“Like many of the best story tellers, Cornelia Fick is funny.” J. Bekker-Thesen“What was most fascinating for me was the beautiful and elegant writing. It is clean and polished, laden with vivid and beautiful descriptions (this) is a gorgeous treat for fans of flash fiction and the short story.” Five star review from Reader’s FavoriteFor lovers of literary and experimental fiction, Cornelia … fiction, Cornelia Fick’s debut collection is written with a compassionate eye for the fragile positions of women, the dispossessed and the poor. While experimenting with different styles and forms of storytelling, Fick displays an acute insight into the mysteries of human nature.
Get a slice of life in a small South Africa town in ‘Belinda’; take a cheeky look at love in ‘Love At First Bite’; and delve into an abusive relationship in ‘To Die For’.
This is an accomplished and thought-provoking collection, infused with wit, insight and humor, all the while examining the decay and unseen emotional damage caused by inequality. These short stories are essential for fans of the medium, and will intrigue any reader.
“A truly beautiful collection that deserves its place on any literary-lover’s bookshelf.” T. Williams
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Johannesburg-based author Cornelia Fick offers the world stories that captures the mythology, social issues, culture, and people of South Africa. Yet these tales also tap into universal experiences of loneliness, abuse, hope, family, and a search for meaning.
While none of the stories go more than a few pages, and many qualify as flash fiction, they often distill the emotions and experiences of a lifetime into a single, illuminated moment. Some use elements of science fiction or fables, while others look with unflinching realism at misogyny, racism, and apartheid.
I tend not to like works that relish too much in seeing how bleak or, to use a tired phrase, “dark and gritty” they can make every moment. However, Fick brings a mixture of dark and light to her pages that reveals the strength, dignity, and passion of her characters. As a reader, I took satisfaction in seeing an abused woman find moments of quiet triumph or a homeless and forgotten person reveal depths of creativity—to name just two of the many characters rising above their situations.
The more experimental works play with words and narrative form in entertaining ways, while some of the more traditional stories provide in-depth character studies. All of these diverse works somehow fit together, capturing Fick’s impressive literary range and creating an emotional, satisfying collection.
A combination of thrilling, deep, and thoughtful stories. Each work in this book was creative and captivating. Well written the author showed great thought, emotion, and characters. This book told the stories of childhood innocence, broken relationships, struggling times, and learning lessons. My favorite story was Shadow Kids, for its depth, emotion, and childish substance. I hope to see more by this author.
I got chills, I chuckled, I wondered, and I teared up. This is a must read.
Author Cornelia Fick is an official winner of the 1 page WILDsound Writing Festival 2016, “Thoughts of a Soldier”, which is included in this collection of 41 short stories, 171 cream colored pages easy on the eyes, with a gorgeous cover and a glossary covering South Africa’s rich vernacular, which Fick uses effectively throughout these stirring stories without overdoing it.
Review:
There are times when a short story hits the spot in the most satisfying way when done right. I have to say Cornelia Fick fills that need. Her short stories are powerful pieces jam-packed with rich detail. She uses precise words to paint a vivid picture and the feel of them carries you away. This collection includes 41 quick fixes to please any bookworm or reader who doesn’t want to tackle a novel length story.
The entire book is an excellent read with undertones of a woman’s lot. You will choose some favorites within this treasure trove of exceptional work. I loved the feel of “Flying Ants” and “Belinda”. I wanted Oom Baba to keep telling me tales, and to my delight, he did. My heart ached when I read “The Beggar” and I got chills when I read “Thoughts of a Soldier”. What a powerful piece! “Eye of a Needle” made me chuckle and nod. I know what type it takes to appreciate this story, and now a small knowing smile uplifts the corners of my mouth and I’m nodding again. This is an outstanding collection to add to any library or hand down to your daughter. A must read.