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Disappearing Act
Robert Sheehan is one of Ireland’s brightest stars of the screen, both at home and abroad. Best known for his roles in Love/Hate and The Umbrella Academy, Sheehan has received widespread critical acclaim for his acting talent
In his debut collection of short stories, Robert Sheehan disappears into characters, challenging the complacencies of everyday experience, often from entirely unexpected angles.
Informed by the author’s peripatetic life, Disappearing Act reflects on the absurdity of human behaviour. Sheehan delves deep into his characters’ streams of self-talk and self-imposed delusions, exploring the dark impulses that lurk below the shiny surfaces of many outwardly normal lives.
Dark, provocative and often humorous, the collection will stay with the reader long after the book is finished.
In his debut collection of short stories, Robert Sheehan disappears into characters, challenging the complacencies of everyday experience, often from entirely unexpected angles.
Informed by the author’s peripatetic life, Disappearing Act reflects on the absurdity of human behaviour. Sheehan delves deep into his characters’ streams of self-talk and self-imposed delusions, exploring the dark impulses that lurk below the shiny surfaces of many outwardly normal lives.
Dark, provocative and often humorous, the collection will stay with the reader long after the book is finished.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 6, 2021
utter rubbish.
July 23, 2022
A good book that I enjoyed from start to finish, but personally found somewhat mismarketed. Disappearing Act's endorsements (particularly from fellow-writer Patrick McCabe) give the impression that this book is made up of fun, whacky short stories good for a laugh or end of the week pick-me-up, when in reality most of the stories are quite grim or outright depressing. This isn't a problem, exactly, I love sad stories and Sheehan's work was never dull, but it did come as a surprise when I expected something much more light-hearted going by marketing alone.
Overall, Disappearing Act was an enjoyable, surreal read, full of graveyard humor as well as a healthy dash of suspense and horror in stories such as "Skin" and "A House In the Country". It's a book best read with the mindset that these short stories are intensely character-focused snippets of greater stories, with plot often taking a backseat. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but Sheehan shows promise as an author and I very much hope that we'll see more from him in the future.
EDIT: I have recently also listened to the audiobook version and found it even more delightful! Robert Sheehan's work really shines in audio format, perhaps because it is read just how he wanted it to be. For anyone on the fence about this book, I highly recommend giving the audiobook a try. His performance is lovely and brings even more life to his already snappy work.
Overall, Disappearing Act was an enjoyable, surreal read, full of graveyard humor as well as a healthy dash of suspense and horror in stories such as "Skin" and "A House In the Country". It's a book best read with the mindset that these short stories are intensely character-focused snippets of greater stories, with plot often taking a backseat. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but Sheehan shows promise as an author and I very much hope that we'll see more from him in the future.
EDIT: I have recently also listened to the audiobook version and found it even more delightful! Robert Sheehan's work really shines in audio format, perhaps because it is read just how he wanted it to be. For anyone on the fence about this book, I highly recommend giving the audiobook a try. His performance is lovely and brings even more life to his already snappy work.
October 8, 2021
Absolutely outstanding 😎
January 22, 2023
If not for the audio book narrated by the author I would have dumped this stories a loooong time ago!
October 11, 2023
I never expected the actor from Love/Hate and The Umbrella Academy to be interested in surreal storytelling, but I'll take it! The stories in Disappearing Act by Robert Sheehan delves deep into his characters' streams of self-talk and self-imposed delusions. It explores the dark impulses that lurk below the shiny surfaces of many outwardly everyday lives.
Author Patrick McCabe calls it a "whacked-out kaleidoscopic miasma of delightful abandon and fun." I feel like I couldn't agree more with him. If you're at all interested in reading books filled with vignettes, this should be on your bookshelf.
Author Patrick McCabe calls it a "whacked-out kaleidoscopic miasma of delightful abandon and fun." I feel like I couldn't agree more with him. If you're at all interested in reading books filled with vignettes, this should be on your bookshelf.
August 11, 2023
Update: The audiobook is also excellent.
Fantastic. In every sense of the word. Magical realism that managed to exist without stumbling over itself in explanations. Energetic prose reminiscent of the beat poets that still somehow successfully told coherent stories. Fascinating characters, interesting voices, and refreshingly original ideas.
