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Delusion and Dreams
Twelve stories of betrayal, greed, revenge, deception, dreams, and courage.
We all struggle to find our way. What you see isn't necessarily all there is. This collection takes you into the grey area, because the world is never just black and white.
Life is all about perspective. One person's delusion is another person's dream.
Includes five bonus stories.
We all struggle to find our way. What you see isn't necessarily all there is. This collection takes you into the grey area, because the world is never just black and white.
Life is all about perspective. One person's delusion is another person's dream.
Includes five bonus stories.
- GenresShort Stories
120 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2013
About the author
Maria Savva
51 books523 followersWriter of novels and short stories, multi-genre. Maria's short stories have appeared in the BestsellerBound anthologies and the Mind's Eye Series of books, as well as the online magazine The Write Launch: http://thewritelaunch.com/
Maria is also a music blogger at the Real Rock And Roll blog: https://realrockandroll.wordpress.com/
Look out for current news about her writing on her website: http://www.mariasavva.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 26, 2013
I was given this book by the author and having read her other works, I was looking forward to it - I was not disappointed.
Although short stories, they are connected within the dreams and delusions of the human condition and cleverly spaced out so that some characters are pushed further - I really liked that idea.
Not wanting to give spoilers, I will say that this collection is well-written and definitely hones in on the everyday emotions that fill our days, as well as delving deeper, highlighting that we're not always sure what is reality.
Recommended.
Although short stories, they are connected within the dreams and delusions of the human condition and cleverly spaced out so that some characters are pushed further - I really liked that idea.
Not wanting to give spoilers, I will say that this collection is well-written and definitely hones in on the everyday emotions that fill our days, as well as delving deeper, highlighting that we're not always sure what is reality.
Recommended.
June 1, 2013
Delusion and Dreams (Maria Savva)
A well written collection of short stories.I feel that Delusion and Dreams has something for every type of reader. I loved all the stories but I would like to pick my three favorites. I won't say much about them, since I never do spoilers, I guess I would have to say read the book and find your favorites!
My top three favorites: Happy New Year, Getting Away With It & Merry Go Round.
A well written collection of short stories.I feel that Delusion and Dreams has something for every type of reader. I loved all the stories but I would like to pick my three favorites. I won't say much about them, since I never do spoilers, I guess I would have to say read the book and find your favorites!
My top three favorites: Happy New Year, Getting Away With It & Merry Go Round.
June 17, 2013
The best short stories have interesting characters, satisfying plots and catchy twist endings, and I can tell you that Maria Savva's collection of stories, Delusion and Dreams, has all of these in abundance. The characters are certainly many and varied: a foolish old man pursuing a younger woman, a pilfering postman, a boy with multiple phobias, a delightful young couple who befriend elderly neighbours, the list of characters is as varied as they are interesting. It’s impossible to outline the stories without giving away the endings, so I’ll just say that if you like catchy, satisfying totally accessible reads, you’ll love Delusion and Dreams. Maria Savva’s strength is to get ‘inside the skin’ of ordinary people and establish their motives for good and for evil and dangle the possibilities before your eyes until an ending you never saw coming leaps up and catches you by the throat. A good satisfying read that you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
June 10, 2013
I found this a compelling collection of stories. As I've come to expect with Maria Savva's writing, each story explores human nature and the reasons behind the choices we make. I especially loved the unique approach taken here, with one story told four times from four different perspectives. These stories remind us that, while we experience the same situation as someone else, we all have a unique interpretation of the events. After reading this, you might find yourself looking more closely at the people in your life.
July 14, 2013
Delusion & Dreams was the one of first short story collection of books that I read and I personally think that some of the stories could be turned into full length novels. It would be interesting to see if Maria continues the story of any of the characters in these short stories.
A fabulous collection of short stories and this book has something for everybody and you won't be disappointed. I have read Maria's other novels and again, am very impressed and amazed at the imagination that goes into her work.
A fabulous collection of short stories and this book has something for everybody and you won't be disappointed. I have read Maria's other novels and again, am very impressed and amazed at the imagination that goes into her work.
August 13, 2013
These stories were all a little twisted, a little dark, and very enjoyable. These aren't my usual pick, but I'm glad I ventured into Maria's turf.
My only complaint is that most of the stories could have been longer. The characters were so well drawn I felt I was peeking in the windows, watching a few days in their lives.
My only complaint is that most of the stories could have been longer. The characters were so well drawn I felt I was peeking in the windows, watching a few days in their lives.
July 24, 2013
Never thought I'd be one to read short stories, but Maria has changed my mind. A cleverly written book, that allowed my imagination to run riot at the end of each story. Very good book, go take a look.
June 21, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Maria Savva's previous collection of short stories, Love and Loyalty, so I have been looking forward to reading this, her latest collection.
Delusion and Dreams doesn't disappoint. It kicks off with Delusion and Dreams Part 1, which forms the first part of a storyline running throughout the book, written from different viewpoints. This first installment outlines Jack's descent towards ostracism, all too easy in the modern world; and poses some awkward questions. Next up is Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow, which offers a title apt in more ways than one, and some humorous relief; but only through misunderstanding and broken promises. It's clear straight away that the protagonists in these stories are all realistic and well-rounded.
