SHORT STORIES |
M. G Alterio Cover detail from 'Somewhere Between Intuition and Reason' by Claire Beynon, Dunedin, NZ. This collection establishes Maxine Alterio as a "rising star" (Iain Sharp, Sunday Star-Times). |
The twenty stories in this collection range from a renowned violinist coming home for a bittersweet wedding; to a woman with a Lotto ticket who saves the day on an aeroplane bound for disaster; to a neglected wife whose husband ‘comes out’; to a wealthy filmmaker who longs for a baby; to a tutu clad stalker on a unicycle who blurs the line between fantasy and reality; to an elderly woman who finds a bizarre way to beat her fear of flying; through to a woman who takes a sweet revenge and another who performs one last dance.
Publisher’s Comment Edgy, but compassionate, these stories show a keen insight into human foibles as Maxine Alterio describes the peccadilloes of her often quirky, always memorable characters. Suffused with wit, gentle irony and the intrigues of love and loss this is a lively, well crafted collection from an accomplished storyteller.
Sample of Review Quotations Maxine Alterio’s collection … consists of tightly crafted tales of stifled dreams, sensual power, loss and letting go. The sustained notes of mild irony flash so incisively you can almost hear the breath whistle through your teeth. Light on the surface with little razor-nicks to let the darkness out. Mark Peters, Dominion Post, NZ, 5 February, 2005. If you like stories that are complex and contemporary, then Alterio is your woman. All her stories, many broadcast on Radio New Zealand, have that authentic sense of what real people do. Alterio is a witty and accomplished storyteller well worth seeking out for a deeply satisfying read. Jenny Argante, Bay of Plenty Times, NZ, 30 April, 2005. Maxine Alterio gives the reader a clear picture of a confident, accomplished writer of considerable verve and range. Her stories can be tragic, wistful, quirky, profound. Humour, as sly as it comes, filters through too. Alterio’s stories happily encompass different age groups and social strata, without losing any feeling of authenticity. Sheridan Keith, Sunday Star-Times, NZ, 7 August, 2005. All Alterio’s stories display an intimate knowledge of human character, of our fears, hurts, our fantasies and our ultimate mortality. Alterio’s skill as a writer drew me into every story in the collection. After the first few paragraphs of each [story] I was hooked. Cheryl Norrie, NZ Writers’ Ezine, 10 June, 2005. Vivid and real, sometimes grim but always compassionate, these stories show great insight into human nature. Some have a touch of Roald Dahl. A great book to slip in your bag as a travelling companion. Rosie Sanderson, Northern Advocate, NZ, 23 February, 2005. Books of short stories of this quality are such a rare treat. If this book was a box of chocolates it would be rich Belgian truffles. Sophie Fern, Otago Daily Times Weekend, 2-3 April, 2005.
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