In Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, we last see Dr Frankenstein’s Creature shunned by human society and crossing the Arctic wasteland. What if he were rescued by an eccentric English expedition intent on sailing from pole to pole and back - only to be cast away again in a remote fiord in Aotearoa’s deep south?
Featuring a collection of expertly woven tales, this book showcases the unsettling and eerie themes characteristic of a master in the genre. Each story delves into the darker aspects of human nature, blending suspense with psychological depth. Readers can expect a captivating exploration of fear and the unknown, where every narrative intricately builds tension and evokes a haunting atmosphere. Perfect for fans of horror and the macabre, these stories promise to linger in the mind long after reading.
Things OK with you ? is Vincent O’Sullivan’s first collection of poems since Being Selected Poems (2015) and And So It New Poems (2016). His Selected Stories was published in 2019 and The Dark Is Light Ralph Hotere in 2020. Paperback, 210x138mm, 96 pages.
Presenting thirty-five stories from seven collections published over more than forty years, Vincent O’Sullivan’s Selected Stories is a milestone in the career of one of New Zealand’s leading writers.
Featuring a collection of four interconnected stories, the book showcases O'Sullivan's unique characters who navigate moral dilemmas with a touch of dark humor. Each tale carries a slightly moralistic purpose, yet O'Sullivan's macabre wit prevents the narratives from becoming overly preachy. This hard-to-find collection highlights the author's ability to blend humor with deeper themes, making for an engaging read that entertains while provoking thought.
If we don't have the past in mind, it is merely history. If we do, it is still part of the present. Esther's grandparents first meet at a church dance in London in 1947. Stephen, a shy young Kiwi, has left to practice pharmacy on the other side of the world. Eva has grown up English, with no memory of the Jewish family who sent their little girl to safety. When the couple emigrate, the peace they seek in New Zealand cannot overcome the past they have left behind. Following the lives of Eva, her daughter Lisa, and her granddaughter Esther, All This By Chance is a moving multigenerational family saga about the legacy of the Holocaust and the burden of secrets never shared, by one of New Zealand's finest writers.
Set against the backdrop of pre-World War I England, the narrative explores the intricate love affairs of four young middle-class individuals. O'Sullivan delves into their personal lives, revealing their cares and concerns while highlighting the impending turmoil that will soon engulf them. The contrast between their seemingly trivial preoccupations and the looming historical events adds depth to the characters, creating a poignant reflection on innocence lost.
The collection showcases the evolution of Vincent O'Sullivan's poetry, featuring works from his debut in 1973 to newly published pieces. Readers will encounter a rich tapestry of wit, intellectual depth, and striking beauty, highlighting O'Sullivan's significant contributions to New Zealand literature.