Book: Letting Go by Victoria Watson

This collection of eight short stories contains the constant theme of life changing events.

Three of the stories have already been released individually and you can find my reviews of them by clicking the Victoria Watson label at the bottom of this review.

The five remaining stories are:

Bye Bye Baby
Cry Baby
John: Home Tomorrow
Maybe Baby
The Waiting Game

Two of the “Baby” stories are actually about babies, always an emotional subject matter and the others concern domestic abuse, 9/11 and a period of limbo. These are told in a touching way and there is even the odd moment of humour.

The short story format has finally found a home on e-readers but some of these are just too short, they do have impact, but it’s all over too quickly. Thankfully when you include the three titles already reviewed (I Should Have Seen It Coming, Inside and Keeping Quiet) the collection becomes an altogether much more satisfying experience.

Ric’s Rating: Good

Short Story: Inside by Victoria Watson

While watching the demolition of a building, a young woman ponders past events which took place within.

This short story is similar to Victoria Watson’s previous tale Keeping Quiet but where that was an elderly lady looking back this is a much younger woman contemplating her past.

As events gradually unfold and we learn the building’s purpose various typical teenage events are remembered, like misguided sexual adventures, but when the final tragedy is revealed it puts all these things into perspective.

Emotional and thought provoking, this is another fine example of the power of the increasingly popular short story format which has seen a dramatic re-birth since the rise of the e-reader.

Ric’s Rating: 68%

Short Story: I Should have Seen It Coming by Victoria Watson

An ordinary office worker loses her job and stumbles across an old pack of tarot cards in another short sharp dose of fiction from Victoria Watson.

Gradually she learns the tarot and becomes Jacqueline Stargazer, a sought after party guest, but when psychic night bookings begin she delivers some advice that has tragic consequences.

This is really all about how someone’s life can change after losing their job and its thought provoking stuff that remains entertaining throughout.

These Trestle Press short stories make ideal lunch break reading, it’s nice to be able to complete a tale in a short period of time and anyone lacking the discipline or attention span required for novels should give them a try.

Ric’s Rating: 67%

Short Story: Keeping Quiet by Victoria Watson

An elderly lady contemplates the twists and turns of a life that has mostly passed her by in this moving short story from Victoria Watson.

From her childhood before the war to her current predicament she takes us on a melancholy journey. A domineering Mother put paid to most fun in her childhood and even as an adult she bows to her Mother’s will, although things begin to change when her own daughter arrives.

The short story format (currently championed on ebook by Trestle Press) is perfect for this sad tale. It contains everything required to paint a full picture of a life filled with regret.

Powerful and affecting, this is a perfect introduction to short stories for anyone hesitant to try.

Ric’s Rating: 78%