genres of fantasy and magic realism. It turned out to be a quite unusual, but equally fascinating experience to see both the traits in the same story, like in ‘The Concubine and The Postman’. And not only those, also historical fiction or dystopian fantasy! (I was thinking sci-fi at first, but it’s tough to categorize here. Just like submerged in the duality between magic realism and fantasy, as I said before).
Now, I can’t say that I loved all the stories, that never happens to me in any short-story collection, ever. While some of them are just fabulous, a few of them, well, felt a bit underwhelming. But only if you think the end is more important than the beginning. All of them are unique, (and miraculous) and speaking for those based in India, culturally and socially relevant. And above all these, all of the stories have a refreshing feeling to them. Especially the titular story, ‘El Hijo del Minotauro’ which is just excellent in each and every term. I don’t think I can do justice to the story by describing it like this.
Indeed one of the best collections of magical tales that I’ve read to date. And it’s such a fantastic, wild world of experience, I think everyone irrelevant of their love for the genre will devour this book.
As Emerson said,
“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.”
Well, 2 years in Goodreads, and I still haven’t learned how to review a short story collection. Without, of course, writing an individual review for each of them, which again I don’t think I should resort to, because it will hamper everyone else’s reading experience.
Now, the best aspect of this collection is the outstanding range of all the stories, be it in terms of the locations or the scenarios. In the overall vision and imaginative prowess, Ansbro pays the most definitive homage to Gabriel García Márquez (incidentally everyone who knows about me knows he is one of my all-time favourite authors) that I’ve ever seen.
Also, like all brilliant pieces of writings should be, not for once does it lose its authenticity. You can sense the author’s love for the masters of the genre, but not for once does his writing style deviate from the usual and replicate anyone else’s, something I’ve seen most of the authors of magic realism (and fantasy, too) dangerously prone to. I can’t say how much of a relief that is, to tell the truth.
The standout feature, according to me is the constant shift between the genres of fantasy and magic realism. It turned out to be a quite unusual, but equally fascinating experience to see both the traits in the same story, like in ‘The Concubine and The Postman’. And not only those, also historical fiction or dystopian fantasy! (I was thinking sci-fi at first, but it’s tough to categorize here. Just like submerged in the duality between magic realism and fantasy, as I said before).
Now, I can’t say that I loved all the stories, that never happens to me in any short-story collection, ever. While some of them are just fabulous, a few of them, well, felt a bit underwhelming. But only if you think the end is more important than the beginning. All of them are unique, (and miraculous) and speaking for those based in India, culturally and socially relevant. And above all these, all of the stories have a refreshing feeling to them. Especially the titular story, ‘El Hijo del Minotauro’ which is just excellent in each and every term. I don’t think I can do justice to the story by describing it like this.
Indeed one of the best collections of magical tales that I’ve read to date. And it’s such a fantastic, wild world of experience, I think everyone irrelevant of their love for the genre will devour this book.
October 3, 2022
If you already are one of my Goodread friends who follow me by now you must be aware of how I have been bewitched by Kevin Ansbro’s books in the past.
His writing is unlike anyone else’s I have ever read and I always look forward to opening one of his books with great anticipation. Opening the cover of this collection was like opening a divine box of chocolates created by a master chocolatier. Each delight within was a creation waiting to be savored.
Though I never know what story I may find in Kevin’s books,I have always found certain elements sprinkled throughout and this creation is no exception. I can count on finding humor to leave me a twinkle in my eye, wisdom to make me ponder, unexpected tender moments that make my heart swell, usually more than one character that jumps from the pages into my heart,and multiple sentences written with such beauty they stop me in my tracks. Kevin has a gift of being able to deftly transport you to spicy,exotic places that you have dreamed of going and giving you the gift of believing you have been there. I cannot leave out the magic he creates with his imaginative mystic touches. You will find all of these “Kevin touches” through out this volume of stories.Now tell me,could you ask for more from a book?
I chose to experience this gem by reading one story each night and I must share that it was with sadness when I read the final story knowing I had savored the last. However unlike the box of chocolates,in this instance I know that the stories are still there in my beloved book waiting on my bedside table to come alive once more. Now isn’t that just grand?
His writing is unlike anyone else’s I have ever read and I always look forward to opening one of his books with great anticipation. Opening the cover of this collection was like opening a divine box of chocolates created by a master chocolatier. Each delight within was a creation waiting to be savored.
