The Teeth of a Slow Machine

by Andrew Roff

This daring, irreverent short-story collection dissects and explores the conundrums of contemporary life and what it is to be human, through a world very like our own. A corporate satire follows a pair of dark operatives working for a chicken franchise as they take careful revenge on counterfeiters. A coder calculates the odds of her husband's cold developing complications and killing him, in a story told in code. A relationship at breaking point is told via a scrambled timeline of events that works like a puzzle. A man spends his inheritance on technology that will allow him to fly. And an archeologist working for mining companies against the interests of Indigenous communities develops a mysterious psychological condition that causes her to black out and commit extreme acts of generosity.

Genres: Short Stories

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2022

Reviews

[Fiona Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story collection is witty, bold and wonderfully entertaining. Each story delights in a new way. While there is a dry humour throughout, there is also kindness, and a gentle insight that is quite moving.
Towards the end of the collection, I found myself delaying the inevitable, trying to eke out the last few story treats.
For those whole love smart, sharp short fiction, this will fit the bill, and for those who think they don't like short fiction, this just could be the collection that changes your mind.

[Brendan Colley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spent a leave day reading this splendid collection. In many ways, the rules and laws of the universe these stories occupy makes more sense to me than the world in which we live! Greatly enjoyed, and look forward to the next one.

[Steve Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories by a local author - what's not to like. Inevitably, some stories are more to my liking than others, but I suspect that there's something here for most people. Worth checking out.

[Rose Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of strange, sweet and beautifully written stories by an exciting new writer

[Denise Picton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew is one of my favourite short story authors. This is a great collection. I’ve read several multiple times. A must have in your library.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing collection showing the author’s technical skill as well as creative imagination. Recommended for aspiring short story writers!

[Keith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of some startlingly original short fiction. Bit of a fan, now, I have to admit.