Fantastic. In every sense of the word. Magical realism that managed to exist without stumbling over itself in explanations. Energetic prose reminiscent of the beat poets that still somehow successfully told coherent stories. Fascinating characters, interesting voices, and refreshingly original ideas.
November 6, 2021
This book, the debut from actor Robert Sheehan, is a collection of bizarre and often surreal short stories. Lyrical, witty, mad and often quite irreverent this collection of characters is a must read. It explores from the lead of each tale’s point of view, from inside their heads and is almost like being able to hear the self talk we all do from time to time. Medusa stood out for me. Long anticipated, the book does not fail to deliver a literary punch and the artwork on the cover is brilliant. Order a copy now and get stuck in.
December 16, 2021
this book was a full course meal and i loved every single morsel. each and every crumb was brilliantly well-written, and the Realness of it was truly incredible.
i will be honest, i bought it purely because i’m a fan of robert sheehan and wanted to support his literary works, but i read it because i recognised just how “dazzlingly eclectic” it is, and i’m sure that i will be back to revisit these stories in the future.
i will be honest, i bought it purely because i’m a fan of robert sheehan and wanted to support his literary works, but i read it because i recognised just how “dazzlingly eclectic” it is, and i’m sure that i will be back to revisit these stories in the future.
January 21, 2022
I really wish I could give this book more than this as I absolutely adore Robert Sheehan so much but this is just the most bizarre thing I have ever read. Many times I wanted to give it up as I just wasn’t interested but I reluctantly carried on to the end. I’m so sorry the stories just weren’t for me.
November 13, 2021
Honestly, it was more haphazard than I expected but it actually worked in favour of the style. Punchy and unapologetic. Sheehan has some mad ideas in his head and it is refreshing to see them being proudly displayed. There was an awkward part… really awkward.
February 4, 2022
I think anyone reading this book is going to be a fan of Robert Sheehan and can therefore accept that it will be a bit random and haphazard, but this was way too much.
I continuously got lost and couldn’t remember anything from the page previous, I just felt frustrated the entire read and eventually gave up on trying to read the last two.
I did like the home and away story and found that to be reigned in a bit.
Other parts were okay but generally the stories didn’t work as a whole.
I really wanted to appreciate the writing style and just wish it had been more contained. It just feels like something you’d write for your GCSE creative writing paper.
I continuously got lost and couldn’t remember anything from the page previous, I just felt frustrated the entire read and eventually gave up on trying to read the last two.
I did like the home and away story and found that to be reigned in a bit.
Other parts were okay but generally the stories didn’t work as a whole.
I really wanted to appreciate the writing style and just wish it had been more contained. It just feels like something you’d write for your GCSE creative writing paper.
May 4, 2022
disappearing act is an even stranger collection of stories than one would expect from robert sheehan. the stories here were intensely character-focused, wildly surreal, often plotless, and certainly not for the faint of heart, but they were never unenjoyable. short story collections are a hit or miss for me and while not every story in this collection was for me, i listened to this on audio and robert's performances always made them worthwhile. i hope we see more of his writing in the future. he's a unique voice and i'd gladly welcome whatever else he chooses to put to page. personal favorites of mine were "funeral", "skin", and "rose".
November 4, 2021
"Sometimes I catch myself wondering, do we create the stories we tell ourselves inside our heads, or do they create us?"
Wow! This book was simply amazing. Each story is unique and original and the book itself depicts various different themes that often take on a surreal twist. As a fan of Robert myself, all I can describe it as is a wonderful reflection of what goes on inside his head. A truly brilliant book! :) 💖
Wow! This book was simply amazing. Each story is unique and original and the book itself depicts various different themes that often take on a surreal twist. As a fan of Robert myself, all I can describe it as is a wonderful reflection of what goes on inside his head. A truly brilliant book! :) 💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2021
Most of them do not even have an ending... Or a finishing conclusion.... don't really know what to say... 16 short stories all extremely weird...?
Most of the time I didn't really understood what I was reading...
They are very bold and while reading it the stories seemed to be more a personal mindset kinda thoughts? I do not know how too even explain it.. Like you are reading someones inner voice?
Most of the time I didn't really understood what I was reading...
They are very bold and while reading it the stories seemed to be more a personal mindset kinda thoughts? I do not know how too even explain it.. Like you are reading someones inner voice?