Though I never know what story I may find in Kevin’s books,I have always found certain elements sprinkled throughout and this creation is no exception. I can count on finding humor to leave me a twinkle in my eye, wisdom to make me ponder, unexpected tender moments that make my heart swell, usually more than one character that jumps from the pages into my heart,and multiple sentences written with such beauty they stop me in my tracks. Kevin has a gift of being able to deftly transport you to spicy,exotic places that you have dreamed of going and giving you the gift of believing you have been there. I cannot leave out the magic he creates with his imaginative mystic touches. You will find all of these “Kevin touches” through out this volume of stories.Now tell me,could you ask for more from a book?
I chose to experience this gem by reading one story each night and I must share that it was with sadness when I read the final story knowing I had savored the last. However unlike the box of chocolates,in this instance I know that the stories are still there in my beloved book waiting on my bedside table to come alive once more. Now isn’t that just grand?
October 10, 2019
The latest offering from Kevin Ansbro is an anthology of twenty-three short stories, the vast majority of which are quite stunning. In most of the stories, he moves out of his usual comfort zone of ‘magical realism’ and demonstrates proficiency in other genres. The stories not only span the continents, but the galaxy and some 2,500 years. Each atmospheric tale feels like a novel redacted to the crucial scenes. The detailed settings and characters are established swiftly, but the stories themselves do not feel rushed. The often-baleful undercurrent, the sardonic wit and crisp, unexpected conclusions are redolent of the British 80’s television series: ‘Tales of the Unexpected’. When I re-read this book, I will begin with the ‘The Leech’ as it is my favourite tale.
1. THE SIREN CALL: Twenty-year-old, earthbound spirit, Jacob, has been trapped in his fifteen-year-old body since he drowned off the coast of Cornwall during a family holiday. Confined to the vicinity of his demise, he spends his time looking out to sea and talking to a Siamese cat and a bat — both of which talk back. The singing of a Pendra, a flirtatious mermaid, lures Jacob to the shoreline where she makes him an offer.
2. CHUCK MONTANA IN THE TWENTY-SECOND CENTURY: In this hilarious ‘Star Trek’ parody, Lothario, Captain Chuck Montana, of the U.S. Spaceforce travels back in time to enjoy a 70’s disco, before returning to 2177 to undertake a mission to the planet Lurg to secure the release of five hostages.
3. DOTH THOU THINK ME A FOOL?: An impatient Terry is already running late for his sixtieth birthday meal and has yet to collect Raymond, his father. Raymond appears to be living with dementia and frustrates a swift collection and journey to the restaurant.
4. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR: A dead body, clasping an unusual coin, is found washed up on Brighton beach by an octogenarian couple, Horace and Ethel. Before calling the police, Horace steals the coin from the corpse. Back home, he discovers that the coin is a vehicle to anything he could wish for.
5. CACHÉ EN PLEINE VUE (HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT): In the French hamlet of Culbisco, ninety-three-year-old Madame Pelletier spends her days in a poorly-lit sitting room, her front door wide open in the hope of callers. The growing number of missing persons prompts the local postman to counsel the old lady against putting herself in a vulnerable position — neither is aware that taxi driver, Gustave Géroux, fantasises about wringing Madame Pelletier’s neck.
6. FAIT ACCOMPLI: For more than a month, oil heiress, Veronica Meyer, has been dating a man almost thirty years her junior. After their first night of intimacy, her lover disappears with $450,000 worth of her property.
7. KARDASHIAN’S BOTTOM: Tipo and Yami are walking through a South American jungle with their catch when, from a small plane, the image of a goddess — an erotic photograph of Kim Kardashian — flutters to their feet.
8. CONTINUUM: A nonhuman race has been extracting data from Professor Dominic Madley without his knowledge for seven months. Delighted with the data, they decide to reward him by fulfilling his dream.
9. EL HIJO DEL MINOTAURO (THE MINOTAUR’S SON): Esteban Ortiz brings his circus along with its prize-fighting Minotaur to a small Columbian village in the hope of capturing Isadora, a winged nymph. After an evening’s successful boxing, the Minotaur beds Anna, a local prostitute. Unable to find the nymph, Esteban moves the circus on. The Minotaur leaves a pregnant Anna who gives birth to his son, Toro, nine months later. As a teenager, Toro befriends Isadora who has the power to grant his wishes. Esteban returns to the village and this time, he wants Isadora and Toro.
10. THE SHOW-OFF: Author, Kevin Ansboro, reluctantly accepts an invitation to one of Penelope’s elegant soirées. Unfortunately for Kevin, he gets cornered by boorish and crass party guest, Matt. Kevin needs to get rid of him.
11. A MATTER OF HONOUR: Turkey, 1854, and Captain Hugo Pinkerton is hospitalised following a battle injury to his left hand which requires the removal of his fingers. He and his nurse, Clementine Gresham, fall in love. Before he returns to England, Hugo asks Clementine if they could correspond with a view to marriage. Clementine replies that she is betrothed to Captain Luther Hadley. Back in England, Luther, a bitter, jealous soul, discovers the feelings his fiancée and Hugo have for each other.
