#BookReview: Hinting at Shadows by Sarah Brentyn @SarahBrentyn

Hi everyone. Today, I have another book review for you. I first came across this book via  a reblog on Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore and loved the review so much, I got a copy. I finally got around to reading it and wish I’d done it much sooner. Here’s my review >>>


Book Description:

Delve into the deeper reaches of the human condition and the darkness that lives there.

A girl haunted by her sister’s drowning. A boy desperate for his father’s affection. A woman forced to make a devastating decision. A man trapped by his obsessions.

Experience tales of love, loss, murder, and madness through this collection of flash and micro fiction.

Take a peek behind the smile of a stranger. Get a glimpse inside the heart of a friend. Scratch the surface and discover what is hidden beneath.

These stories will open your mind, tug at your thoughts, and allow you to explore the possibility that, even in the brightest moments, something is Hinting at Shadows.

Each selection is approximately 100 words, with a bonus section of Microbursts in which each story is told in 50 words or less.

 

My Review:

This is a collection of flash fiction broken up into four sections, and it is an easy and quick read.

Having said that, brief as these snippets are, they go deep. I reckon I shall be re-reading this one over and over again. Here are a couple of lines that stood out for me:

‘Till the earth of who I was. From this mangled mass of roots, let something whole and healthy break through. Let something beautiful grow.’ and …

‘My life ebbs away, sailing from the shifting shore of my body like a piece of driftwood floating out to sea.’

And another one, which made me chuckle–I could relate to this one! … ‘The doctors say “insomnia” and prescribe pills. I say “writer” and pick up a pen.’

The writing was that good that I wanted each story to continue, but this is flash and micro fiction, so they don’t. Some of the stories are more like teasers and slice-of-life but brilliant nonetheless.

I read this in one go and couldn’t put it down. It gets a solid five stars from me.


NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

 

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.

4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.

3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.

2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.

1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.


 

20 Comments on “#BookReview: Hinting at Shadows by Sarah Brentyn @SarahBrentyn

  1. I also have this book on my TBR, Harmony. Lovely to read such as strong recommendation for it.

    • That’s great, Robbie. I’m slowly working through all the books I’ve picked up lately, lol 🙂

    • Thanks, Robbie. 🙂 It’s a great review. If you do get to read it, I hope you enjoy.