The stories in Sarah Salway’s collection Leading the Dance (recently republished in a new edition) are built from elements that are ostensibly largely quotidian, but often treated in a way that lays bare the significance that everyday things can have to people. Let’s start with the title story, which is a fine illustration of this (as well as being one of my favourite pieces in the book); it tells of a couple attending a school ceilidh, but also of the tensions running through their relationship More...

Some books, more specifically short story collections, are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. And I found myself thinking this about Leading The Dance, by Sarah Salway this week.

You see, I never read the stories in collections in order. I don't know why, I just don't. Last week, after many weeks of dipping in to it, I realised that sadly I was nearing the end. I probably only had one or two stories left to read, though, as I'd not read it in order, I d More...

My first experience of reading Sarah Salway despite having followed her blog for some time. I'd been harbouring her books, waiting for the right time to start, and now it's come, thankfully I wasn't disappointed.

I don't find short stories the easiest form. But if they were all like this I think I'd like them much more. Nearly all of these read like actual stories, they had a point, a development. Something actually happened. None read like exercises or anecdotes.

But More...

I thought this was an amazing collection of short stories. The tales really stayed with me days later. The story of the housewife with an eating disorder and the strange pet-artist who paints a portrait of her fridge is wonderfully surreal, but simply inspired.

I can't recommend enough.

I am still reading this but so far excellent. Went on a course and Sarah recently and she was an excellent tutor and has really converted me to short stories.

Elegant, insightful stories. See my blog review: http://elizabethbaines.blogspot.com/2009...

If I were British, I'd say that these stories are deliciously wicked... Salway is completely psychotic in the most charming way possible.

"Quiet Hour" is one of my favorite stories.