12. THE CONCUBINE AND THE POSTMAN: Yara, the maharaja’s favourite concubine, is not only exquisitely beautiful but possesses magical powers. While the maharaja is away on business, Yara makes a trip to her home town to visit her mother. She is kidnapped by three hapless thieves who demand a ransom for her safe return.
13. EXTINCTION: T’nera, a scientist from the planet Apromis, is the last of his species. He flies his spaceship to earth and, his body becoming gaseous, takes over the body of a baby called Luke. Before the age of two, Luke’s intellect causes him to become a celebrity, which doesn’t go unnoticed by the CIA and MI5.
14. IS THERE A DOCTOR ON BOARD? First person protagonist, narrator and successful writer, Clive Bogarde, prepares for his annual holiday in Italy with his wife, Margo. During the flight from Heathrow to Milan, a piece of the inflight meal obstructs the airway of a passenger who collapses, unable to breathe.
15. BRIAN THE BIGOT: Loathsome Brian Scragg owns and runs the sole newsagents in the idyllic village of Goodchurch, the residents of which are the recipients of Brian’s daily abuse. The villagers hold a meeting to discuss their maltreatment.
16. FIONA’S BIRTHDAY: Disappointed that her husband couldn’t have booked a more upscale restaurant than Adriano’s Italian for her fiftieth birthday meal, a disenchanted Fiona Bagshaw returns from work to get ready for the celebrations only to discover an unexpected guest in the attic.
17. THE FABLE OF THE FISHERMAN’S HAT: Ancient Greece, 328 BC, and Demetrius the fisherman is out at sea in his small, papyrus sailboat. Amongst the catch that he heaves into his boat is baby Theseus, son of a very grateful Poseidon.
18. THE LEECH: In modern day Tokyo, Supervisor Kitano demeans his staff and takes credit for the sterling work of Hiromi Osako, yet is poised for promotion to section manager. Hiromi confides his frustrations to empathetic new trainee, Ryuki.
19. DOROTHY IN OZ: Dorothy is elated because Mrs Russell believes her story about her trip to the Land of Oz with Toto.
20. THE SACRED LAKE: Seventeenth Century Africa and middle-aged couple, Fatouma and Abu, scrape out a living farming their small plot of land and milking their goats. Abu persuades his wife to travel to an enchanted lake which would restore their youth.
21. THE POT OF GOLD: Kenneth Fitzpatrick resents his wife and neighbouring farmer, Dermot O’Donnell. The harvest over, Kenneth takes to trimming the hedgerows. In the depth of the hedge, he sees a leprechaun who, as demanded, shows Kenneth where a pot of gold is buried.
22. WAITING FOR RYAN: Whilst on holiday in Thailand in 2004 with their parents, sixteen-year-olds, Mishti from India and Ryan from England, fall in love. They promise to write to each other and meet on their shared birthday in 2009.
23. THE PANTHEON: A group of famous people gather for a celebratory meal in the afterlife. One of the guests is asleep in a chair. There is much conjecture as to his identity.
An easy five stars!
1. THE SIREN CALL: Twenty-year-old, earthbound spirit, Jacob, has been trapped in his fifteen-year-old body since he drowned off the coast of Cornwall during a family holiday. Confined to the vicinity of his demise, he spends his time looking out to sea and talking to a Siamese cat and a bat — both of which talk back. The singing of a Pendra, a flirtatious mermaid, lures Jacob to the shoreline where she makes him an offer.
2. CHUCK MONTANA IN THE TWENTY-SECOND CENTURY: In this hilarious ‘Star Trek’ parody, Lothario, Captain Chuck Montana, of the U.S. Spaceforce travels back in time to enjoy a 70’s disco, before returning to 2177 to undertake a mission to the planet Lurg to secure the release of five hostages.
3. DOTH THOU THINK ME A FOOL?: An impatient Terry is already running late for his sixtieth birthday meal and has yet to collect Raymond, his father. Raymond appears to be living with dementia and frustrates a swift collection and journey to the restaurant.
4. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR: A dead body, clasping an unusual coin, is found washed up on Brighton beach by an octogenarian couple, Horace and Ethel. Before calling the police, Horace steals the coin from the corpse. Back home, he discovers that the coin is a vehicle to anything he could wish for.
5. CACHÉ EN PLEINE VUE (HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT): In the French hamlet of Culbisco, ninety-three-year-old Madame Pelletier spends her days in a poorly-lit sitting room, her front door wide open in the hope of callers. The growing number of missing persons prompts the local postman to counsel the old lady against putting herself in a vulnerable position — neither is aware that taxi driver, Gustave Géroux, fantasises about wringing Madame Pelletier’s neck.