April 17, 2022
Completely mad collection of short stories. I laughed out loud for the first time reading in ages, some of them are so funny.
There's a few challenging ones and a theme of death throughout. Definitely not an easy, turn off your brain read but definitely something worth picking up.
I've only seen Robert Sheehan in a Beckett play recently, but I'd also love to see him write another short story collection. It's a really strong debut for a writer.
There's a few challenging ones and a theme of death throughout. Definitely not an easy, turn off your brain read but definitely something worth picking up.
I've only seen Robert Sheehan in a Beckett play recently, but I'd also love to see him write another short story collection. It's a really strong debut for a writer.
December 21, 2021
I love Robert with all my heart, but this just wasn’t it. There were some good stories, but at times I got really weirded or grossed out, -the scab one just about made me sick at the at my airport terminal- and by the end of the book I was just skimming. Perhaps I’m just too soft for content like this? Who knows
May 27, 2022
robert your irish is showing!
i’ve written an over three thousand word review and am about to place it in robert sheehan’s hands. wish me luck.
i’ve written an over three thousand word review and am about to place it in robert sheehan’s hands. wish me luck.
October 8, 2024
2.5 stars.
A compilation of truly strange and unusual short stories. Unfortunately they all just fell a bit flat for me and I didn’t really stay engaged, which is a shame as I’m a huge fan of Robert Sheehan. One aspect that I did enjoy is that his wonderful and unique sense of humour shines through. However, I’m just not a fan of short stories and struggle to fully engross myself in them.
A compilation of truly strange and unusual short stories. Unfortunately they all just fell a bit flat for me and I didn’t really stay engaged, which is a shame as I’m a huge fan of Robert Sheehan. One aspect that I did enjoy is that his wonderful and unique sense of humour shines through. However, I’m just not a fan of short stories and struggle to fully engross myself in them.
December 30, 2022
This book was an interesting read. As I think is often the case with an anthology, some stories spoke to me more than others.
I found, for me, the shorter stories had more of an impact. Some of the longer stories, lost me a bit in the middle. However, I respect the exercise in writing this was, and each story certainly poised an interesting world view.
I found, for me, the shorter stories had more of an impact. Some of the longer stories, lost me a bit in the middle. However, I respect the exercise in writing this was, and each story certainly poised an interesting world view.
December 24, 2022
Overall a good book but the stories tend to veer into shock-value territory, which I don't personally enjoy. If you enjoy absurdism, it's probably a 5/5
May 24, 2022
Really wacky and surreal, which I expected. But very dark and grim, which I didn't. Excellent ❤️
Edited to add: I was kind of baffled that this didn't get more 5 star ratings here. But after reading some of the reviews, I realise that many people started this because they are fans of Robert (as did I) and didn't enjoy because they're not fans of magic realism/really weird literature (which I am). I started Norman Reedus' novel because I'm a fan but am finding it a little (very) boring, even though I really wanted to love it because I'm a huge fan (or used to be during TWD glory days). So I guess it's the same thing. Robert has some really bonkers ideas and most of the stories read like inner streams of consciousness of his characters - random, disconnected sometimes and really weird and grim. The point I'm making I guess is that, if you're really not into that kind of literature, you probably won't love this no matter how much you love Robert himself.
Someone pointed out that the book was mismarketed too - it was made to sound like it was a fun and hilarious, wacky little book and kind of a pick-me-up, weekend read. It absolutely is NOT that. It's very grim and has the most horrific kinds of human behaviour the whole way through. So I was surprised when I realised a couple of stories in that it was what it is. Fortunately for me, I'm a fan of grim and horrific. But I can understand some people being put off by some of it.
I bought it on Audible and it made it as close to perfect as possible that Robert narrated it himself. I couldn't imagine it working as well with someone else's voice. I'd give it more than 5 stars, if it were possible.
I can't wait to read it again in a few months.
Oh, last thing. A lot of the stories have a distinctly Irish setting and feel to them. It really worked for me because I'm Irish and from a small town not far from where Robert is from. So I found it almost unsettlingly easy to picture certain things. I usually avoid Irish literature because it's boring, I don't like it and it's too close to home. But, as I said, it worked for me this time.
