An arresting collection of short stories across diverse locations. And whilst they seem, on the surface, to be separate from each other there is a convergent theme - the human condition, examined and observed from various perspectives. Indian culture plays a big part but there are universal notions here to be considered. And ultimately I found it to be quite a philosophical collection. However there is a quirkiness throughout that prevents any kind of preaching or axe grinding. There is a balance between the light hearted and the serious. Something I loved was how the eccentricities are expressed as everyday, normal.Like any collection I had my favourites; Shamans in Luburbia, possibly because I loved the concept of fusing London and surburbia into Luburbia. Genius! It's about the menopause too and I loved the interaction between the characters. These lines grabbed me, 'We are creating rituals for menopause as we couldn't find any. We will strengthen and release our inner shamanic forces.' Take that HRT!
I found When You Go You Leave a Farce quite moving as an unnamed character returns carry out her deceased father's wishes to scatter his ashes in a precise spot in what turns out to be a dried up river (sorry if that's a spoiler). However it allows her to reconnect with her family after eighteen years.
Other stories offer much food for thought - pre-conception agreements, revenge, friendship but the final, titular story pulls the ultimate punch and it's barely a page long!
'It's out of your control. Realise this, and everything is easy. Also much more difficult. Because you'll put your efforts in, dial up to the max, then wait. Nothing may happen, something may happen. It's out of your control.'
Indeed it is.
My thanks to Isobelle Kenyon at Fly on the Wall Press for a copy of the book and a place upon the blog tour.
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