6. FAIT ACCOMPLI: For more than a month, oil heiress, Veronica Meyer, has been dating a man almost thirty years her junior. After their first night of intimacy, her lover disappears with $450,000 worth of her property.
7. KARDASHIAN’S BOTTOM: Tipo and Yami are walking through a South American jungle with their catch when, from a small plane, the image of a goddess — an erotic photograph of Kim Kardashian — flutters to their feet.
8. CONTINUUM: A nonhuman race has been extracting data from Professor Dominic Madley without his knowledge for seven months. Delighted with the data, they decide to reward him by fulfilling his dream.
9. EL HIJO DEL MINOTAURO (THE MINOTAUR’S SON): Esteban Ortiz brings his circus along with its prize-fighting Minotaur to a small Columbian village in the hope of capturing Isadora, a winged nymph. After an evening’s successful boxing, the Minotaur beds Anna, a local prostitute. Unable to find the nymph, Esteban moves the circus on. The Minotaur leaves a pregnant Anna who gives birth to his son, Toro, nine months later. As a teenager, Toro befriends Isadora who has the power to grant his wishes. Esteban returns to the village and this time, he wants Isadora and Toro.
10. THE SHOW-OFF: Author, Kevin Ansboro, reluctantly accepts an invitation to one of Penelope’s elegant soirées. Unfortunately for Kevin, he gets cornered by boorish and crass party guest, Matt. Kevin needs to get rid of him.
11. A MATTER OF HONOUR: Turkey, 1854, and Captain Hugo Pinkerton is hospitalised following a battle injury to his left hand which requires the removal of his fingers. He and his nurse, Clementine Gresham, fall in love. Before he returns to England, Hugo asks Clementine if they could correspond with a view to marriage. Clementine replies that she is betrothed to Captain Luther Hadley. Back in England, Luther, a bitter, jealous soul, discovers the feelings his fiancée and Hugo have for each other.
12. THE CONCUBINE AND THE POSTMAN: Yara, the maharaja’s favourite concubine, is not only exquisitely beautiful but possesses magical powers. While the maharaja is away on business, Yara makes a trip to her home town to visit her mother. She is kidnapped by three hapless thieves who demand a ransom for her safe return.
13. EXTINCTION: T’nera, a scientist from the planet Apromis, is the last of his species. He flies his spaceship to earth and, his body becoming gaseous, takes over the body of a baby called Luke. Before the age of two, Luke’s intellect causes him to become a celebrity, which doesn’t go unnoticed by the CIA and MI5.
14. IS THERE A DOCTOR ON BOARD? First person protagonist, narrator and successful writer, Clive Bogarde, prepares for his annual holiday in Italy with his wife, Margo. During the flight from Heathrow to Milan, a piece of the inflight meal obstructs the airway of a passenger who collapses, unable to breathe.
15. BRIAN THE BIGOT: Loathsome Brian Scragg owns and runs the sole newsagents in the idyllic village of Goodchurch, the residents of which are the recipients of Brian’s daily abuse. The villagers hold a meeting to discuss their maltreatment.
16. FIONA’S BIRTHDAY: Disappointed that her husband couldn’t have booked a more upscale restaurant than Adriano’s Italian for her fiftieth birthday meal, a disenchanted Fiona Bagshaw returns from work to get ready for the celebrations only to discover an unexpected guest in the attic.
17. THE FABLE OF THE FISHERMAN’S HAT: Ancient Greece, 328 BC, and Demetrius the fisherman is out at sea in his small, papyrus sailboat. Amongst the catch that he heaves into his boat is baby Theseus, son of a very grateful Poseidon.
18. THE LEECH: In modern day Tokyo, Supervisor Kitano demeans his staff and takes credit for the sterling work of Hiromi Osako, yet is poised for promotion to section manager. Hiromi confides his frustrations to empathetic new trainee, Ryuki.
19. DOROTHY IN OZ: Dorothy is elated because Mrs Russell believes her story about her trip to the Land of Oz with Toto.
20. THE SACRED LAKE: Seventeenth Century Africa and middle-aged couple, Fatouma and Abu, scrape out a living farming their small plot of land and milking their goats. Abu persuades his wife to travel to an enchanted lake which would restore their youth.
21. THE POT OF GOLD: Kenneth Fitzpatrick resents his wife and neighbouring farmer, Dermot O’Donnell. The harvest over, Kenneth takes to trimming the hedgerows. In the depth of the hedge, he sees a leprechaun who, as demanded, shows Kenneth where a pot of gold is buried.