Edited to add: I was kind of baffled that this didn't get more 5 star ratings here. But after reading some of the reviews, I realise that many people started this because they are fans of Robert (as did I) and didn't enjoy because they're not fans of magic realism/really weird literature (which I am). I started Norman Reedus' novel because I'm a fan but am finding it a little (very) boring, even though I really wanted to love it because I'm a huge fan (or used to be during TWD glory days). So I guess it's the same thing. Robert has some really bonkers ideas and most of the stories read like inner streams of consciousness of his characters - random, disconnected sometimes and really weird and grim. The point I'm making I guess is that, if you're really not into that kind of literature, you probably won't love this no matter how much you love Robert himself.
Someone pointed out that the book was mismarketed too - it was made to sound like it was a fun and hilarious, wacky little book and kind of a pick-me-up, weekend read. It absolutely is NOT that. It's very grim and has the most horrific kinds of human behaviour the whole way through. So I was surprised when I realised a couple of stories in that it was what it is. Fortunately for me, I'm a fan of grim and horrific. But I can understand some people being put off by some of it.
I bought it on Audible and it made it as close to perfect as possible that Robert narrated it himself. I couldn't imagine it working as well with someone else's voice. I'd give it more than 5 stars, if it were possible.
I can't wait to read it again in a few months.
Oh, last thing. A lot of the stories have a distinctly Irish setting and feel to them. It really worked for me because I'm Irish and from a small town not far from where Robert is from. So I found it almost unsettlingly easy to picture certain things. I usually avoid Irish literature because it's boring, I don't like it and it's too close to home. But, as I said, it worked for me this time.
July 17, 2022
Have you ever read something to realise that the writer has the potential to be a great writer, but the writing itself has fallen short of something essential to make it a good writing?
That's Sheehan's debut book in a nutshell.
The promotion of the book promised humour, which I failed to see. Instead it's filled with constant dark, morbid thoughts - something I enjoy reading, so I'm not complaining.
There are 16 short stories, that are completely unrelated to one another. Each story starts right in the middle of someone's everyday life, and the stories are told with the technique of stream of consciousness.
Now the problem here is, none of the stories take time to introduce the characters or the ongoing events. Readers are thrown right in the middle of some crisis or occurrence and you have to figure out what's going on, by listening to the rambling thoughts of the narrator. As all 16 of the stories are unrelated to one another, it takes quite a good amount of time to figure out what's exactly happening. And the thoughts jump so much, so rapidly and abruptly, from one topic to the next, in each story, that many a times, you get lost and confused in the complexities of it all.
Some of the stories are actually really well written, and makes us ponder about the absurdity of human life and behaviour. But some of those stories are so incomprehensible.
Therefore, as much as I wanted to love the book, I just couldn't. I love Rob, I love the way he talks, the way his mind works, the way he perceives things around him - which is why I was so looking forward to reading his debut book. He has the potential to be an excellent writer, which is very evident when you read this book. But this one just fell short of something essential, something to hold your attention ( clearly, why it has taken me months to complete it ). But I am willing to cut him a slack, because it's his first book.
I hear he is working on his next book at the moment - so, that's something I look forward to now!
That's Sheehan's debut book in a nutshell.
The promotion of the book promised humour, which I failed to see. Instead it's filled with constant dark, morbid thoughts - something I enjoy reading, so I'm not complaining.
There are 16 short stories, that are completely unrelated to one another. Each story starts right in the middle of someone's everyday life, and the stories are told with the technique of stream of consciousness.
Now the problem here is, none of the stories take time to introduce the characters or the ongoing events. Readers are thrown right in the middle of some crisis or occurrence and you have to figure out what's going on, by listening to the rambling thoughts of the narrator. As all 16 of the stories are unrelated to one another, it takes quite a good amount of time to figure out what's exactly happening. And the thoughts jump so much, so rapidly and abruptly, from one topic to the next, in each story, that many a times, you get lost and confused in the complexities of it all.
Some of the stories are actually really well written, and makes us ponder about the absurdity of human life and behaviour. But some of those stories are so incomprehensible.
Therefore, as much as I wanted to love the book, I just couldn't. I love Rob, I love the way he talks, the way his mind works, the way he perceives things around him - which is why I was so looking forward to reading his debut book. He has the potential to be an excellent writer, which is very evident when you read this book. But this one just fell short of something essential, something to hold your attention ( clearly, why it has taken me months to complete it ). But I am willing to cut him a slack, because it's his first book.
