'Rusticles' by Rebecca Gransden
The next few weeks my blog will be about the books I've read. Recently, of course. It follows on from my thoughts on reading Jean Teule's 'The Poisoning Angel' last week, and will include the likes of 'Norse Mythology' by Neil Gaiman, 'Folk' by Zoe Gilbert, and some shorts by Daphne Du Maurier. However this week my thoughts are with 'Rusticles' by Rebecca Gransden.
I chose to read 'Rusticles' because (like me) Rebecca is a new, up and coming author without the backing and marketing clout of a major publishing house. It made sense to me that I ought to be reading and supporting other independent authors in a similar boat to me. I'm glad I did because I really did enjoy it.
Lots!
And it only gets better as it sits and ages.
I keep thinking about it.
Stories that loiter with intent in the darker corners of the mind.
I digress.
'Rusticles' is a collection of short stories, all linked by the fictitious and suburban Hilligoss; a place known to us all. It's like a concept album (imagine Pink Floyd or Sergeant Peppers) in literary form, and each story peels a layer of Hilligoss away.
The writing is literary.
Clever.
Words that paint a surreal, weird and horrifying exploration of everyday life without degrading the importance of the mundane. Rebecca considers the ugliness and hurt caused by addiction to the innocence of Knock Knock Ginger, ragged birds and pink flamingoes to ghostly children and clockwork monsters. I was hooked as soon as there was a blue pig...
Nothing weird here.
Stop looking!
For those that don't like a brain stretch in their reading, this may not be for you; but I myself loved it. Rebecca is a truly bright light for the future; an English writer whose work (at times) reminded me of the strangeness of Du Maurier.
Four out of five stars from me for 'Rusticles'.
Highly recommend it; and don't just take my word for it, check out other reviews on Goodreads!
If there's a topic you'd like me to consider in a blog, a book you think I really need to read and review, or a TV Series you think I'd enjoy (and you'd like me to include it in my blog) drop me a line and let me know.
Finally. If you do buy my books. Thank you.
And let me know what you think. Get in touch on Twitter. I'm always there; a writer, you see...