22. WAITING FOR RYAN: Whilst on holiday in Thailand in 2004 with their parents, sixteen-year-olds, Mishti from India and Ryan from England, fall in love. They promise to write to each other and meet on their shared birthday in 2009.
23. THE PANTHEON: A group of famous people gather for a celebratory meal in the afterlife. One of the guests is asleep in a chair. There is much conjecture as to his identity.
An easy five stars!
April 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this wonderful collection of short stories. They took me around the world and to different times and some made me laugh, others made me sad, and some were quite dark. I enjoyed them so much I didn't want to plow through and read the whole book in one sitting, although I very easily could have done so. What I especially appreciated were the diverse types of stories -- they were definitely wild tales! I highly recommend this book and a sincere thank you to Kevin Ansbro for providing me with a free copy of his book. I will definitely be purchasing his other books!
October 8, 2019
If you need a divertissement (and I did), here it is. This is a wide-ranging collection of stories, folktales, and one nonfiction slice-of-life piece that are both quaint and fantastical, funny and sad, and realistic and unrealistic. The writing sparkles; it feels as if author Kevin Ansbro was writing to amuse and delight himself, and that joy infuses the words.
Thanks to Cheri for her winning review.
Thanks to Cheri for her winning review.
February 26, 2020
Excellent, highly recommended.
This collection of short stories encompass an impressive range - from sci-fi to everyday drama, with some magical realism thrown in. Some are fables, some are tall tales, and there is also a bit of wish-fulfilment! All are well-written, witty and very readable - I frequently found myself chuckling at Mr Ansbro's turn of phrase.
Quite a few stories I would have liked a lot more of, so will be looking forward to reading his other books which I think are novels (rather than short stories).
Thanks to my GR friend Kevin for providing me with this free e-book!
This collection of short stories encompass an impressive range - from sci-fi to everyday drama, with some magical realism thrown in. Some are fables, some are tall tales, and there is also a bit of wish-fulfilment! All are well-written, witty and very readable - I frequently found myself chuckling at Mr Ansbro's turn of phrase.
Quite a few stories I would have liked a lot more of, so will be looking forward to reading his other books which I think are novels (rather than short stories).
Thanks to my GR friend Kevin for providing me with this free e-book!
March 1, 2020
Kevin Ansbro's eclectic collection of short stories is imaginative and entertaining. With colorful lively prose, the author is slick with a simile and mean with a metaphor. Humorous throughout, some of the stories poignant, many infused with a childish sense of wonderment and magic, all were enthralling.
December 20, 2019
Reading this eclectic selection of short stories was a beautiful and fruitful adventure. As I read, I encountered detours that led to foreign places: some in the present, others in times of long ago, or in made-up worlds with celestial and exotic creatures. I was so impressed, once again, with the author’s ability to place the reader right in the story and in the creative settings as I was swept away, not by one, but all of these interesting and beautiful fables. One moment, I felt like I was wearing ancient Greek sandals making my way to the sea where Demetrius, one of the characters, was telling the locals about his meeting with Poseidon in "The Fable of the Fisherman’s Hat". Prior to that, I felt like I was in a beautiful gown dancing the night away in the tale, "A Matter of Honour". Here, I felt the horrid conditions of war and the romance and hopelessness and despair of forbidden love. The writing was so true to the era, and it was reminiscent of classic great authors such as Tolstoy. The dialogue was so authentic and it showcases Ansbro’s ability to branch out into many genres. His historical fiction writing ability is not only on point, but it goes beyond; it was easy to forget that the story was written by a modern day author.
I was glued to my seat during many of the stories. In the tale, "Waiting for Ryan", I anxiously anticipated what will become of the main characters; will the new romance blossom or is it doomed? It was also great to see a character from the author’s earlier novel Kinnara. The character was incorporated into the story so effortlessly. I also felt for the Japanese protagonist in "The Leech" where I could feel the sterile corporate culture: the fear he feels during his daily train commute to work, where he faces a most disagreeable supervisor. I so wanted things to turn out for the protagonist.
The authenticity enhanced the writing immensely; the author’s extensive knowledge on a myriad of topics enabled this and is evident throughout. I genuinely felt for the characters even if I knew them only for a few pages. One such example is when in "The Fable of the Fisherman’s Hat", the author notes: “A sophisticated Athenian might have scoffed at such a simple life”. These small additions reveal the author’s abundant knowledge about the culture of the time. These tales will definitely appeal to those of us that grew up reading myths of Greek legends and Aesop’s fables, and many of the stories in this book had a “moral to the story” or presented some twisted irony that invited me to really reflect about life. Themes such as greed, envy, love, death, marriage, feeding your soul rather than your pockets, and many other themes were highlighted via the message, or via the unprecedented circumstances that befell the characters.
