Scan barcode
dansquire's review
4.0
This collection brings together a bunch of Nick Mulgrew's published short stories from different magazines and journals. It means the stories cover a wide variety of topics, writing styles and emotional scenarios, although it can also feel a bit disconnected in places. I found the first couple of stories were the weakest, and it really picks up from 'Bootlegger' onwards – I actually thought 'Bootlegger' (along with 'Smaller') was the most engaging of the bunch.
I would say the overriding theme is a melancholy nostalgia, which runs through most of the stories. It is a different side of South Africa than I've read anywhere else – the characters are young-ish, white, suburban, educated but directionless. The prose is very smooth, with sparse, dry humour mixed through. It's a quick and interesting read – would recommend to anyone who enjoys the short story format.
I would say the overriding theme is a melancholy nostalgia, which runs through most of the stories. It is a different side of South Africa than I've read anywhere else – the characters are young-ish, white, suburban, educated but directionless. The prose is very smooth, with sparse, dry humour mixed through. It's a quick and interesting read – would recommend to anyone who enjoys the short story format.
More...