SOMETHING VERY HUMAN
The debut short story collection from award-winning author, Hannah Retallick
THE BLURB
This collection takes the reader on a journey through life, from the innocence of young voices to the reflections of those seeking meaning as they look back at the paths they've taken.
Each story captures the very essence of being human. The characters tackle everyday challenges, face inner struggles, navigate familial relationships and friendships, fall in love and out of love, process grief, and reflect on the beautiful fragility of it all.
MY REVIEW
The stories in Something Very Human are both intimate and universal, shaped by the author’s sharply focussed eye and impeccable ear for dialogue, and anchored by a strong sense of place and vivid characters. Hannah Retallick’s writing is assured, and she is not afraid to experiment with form and language – this is a collection which feels as crisp and sharp as a green apple.
Retallick’s stories are imbued with a wealth of experiences and emotions – exploring friendships, love, loss and longing, and the eternal search for connection. But there is humour and hope at their heart, and this warmth shines through. Our lives may be woven from what appears to be fragile thread, but this is a writer who understands the real resilience of the human heart; she knows that “however many times you’ve been let down and however drenched you become, there are always reasons to sing.” A truly accomplished debut collection.
(Something Very Human is out on 7th November 2024 from Bridge House Publishing. You can order a copy here or from Waterstones and local bookshops.)
