pickExperimental fiction is hard to review. I wasn‘t even sure that I liked these short (very short) stories as I read them, but the playful turns of phrase kept me going. If it was an abstract painting, I would say I like the brushstrokes and use of colour. That maybe there is an adulterer over here and some family relationships going on over there. An impression of social commentary. Puzzling, but interesting.
They were all very attractive—the cups—very flowerful, and the best of them had rims that would turn outward slightly in order to appear more than willing to release the tea.
The Skol
In the ocean, Mrs Clavey decided to advance on foot at shoulder-high depth. A tiny swallow of the water coincided with her deliberation. It tasted like a cold, salted variety of her favourite payang congou tea. She didn‘t intend to drink more, but she did drink—more.
[This is the story in its entirety.]
She was fingering her glass that held water—the water that, of course, slides downhill when she drinks it—the water that one could say stumbles.
(Internet photo)
But I was restful during a letup in the late afternoon, when my sister visited me. Her metal necklace caught at my shawl collar and it pulled loose a thread as I embraced her.
Her appearance needed some repair, too.
[author photo from book jacket]
The salesman, at his home, empties a pitcher of water into a potted plant that has produced several furred buds that he‘s been studying and waiting on—courting, really—but it‘s as if these future flowers intentionally thwart him. He assumes responsibility for their behaviour.
Henry the cat put his paws up on me and called out a critical remark. Then he made his other noise that is tinged with bitterness.
I‘ll make no attempt to explain a cat‘s problems that are basic to all cats—schemes that are unrealistic.
The brief stories in this collection are an acquired taste. Distinctly avant garde. I‘m halfway through and still undecided about whether I like this kind of thing. These lines do bring up one of my pet peeves, however, which is cyclists endangering me as a pedestrian.
The dog was upright, slowly turning in place, and then he settled down into the shape of a wreath—something, of course, he‘d thought of himself, but the decision was never extraordinary.
panTwo of the maybe forty stories were good. I love flash fiction but this collection is not worth your time. Super disappointing.
Slightly adapted the #yellowcovers prompt for day 2 of #riotgrams to #yellowspines. Close enough. 😎
panMaybe I'm not smart enough to get this, but I disliked it greatly.
panGorgeous cover of the collection that's been my commute companion for the last week. The good thing is I have learnt flash fiction is perfect for bus commutes. The bad thing is that this flash fiction was waaaaaaaay too vague for me. Two stories were brilliant. The other 30 or so... nope.
it's Saturday, it's time for me to read reviews at www.guardian.co.uk/books and add to my ginormous wishlist...
bailedStrange and nonsensical. Not my cup of tea.
Great new release library haul! What should I read first?
I was just turning some things into the library and these JUMPED into my arms demanding that I take them home - so I did!
Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine | 
