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Because Sometimes Something Extraordinary Happens
Seventeen short stories by Debz Hobbs-Wyatt from over a decade of competition wins and shortlistings. Featuring "Learning to Fly", winner of the inaugural Bath Short Story Award; "Chutney", shortlisted in the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, and "Pushcart" nominated, The Theory of Circles.
Meet a mixture of beguiling narrators, from seven-year-old Leonardo Renoir Hope trying to change the past so his dad doesn’t die, and George and his carrot-growing friends on an east London allotment waiting for the world to end, to Amy Fisher who realises that her husband, after his sudden death, is not who she thinks he is… but who is the other Mrs Fisher? This one adds a touch of medical horror to the mix.
All of the stories are about ordinary people when extraordinary things happen to them.
Meet a mixture of beguiling narrators, from seven-year-old Leonardo Renoir Hope trying to change the past so his dad doesn’t die, and George and his carrot-growing friends on an east London allotment waiting for the world to end, to Amy Fisher who realises that her husband, after his sudden death, is not who she thinks he is… but who is the other Mrs Fisher? This one adds a touch of medical horror to the mix.
All of the stories are about ordinary people when extraordinary things happen to them.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 5, 2024
I chose the book because of the title, thinking it would be upbeat and extraordinary. It's fair to say every story features death.
However, most of the stories have won or have been runner up or shortlisted in various competitions or they have been nominated for a prize and that's no easy feat, so hat's off to the author.
Furthermore, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt isn't afraid of experimenting with different writing styles which was refreshing.
Of the 17 stories I thought Director's Cut was clever as the main character thought in scenes which worked well but I think Paper Chains was my favourite because it had closure.
However, most of the stories have won or have been runner up or shortlisted in various competitions or they have been nominated for a prize and that's no easy feat, so hat's off to the author.
Furthermore, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt isn't afraid of experimenting with different writing styles which was refreshing.
Of the 17 stories I thought Director's Cut was clever as the main character thought in scenes which worked well but I think Paper Chains was my favourite because it had closure.
May 22, 2021
Nice writing.
March 3, 2020
An amazing collection of short stories, which are full of brilliant well drawn characters. Two that stand out for me are 'I am Wolf' & 'When the Bees Die'. Both have a powerful voices and messages. There are three award winning stories in the collection too.
A great book to have while you're on the go. One to dip into when time you have a moment to spare.
A great book to have while you're on the go. One to dip into when time you have a moment to spare.
January 14, 2020
I know this writer's work quite well but I'd not read most of the stories in the volume before. They didn't disappoint. Totally fascinating. refreshingly unpredictable. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews