REVIEW: THE ASSASSINATION OF MARGARET THATCHER
A collection of dark, compelling short stories some sordid and foreboding. Sometimes her caustic sense of humor burns through. After devouring each delicious morsel, readers want to know more – but maybe that’s the art of short story telling.
“Sorry to Disturb”. The life of a married woman in Saudi Arabia. Mantel was herself, lived in that country for a time with her husband who was working there. Well told, but depressing.
“Comma”: Two lower working class girls growing up – bizarre little story. Perhaps some of it may have come from circumstances in Mantel’s childhood.
“The Long QT”. A sexy little story of a suburban couple and what happens when a husband messes around— sometimes a bit of groping and slap and tickle can lead to untimely death.
“Winter Break”. A clever little tale about a couple who go to the continent for a short holiday. A mishap occurs during the long drive to their hotel when something is killed by their taxi cab. The unfriendly driver puts the roadkill in the trunk. Readers don’t learn seriousness of the accident until after the couple have arrived at their hotel.
“Harley Street” is the story of a person who works in the reception of a doctor’s practice complete with lab for taking blood samples etc. Hilary describes the lives of those who work there, covering their human foibles in depth.
“Offense Against the Person”. A tale of a girl preparing for college. Her father, a lawyer, is having an affair with his young secretary. There are various seedy scenes after the complications of her father’s behavior—a common tale perhaps.
“How shall I know you?” A day in the life of an author. She is invited to give a talk to a literary group. Her hotel accommodation is less than desirable and seedy. Was this based on experiences from from Mantel’s early days? There must be many authors who can relate to this short uncomfortable piece.
“The Heart Fails Without Warning”. Two sisters growing up. One has anorexia and the story revolves around that. Depressing.
“Terminus”. A girl thinks she’s sees the ghost of her father on a train. Beautifully written.
“The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher”. A sinister piece beautifully written in her usual descriptive prose. An IRA man is bent on revenge of his terrorist mates who’d starved themselves to death.
Hurry up Ms. Mantel and write the third part of the Cromwell trilogy! No, shush! Shush! I shouldn’t say that; might disturb your train of thought. I’ll let you plan the demise of some other famous person whom you probably found equally distasteful. I’ll tiptoe out and leave you to it, gazing from your Devonshire window overlooking the sea …
“Sorry to Disturb”. The life of a married woman in Saudi Arabia. Mantel was herself, lived in that country for a time with her husband who was working there. Well told, but depressing.
“Comma”: Two lower working class girls growing up – bizarre little story. Perhaps some of it may have come from circumstances in Mantel’s childhood.
“The Long QT”. A sexy little story of a suburban couple and what happens when a husband messes around— sometimes a bit of groping and slap and tickle can lead to untimely death.
“Winter Break”. A clever little tale about a couple who go to the continent for a short holiday. A mishap occurs during the long drive to their hotel when something is killed by their taxi cab. The unfriendly driver puts the roadkill in the trunk. Readers don’t learn seriousness of the accident until after the couple have arrived at their hotel.
“Harley Street” is the story of a person who works in the reception of a doctor’s practice complete with lab for taking blood samples etc. Hilary describes the lives of those who work there, covering their human foibles in depth.
“Offense Against the Person”. A tale of a girl preparing for college. Her father, a lawyer, is having an affair with his young secretary. There are various seedy scenes after the complications of her father’s behavior—a common tale perhaps.
“How shall I know you?” A day in the life of an author. She is invited to give a talk to a literary group. Her hotel accommodation is less than desirable and seedy. Was this based on experiences from from Mantel’s early days? There must be many authors who can relate to this short uncomfortable piece.
“The Heart Fails Without Warning”. Two sisters growing up. One has anorexia and the story revolves around that. Depressing.
“Terminus”. A girl thinks she’s sees the ghost of her father on a train. Beautifully written.
“The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher”. A sinister piece beautifully written in her usual descriptive prose. An IRA man is bent on revenge of his terrorist mates who’d starved themselves to death.
Hurry up Ms. Mantel and write the third part of the Cromwell trilogy! No, shush! Shush! I shouldn’t say that; might disturb your train of thought. I’ll let you plan the demise of some other famous person whom you probably found equally distasteful. I’ll tiptoe out and leave you to it, gazing from your Devonshire window overlooking the sea …
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