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The Ruined Road: A Collection of Short Stories
This is a collection of short stories.
Mostly it's probably about pain, suffering, existentialist angst and other strange stuff.
It's written in various styles, various genres and covers various topics prostitution, self immolation and Mormons. An eclectic collection would probably describe it best.
The plus one came from a very weird, vivid, lockdown dream. I liked it, so included it in the collection. It just doesn’t really fit with the other ten, hence it’s separation.
Mostly it's probably about pain, suffering, existentialist angst and other strange stuff.
It's written in various styles, various genres and covers various topics prostitution, self immolation and Mormons. An eclectic collection would probably describe it best.
The plus one came from a very weird, vivid, lockdown dream. I liked it, so included it in the collection. It just doesn’t really fit with the other ten, hence it’s separation.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 19, 2023
A rollercoaster of emotions
Iain’s book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The stories were fantastically written, and were both poignant and interesting.
Iain’s book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The stories were fantastically written, and were both poignant and interesting.
April 5, 2023
A Wild Ride of Short Stories!
The best way to describe this set of short stories is a rollercoaster. The first few stories are entertaining but you quickly realize the author is only gathering steam before the first drop as the ride begins!
Gray takes readers into the minds, sometimes the stream of consciousness, of some nefarious (shady at best) characters. While some of their actions were shocking, most are relatable in one way or another which really helps to ground the stories and characters alike.
These short stories provide plenty of variation where readers are sure to find at least a few (if not the full 11) to enjoy and resonate with. If you can keep up with a wee bit of Scottish dialogue, give this collection a try!
September 14, 2022
A collection of 11 short stories of which 10 have a tying theme.
Each story is around 12-13 pages long and the book could probably be read in a single sitting.
I liked the variety and what the author was attempting to convey. Funnily, I like sci-fi but the true to life stories landed better for me.
I felt the stories could have been tighter with less exposition and more immersion. I didn't get the emotion of any, which is, to be fair, hard in a dozen pages.
Would read the author again.
Self publishing is hard and it was nice to read the physical book.
Each story is around 12-13 pages long and the book could probably be read in a single sitting.
I liked the variety and what the author was attempting to convey. Funnily, I like sci-fi but the true to life stories landed better for me.
I felt the stories could have been tighter with less exposition and more immersion. I didn't get the emotion of any, which is, to be fair, hard in a dozen pages.
Would read the author again.
Self publishing is hard and it was nice to read the physical book.
August 24, 2025
A really poignant and surprisingly moving collection of short stories thematically connected by travelling along the road, as well as along life's journey.
Gray delves into themes of grief, despair, dystopia and identity. There is an authenticity and potency behind the voices which tell these short stories which feel like they originate from genuine experiences.
A little more editing and polish vis-a-vis the text itself would make this perfect, but I still have no problem in giving such a thoughtfully-written collection a full five stars.
Gray delves into themes of grief, despair, dystopia and identity. There is an authenticity and potency behind the voices which tell these short stories which feel like they originate from genuine experiences.
A little more editing and polish vis-a-vis the text itself would make this perfect, but I still have no problem in giving such a thoughtfully-written collection a full five stars.
April 24, 2022
An interesting variety of human explorations
This is a difficult to define collection that ranges from historical fiction to psychological drama to science fiction. Some stories are mysterious, others are deep character studies. I believe that the strongest story is “Liberation”, followed by “Anguish”. Worth a read if you’re looking for a good collection of short stories (all very short) that speak to different elements of humanity and personal strife.
This is a difficult to define collection that ranges from historical fiction to psychological drama to science fiction. Some stories are mysterious, others are deep character studies. I believe that the strongest story is “Liberation”, followed by “Anguish”. Worth a read if you’re looking for a good collection of short stories (all very short) that speak to different elements of humanity and personal strife.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews