An interesting collection of short stories by an eclectic array of writers. I was given the brief that ‘Stories: All-new Tales’, edited by Neil Gaiman (which is why I was drawn to the collection) was based around the question ‘and then what happened?’. The result is a diverse selection that spreads through a range of genres leaving a label behind. That, in itself, is refreshing.
Like every collection, I had clear favourites and some of the stories simply didn’t connect with me. But that’s to be expected, isn’t it? That’s the beauty with a mix of writing styles and lengths and experimentations and storytelling. I dipped in and out and flicked and engaged until I hit the stories that sparked something in me at that very moment of reading. I guess we all interact with stories differently and a collection such as this will cater for everyone, in some way. I think that the beauty with reading for pleasure is to do just that, if a story doesn’t bond with your mood and your thirst, then you move on. If a story connects then it leaves you with a taste, be it of death, horror, love or something slightly surreal.
‘Stories: All-new Tales’ is a diverse assortment of treats, penned by many writers including Jodi Picoult, Joanna Harris, Joe Hill, Chuck Palahniuk, Michael Marshall Smith and Neil Gaiman. I’ve never read Jodi Picoult before, yet I found her inclusion to be one of the best constructed and evoking. She offers an emotionally charged story about the loss of a child, titled ‘Weights and Measures.’ Her story stood out for me.
My main criticism of this assortment is that I’d have liked to have seen some lesser name short story writers included. There are some remarkable short story writing talents out there, those who have worked the craft to perfection but aren’t being read by a wide audience. It felt like a missed opportunity for some to shine.
However, evil twins, vampires, serial killers, fantasy, dark humour, ‘Stories: All-new Tales’ is a curious collection and one I’m sure many will enjoy.