I hear he is working on his next book at the moment - so, that's something I look forward to now!
July 27, 2022
What a wild and wonderful ride!
Some of the stories where great, some left me thinking about life, others left me wondering what the heck did Rob take before writing them lol but they were all enjoyable.
Will edit this review later, because is almost 3 am and I can't think very coherently.
*one day latter*
Okay, so... I really liked this book. "Medusa", "House in the Country" and "We are all alive at the same time hurtling through space" were my favorites. I didn't understand "Skin", I would need to re read it because it was interesting but I didn't know what the hell was happening xD
When I finished, I was left with a weird sensation... and I wanted more. I wanted more stories, they were great. The different voices of the character were very cool and I couldn't help but read them in my mind with an Irish accent, which made them even more cool.
If Robert writes another book, I'll definitely read it.
Some of the stories where great, some left me thinking about life, others left me wondering what the heck did Rob take before writing them lol but they were all enjoyable.
Will edit this review later, because is almost 3 am and I can't think very coherently.
*one day latter*
Okay, so... I really liked this book. "Medusa", "House in the Country" and "We are all alive at the same time hurtling through space" were my favorites. I didn't understand "Skin", I would need to re read it because it was interesting but I didn't know what the hell was happening xD
When I finished, I was left with a weird sensation... and I wanted more. I wanted more stories, they were great. The different voices of the character were very cool and I couldn't help but read them in my mind with an Irish accent, which made them even more cool.
If Robert writes another book, I'll definitely read it.
July 12, 2022
I travelled to Dublin for the Disappearing Act book signing. I was not disappointed. I had read most of the chapters whilst waiting to meet him. Robert is as you would expect in person, very kind and patient for all those that waited to meet him. He personalised each book that he signed. Now I may or may not have acquired a slight hangover the next day, after all I was in Dublin. I would not recommend reading with a hangover as you need full concentration to delve into the characters; however once you do, they are brilliant! Very funny, with quite a dark humour at times but that suits my personality so I loved it! The Funeral was by far my favourite. I fully visualised that situation.
March 5, 2022
This is Robert Sheehan's debut collection of short stories. He disappears into characters only he could create. They challenge complacencies of everyday experiences, and from unexpected perspectives. Robert offers reflections on the absurdity of human behavior seen on his travels. Delves deep into the characters' self-talk and self-imposed delusions, exploring the deep dark impulses that hang below the shiny surfaces of seemingly outwardly normal lives. Mysterious, outrageous, and often whimsical this collection will remain with the consumer after the book is completed.
April 10, 2024
I love Robert Sheehan but this was hard to get through and I didn't managed to finish it. I did get further with it being an audio book than I would have done reading it, as the book is read by Sheehan himself, but I still couldn't stay engaged in most of these short stories. I liked the first story which had me hooked and then after that sadly none of the rest. I just found them a bit odd and all over the place. I guess just like the thoughts in our heads, with no real direction or meaning, and although perhaps partly the point of the book, it sadly wasn't for me.
October 15, 2023
Great debut collection. Sheehan totally inhabits his characters minds and takes us along for the ride and the longer stories are honestly where the collection shines. "House In The Country", "Medusa" and "Alleyway" are probably my favourites from the collection. I hope he writes more because the bad reviews here are mainly people who obviously enjoy his acting but are too lazy to read something that isn't extremely conventional. There's also the issue of Irish humour generally being lost on people who aren't from here.
May 6, 2022
Robert Sheehan has a wild imagination full of bizarre stories, and a surreal, lyrical writing style. This book was beautiful, and quite a trip. I could actually hear his voice in my head, telling these stories to me as I read them, thanks to being a huge fan of him as an actor. I must say that this was the sort of chaos I expected of him and was not disappointed. These stories are going to stick with me for a long time.
November 28, 2021
I really wanted to give this at least 2 stars because I can see the effort, the writing is interesting and of course I love Robert.... but I just can't. I just needed ONE nice relatable character and/or ONE nice heartfelt story. Funeral, Medusa and House in the Country were kind of okay, though, I guess.
July 5, 2022
Dark, satirical and surreal. I really love how he writes but this isn’t one for people who don’t like the surreal and darkly humorous. A lot of these are almost horror based in their style so be aware this isn’t just a collection of comedic short stories. But i really enjoyed his writing style and I hope he writes more in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews