Like many small towns everywhere, this little town has a real cross-section of residents. Some are quirky, some lonely, some kind, and some mean spirited. They have a variety of lives and lifestyles, as well as individual problems and worries.

Some of the town folk are trapped – either by circumstance, or by their own fears and insecurities. Some residents are longing for escape, while others are complacent with their lives and situations. Some finding joy in their lives while others are merely enduring theirs.

This book of short stories was extremely well written. The authentic characters sprang to life from the pages. Often the tales were quite dark, but convincing in their simplicity. Here are nineteen inter-connected short stories, but the connections are tenuous. Every human emotion is touched upon at one time or another. Some of the topics are common to every town, everywhere… jealousy, grief, sadness, marriage, loneliness, resentment, mental illness, parenting, encumbrances, hope, and despair.

I could almost hear the Irish jargon and lilt to the sentences.

I found these stories to be compelling reading. Finishing one then eagerly starting another. Highly recommended! A great choice for May which is Short Story month!

I read this title via my Kindle Unlimited subscription. All opinions are my own.ASIN: B087N43Q82 –  ISBN: 9798689101705 – 230 pages

Elizabeth Merry was born in Bangor, Co Down on the north east coast of Ireland and she still has family there whom she often visits. She has lived most of her adult life in Dublin.

Elizabeth began writing many years ago, mostly short stories for children, and then she tried a novel which was published but is out of print now.

Connect with Elizabeth Merry via her website or Twitter.