“Paola Ferrante’s collection of quirky short stories, titled ‘Her Body Among Animals,’ published by Influx Press for £10.99, is a labyrinth of surrealism, sexual themes, and ecological distress. Browsing through the riveting sections, readers may be reminded of the Krishnamurti’s profound observation, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Each tale is saturated with a sense of discontent and emerges as somewhat foreboding rather than comforting. ‘The Silent Grave of Birds,’ a potent narrative of sexual abuse, stands out for being more direct and less dependent on metaphors compared to the other inclusions in Ferrante’s anthology.
Alternatively, ‘Company’ by Shannon Sanders, available for £16.99, begins with an intriguing family tree starting with Opal, the stunning family matriarch laying on her deathbed. This collection of 13 intertwined narratives follows a Black American family’s lineage and the unexpected guests who enter their lives. These gate crashers reveal hidden truths, ruffle peaceful existences, and often precipitate positive changes. Sanders’ depiction of her characters is vivid and affectionate; MacHale’s smile is likened to a sip of high-grade whisky, his daughters are an emotional whirlwind, and his wife’s hair to a seasoned penny. Sanders’ sparkling first endeavor, characterized by a deft touch and a penchant for humour, makes her a promising new author.
Lastly, Jessica Anthony’s ‘The Most,’ priced at £12.99 by Doubleday, also merits a read.”
The narrative “The Most” can be likened to a deftly written short tale, imbued with profound insight. Its milieu is set in the United States during the tense atmosphere of 1957, a period marked by Sputnik 2’s space voyage, pioneered by the Soviets; a venture that unfurled an aura of apprehension across America. Concurrently in Delaware, an erstwhile tennis ace, Kathleen Beckett finds herself in a critical conjugal crisis. Within the shabby confines of a residential complex, she contemplates her future with her unfaithful spouse in the property’s outdoor pool. The pathway to resolution relies on their mutual honesty. The question then arises – which approach is optimal? Is the paradox of tennis’ lexicon, where ‘love’ signifies ‘zero’, a reflection of the imminent fate of her marriage?