Polaris and Other Stories

by Fay Weldon

This collection of short stories dealing with the perils of love, sex, and marrage includes "In the Great War," "The School Run," and "The Sad Life of the Rich"

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Literary Fiction

240 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Fay Weldon CBE was an English author, essayist and playwright, whose work has been associated with feminism. In her fiction, Weldon typically portrayed contemporary women who find themselves trapped in oppressive situations caused by the patriarchal structure of British society.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fay_Weldon

Reviews

[Manny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best collection of Fay Weldon short stories I have read. The title story is very clever. After reading three pages, you are sure you know exactly what is going to happen... he is serving on a nuclear submarine, she is left behind to look after the house, obvious feminist morals to be extracted. But all is not as simple as it seems. The other stories are good too.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet more short stories by Fay Weldon, some I enjoyed hugely and others not quite so much. ‘Christmas Lists’ I thought was genius, as the obsessive list-making ramps up and up, such wonderful writing. ‘Redundant! or The Wife’s Revenge’ was also well-structured, switching from one conversation to another. The rest contained Weldon’s usual edgy take on female/male relationships, although ‘Polaris’ was probably my least favourite, although I couldn’t say why; it could be that I’ve been reading a bit too much of Weldon’s work. But I just can’t resist it.

[Sarah Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories for rushed times by an accomplished feminist author.

[mysterygif · Rating 3 out of 5]

acerbic and cynical soap opera disaster sequences, neat caveats for 20th century women. witty and diverting with vivid characters.

[Vicki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like it and only read three stories.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic collection of short stories: some grotesque characters beautifully sketched, different voices, plots that unfold and surprise. Some feel dated ('horrors of the road' for example) but 'redundant!', a tale of sexual mores, could have been written yesterday. 'Christmas lists' becomes more and more frantic as the family dynamics become more complicated, and 'birthday!' has a lovely sting in the tail. Worth reading.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fay Weldon is just the right mix of hilarious and horrifying.

[Catherine]

Some of the stories were a bit samey but some nice dark ones amongst the collection.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked most of the stories. Brilliant, edgy writing.