To say that Kevin Ansbro was born to write is no exaggeration. Each sentence in these short stories is cleverly crafted and each story reads so beautifully. I felt the richness of his words all around me as my senses were ignited to feel on a deep level, whether the setting was in Africa, Greece, France, England, India, or any other country or imaginary world the author created.
I also found myself laughing during many of the stories as Ansbro’s sharp wit seeped from the pages. Phrases like, “He was tall and wiry, with the eyes of a tortoise and teeth that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a camel”, had me in stitches. Each time I completed a story, I was anxious to see what else the next story held in its eloquent sentences. Each story carried with it creativity, imagination, beauty, wit, and a thought-provoking twist. Many were also packed with magical realism that the author is known for. I liken this book to a sumptuous assortment of chocolate treats made with love from the world’s finest chocolatier. I also felt like comparing them to a jewellery box of precious gemstones: some sparkling like diamonds, others making you look deeper within the surface, where the beauty and magic lie.
This was a truly beautiful and unique reading experience. I imagine that the author found writing these clever tales just as enjoyable and rewarding as many have enjoyed reading them. These are tales that can be read over and over again. There’s something for everyone in this box of gems: romance, magical realism, humour, mythology, heartfelt relationships, but there were also many poignant moments and some that depicted the ugliness of humanity, as well as its beauty. An exceptionally unique read! I loved it and highly recommend it!
I was glued to my seat during many of the stories. In the tale, "Waiting for Ryan", I anxiously anticipated what will become of the main characters; will the new romance blossom or is it doomed? It was also great to see a character from the author’s earlier novel Kinnara. The character was incorporated into the story so effortlessly. I also felt for the Japanese protagonist in "The Leech" where I could feel the sterile corporate culture: the fear he feels during his daily train commute to work, where he faces a most disagreeable supervisor. I so wanted things to turn out for the protagonist.
The authenticity enhanced the writing immensely; the author’s extensive knowledge on a myriad of topics enabled this and is evident throughout. I genuinely felt for the characters even if I knew them only for a few pages. One such example is when in "The Fable of the Fisherman’s Hat", the author notes: “A sophisticated Athenian might have scoffed at such a simple life”. These small additions reveal the author’s abundant knowledge about the culture of the time. These tales will definitely appeal to those of us that grew up reading myths of Greek legends and Aesop’s fables, and many of the stories in this book had a “moral to the story” or presented some twisted irony that invited me to really reflect about life. Themes such as greed, envy, love, death, marriage, feeding your soul rather than your pockets, and many other themes were highlighted via the message, or via the unprecedented circumstances that befell the characters.
To say that Kevin Ansbro was born to write is no exaggeration. Each sentence in these short stories is cleverly crafted and each story reads so beautifully. I felt the richness of his words all around me as my senses were ignited to feel on a deep level, whether the setting was in Africa, Greece, France, England, India, or any other country or imaginary world the author created.
I also found myself laughing during many of the stories as Ansbro’s sharp wit seeped from the pages. Phrases like, “He was tall and wiry, with the eyes of a tortoise and teeth that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a camel”, had me in stitches. Each time I completed a story, I was anxious to see what else the next story held in its eloquent sentences. Each story carried with it creativity, imagination, beauty, wit, and a thought-provoking twist. Many were also packed with magical realism that the author is known for. I liken this book to a sumptuous assortment of chocolate treats made with love from the world’s finest chocolatier. I also felt like comparing them to a jewellery box of precious gemstones: some sparkling like diamonds, others making you look deeper within the surface, where the beauty and magic lie.
This was a truly beautiful and unique reading experience. I imagine that the author found writing these clever tales just as enjoyable and rewarding as many have enjoyed reading them. These are tales that can be read over and over again. There’s something for everyone in this box of gems: romance, magical realism, humour, mythology, heartfelt relationships, but there were also many poignant moments and some that depicted the ugliness of humanity, as well as its beauty. An exceptionally unique read! I loved it and highly recommend it!
August 7, 2020
This is a really good collection of short stories that I enjoyed a great deal. The author has a really broad scope, giving us works in many different genres and settings from every corner of the globe and beyond. While you’ll always like some more than others in any short story collection, I’d give this a solid 4 stars overall. Individual ratings and a few notes below:
1. ‘The Siren Call’ – an amusing little tale, portraying how young boys will still be young boys even in the afterlife; while there’s nothing really wrong with it, and it contains some nice imagery, I’m not sure I’d’ve chosen this one to open the book – 3 stars
2. ‘Chuck Montana in the 22nd Century’ – a hilarious spoof of the original Star Trek with some Buck Rogers thrown in for good measure; I loved it – 5 stars
3. ‘Doth Thou Thinketh Me a Fool?’ – a cautionary tale about appreciating what you’ve got while you’ve still got it – 4 stars
4. ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ – a tale as old as time, very elegantly and amusingly retold – 4 stars
5. ‘Caché en Pleine Vue’ – a great little horror story with a twist; I loved it – 5 stars
6. ‘Fait Accompli’ – this one reminded me of some of Roald Dahl’s short stories for adults and, if you know my tastes, you’ll know that’s high praise – 4 stars
7. ‘Kardashian’s Bottom’ – a study on the nature of divinity – 4 stars
8. ‘Continuum’ – a tale of time travel with a slightly unsatisfying ending (unless you happen to be the protagonist, of course) – 3 stars
9. ‘El Hijo del Minotauro’ – a fairy with a sting in its tale – 4 stars
10. ‘The Show-off’ – the author becomes his own protagonist and continues the wish fulfilment theme – 3 stars
11. ‘A Matter of Honour’ – an excellent tale of love and the ravages of war; I’d like to read more tales of Pinkerton; probably my favourite story in this collection – 5 stars
12. ‘The Concubine and the Postman’ – I really enjoyed this one, despite it containing one of my pet peeves (a severed head that can still talk; that’s magic for you, though) – 4 stars
13. ‘Extinction’ – a somewhat cynical science fiction story that my security clearance forbids me from commenting on any further (I’m kidding!) – 5 stars
14. ‘Is There a Doctor on Board?’ – an enjoyable tale of mid-air heroics, with a slightly abrupt ending – 3 stars
15. ‘Brian the Bigot’ – a simple yet satisfying tale of one man’s final comeuppance – 4 stars
16. ‘Fiona’s Birthday’ – I love me a good ghost story, I do – 5 stars
17. ‘The Fable of the Fisherman’s Hat’ – a lost tale of the Greek gods; excellent – 5 stars
18. ‘The Leech’ – a tale of office politics and the truth willing out; really rather excellent – 5 stars
19. ‘Dorothy in Oz’ – a short, amusing sequel to the Oz books (more likely the movie, actually, thinking about some of the details) – 4 stars
20. ‘The Sacred Lake’ – a quest through the desert with a horse with no name – 5 stars
21. ‘The Pot of Gold’ – evidence is presented that bigger is not always better – 4 stars
22. ‘Waiting For Ryan’ – fans of Ansbro’s novel ‘Kinnara’ are really going to like this one; not that you need to have read ‘Kinnara’ to appreciate this story; it’s great in its own right – 5 stars
23. ‘The Pantheon’ – a quick funny to end on; nicely done – 4 stars
1. ‘The Siren Call’ – an amusing little tale, portraying how young boys will still be young boys even in the afterlife; while there’s nothing really wrong with it, and it contains some nice imagery, I’m not sure I’d’ve chosen this one to open the book – 3 stars
2. ‘Chuck Montana in the 22nd Century’ – a hilarious spoof of the original Star Trek with some Buck Rogers thrown in for good measure; I loved it – 5 stars
3. ‘Doth Thou Thinketh Me a Fool?’ – a cautionary tale about appreciating what you’ve got while you’ve still got it – 4 stars
4. ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ – a tale as old as time, very elegantly and amusingly retold – 4 stars
5. ‘Caché en Pleine Vue’ – a great little horror story with a twist; I loved it – 5 stars
6. ‘Fait Accompli’ – this one reminded me of some of Roald Dahl’s short stories for adults and, if you know my tastes, you’ll know that’s high praise – 4 stars
7. ‘Kardashian’s Bottom’ – a study on the nature of divinity – 4 stars
8. ‘Continuum’ – a tale of time travel with a slightly unsatisfying ending (unless you happen to be the protagonist, of course) – 3 stars
9. ‘El Hijo del Minotauro’ – a fairy with a sting in its tale – 4 stars
10. ‘The Show-off’ – the author becomes his own protagonist and continues the wish fulfilment theme – 3 stars
11. ‘A Matter of Honour’ – an excellent tale of love and the ravages of war; I’d like to read more tales of Pinkerton; probably my favourite story in this collection – 5 stars
12. ‘The Concubine and the Postman’ – I really enjoyed this one, despite it containing one of my pet peeves (a severed head that can still talk; that’s magic for you, though) – 4 stars
13. ‘Extinction’ – a somewhat cynical science fiction story that my security clearance forbids me from commenting on any further (I’m kidding!) – 5 stars
14. ‘Is There a Doctor on Board?’ – an enjoyable tale of mid-air heroics, with a slightly abrupt ending – 3 stars
15. ‘Brian the Bigot’ – a simple yet satisfying tale of one man’s final comeuppance – 4 stars
16. ‘Fiona’s Birthday’ – I love me a good ghost story, I do – 5 stars
17. ‘The Fable of the Fisherman’s Hat’ – a lost tale of the Greek gods; excellent – 5 stars
18. ‘The Leech’ – a tale of office politics and the truth willing out; really rather excellent – 5 stars
19. ‘Dorothy in Oz’ – a short, amusing sequel to the Oz books (more likely the movie, actually, thinking about some of the details) – 4 stars
20. ‘The Sacred Lake’ – a quest through the desert with a horse with no name – 5 stars
21. ‘The Pot of Gold’ – evidence is presented that bigger is not always better – 4 stars
22. ‘Waiting For Ryan’ – fans of Ansbro’s novel ‘Kinnara’ are really going to like this one; not that you need to have read ‘Kinnara’ to appreciate this story; it’s great in its own right – 5 stars
23. ‘The Pantheon’ – a quick funny to end on; nicely done – 4 stars
December 30, 2019
Excellent Short Stories! Brilliant, Funny, and Imaginative!
Kevin Ansbro’s newest book, “The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales”, is an outstanding collection of short stories. While each tale is completely unique and brilliantly shines on its own, the author has created a powerful continuity with all the stories in this collection. Ansbro is a writer who brilliantly excels in the genre of magical realism with both this collection and his other outstanding books. With “The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales”, the genre is not only Ansbro’s gorgeous magical realism, but also Ansbro’s hilarious science fiction, phantasmagorical fantasy, and marvelously unique historical fiction. From the first sentence, this book had me as I joyfully slid down into the rabbit’s hole (as in “Alice in Wonderland”) and danced upon the Yellow Brick road (as in “The Wizard of Oz”) of the author’s fertile imagination.
“The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales” is a compilation of modern and timeless fables teeming with parables, allegories and the author’s outrageously vivid and inventive mind. Whether the story takes place in outer space or ancient times, each of Ansbro’s tales is a modern myth set in its own geographical location and time. In reading, I immediately sensed modern day ‘Aesop’s Fables’. Like any true fable, Ansbro’s stories have a parable or moral, as well as consequences before the parable is revealed. These tales are modern in language and vantage point, yet, the parables are timeless constants conveyed as playful teachings expressed with humor, whimsy, wonderful story-telling, top-notch writing, and delicious twists.
If you haven’t read Kevin Ansbro’s rich, humorous, playful and brilliant writings, you need to start now - ‘cause you’re missing out! In “The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales”, Ansbro’s stories weave back a few times to characters in his other books which is most enjoyable—reminding the reader that characters in a book always have more to tell. The author clearly had so much fun writing these short stories, and that sheer joy is immediately sensed. Ansbro’s brilliant use of language, description, metaphor and his sheer vivid imagination, playful writing style and wonderful sense of humor make for an incredibly wonderful book!! I delighted in reading this collection of short stories.
Kevin Ansbro’s newest book, “The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales”, is an outstanding collection of short stories. While each tale is completely unique and brilliantly shines on its own, the author has created a powerful continuity with all the stories in this collection. Ansbro is a writer who brilliantly excels in the genre of magical realism with both this collection and his other outstanding books. With “The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales”, the genre is not only Ansbro’s gorgeous magical realism, but also Ansbro’s hilarious science fiction, phantasmagorical fantasy, and marvelously unique historical fiction. From the first sentence, this book had me as I joyfully slid down into the rabbit’s hole (as in “Alice in Wonderland”) and danced upon the Yellow Brick road (as in “The Wizard of Oz”) of the author’s fertile imagination.
“The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales” is a compilation of modern and timeless fables teeming with parables, allegories and the author’s outrageously vivid and inventive mind. Whether the story takes place in outer space or ancient times, each of Ansbro’s tales is a modern myth set in its own geographical location and time. In reading, I immediately sensed modern day ‘Aesop’s Fables’. Like any true fable, Ansbro’s stories have a parable or moral, as well as consequences before the parable is revealed. These tales are modern in language and vantage point, yet, the parables are timeless constants conveyed as playful teachings expressed with humor, whimsy, wonderful story-telling, top-notch writing, and delicious twists.
If you haven’t read Kevin Ansbro’s rich, humorous, playful and brilliant writings, you need to start now - ‘cause you’re missing out! In “The Minotaur’s Son & other wild tales”, Ansbro’s stories weave back a few times to characters in his other books which is most enjoyable—reminding the reader that characters in a book always have more to tell. The author clearly had so much fun writing these short stories, and that sheer joy is immediately sensed. Ansbro’s brilliant use of language, description, metaphor and his sheer vivid imagination, playful writing style and wonderful sense of humor make for an incredibly wonderful book!! I delighted in reading this collection of short stories.
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