The first line of Happy New Year grabs you, and the story never lets you go as it unravels expertly. Jonathan Graves begins to doubt his own motives during an interrogation, and so will you; but what will be revealed in the end? Following on, Friends and Neighbours is an intriguing tale of a delightful young couple helping out their elderly neighbour and things not going quite to plan – and how opposites do not always attract. Delusion and Dreams Part 2 offers a different perspective, and contains some surprises about Jessie's situation which will make the reader stop and think. Getting Away With It is one of those compelling stories I couldn't read quickly enough, desperate to find out what happens next; I won't say more than that! Friends and Neighbours – Revisited opens the reader's eyes to another viewpoint as the story follows on, involving both the ultimate betrayal, and a twist at the end.
Seeing is Believing involves sympathy, misunderstanding, and sweet revenge – in a most unexpected way. This cautionary tale leads into Delusion and Dreams Part 3, which exposes the cracks beneath the surface of suburban existence. The best short stories make you stop and think, reconsidering your own place in the world, and Merry-go-round certainly does that. Mandy is worn down by family routine, and is pleasantly surprised by the events of one evening – but is everything as it seems? The tables are turned in a surprising way for James in Courage, the story of a young boy's many hangups. It would seem he is victorious in the end, but the seeds of doubt are planted in the very last paragraph. Delusion and Dreams Part 4 caps the collection, leaving the reader wondering whether there really is any loyalty left in the world.
Delusion and Dreams gives the reader strong, believable characters being presented with varying kinds of dilemma, and then makes it possible to examine the motives behind their actions. This is an endlessly fascinating prospect, because it is the essence of human nature; and Maria Savva understands human nature well. I must add that there are five bonus stories, Flames, Isolation, Winter Blues, Michaela and The Game of Life, which are all excellent, ensuring this is a satisfying read. If you are interested in looking beyond the obvious in everyday life, this collection is for you!
Delusion and Dreams doesn't disappoint. It kicks off with Delusion and Dreams Part 1, which forms the first part of a storyline running throughout the book, written from different viewpoints. This first installment outlines Jack's descent towards ostracism, all too easy in the modern world; and poses some awkward questions. Next up is Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow, which offers a title apt in more ways than one, and some humorous relief; but only through misunderstanding and broken promises. It's clear straight away that the protagonists in these stories are all realistic and well-rounded.
The first line of Happy New Year grabs you, and the story never lets you go as it unravels expertly. Jonathan Graves begins to doubt his own motives during an interrogation, and so will you; but what will be revealed in the end? Following on, Friends and Neighbours is an intriguing tale of a delightful young couple helping out their elderly neighbour and things not going quite to plan – and how opposites do not always attract. Delusion and Dreams Part 2 offers a different perspective, and contains some surprises about Jessie's situation which will make the reader stop and think. Getting Away With It is one of those compelling stories I couldn't read quickly enough, desperate to find out what happens next; I won't say more than that! Friends and Neighbours – Revisited opens the reader's eyes to another viewpoint as the story follows on, involving both the ultimate betrayal, and a twist at the end.
Seeing is Believing involves sympathy, misunderstanding, and sweet revenge – in a most unexpected way. This cautionary tale leads into Delusion and Dreams Part 3, which exposes the cracks beneath the surface of suburban existence. The best short stories make you stop and think, reconsidering your own place in the world, and Merry-go-round certainly does that. Mandy is worn down by family routine, and is pleasantly surprised by the events of one evening – but is everything as it seems? The tables are turned in a surprising way for James in Courage, the story of a young boy's many hangups. It would seem he is victorious in the end, but the seeds of doubt are planted in the very last paragraph. Delusion and Dreams Part 4 caps the collection, leaving the reader wondering whether there really is any loyalty left in the world.
Delusion and Dreams gives the reader strong, believable characters being presented with varying kinds of dilemma, and then makes it possible to examine the motives behind their actions. This is an endlessly fascinating prospect, because it is the essence of human nature; and Maria Savva understands human nature well. I must add that there are five bonus stories, Flames, Isolation, Winter Blues, Michaela and The Game of Life, which are all excellent, ensuring this is a satisfying read. If you are interested in looking beyond the obvious in everyday life, this collection is for you!
February 25, 2014
Hand on heart, I can say with all honesty that Delusion and Dreams by Maria Savva is one of the best collections of short stories that I have read so far.
“Delusion and Dreams” contains twelve stories, some of which are linked. The story which gives its’ name to the title of this collection is in four parts, and tells us of the lives of several people who knew each other twenty years previously. At that time, they were in school and then college, but their paths in life had diverged once they stepped into the world of work. The stories are interesting and surprising, looking at life from several different viewpoints, as their paths crossed again, twenty years on.
I also enjoyed the two stories called “Friends and Neighbours”. Both had sinister twists that I had not expected! The other tales in this collection contained humour, tragedy and so much more. There was also a treat of five bonus, previously published stories, which contained all the hallmarks of Maria Savva’s writing - humour, insight and a twist at the end.
If you are a fan of short stories, or if you have never tried them, I would recommend this book to you. The author writes so well, with true insight into human nature. I am sure this collection will entertain, make you think and find you searching out more of this author’s work.
November 4, 2016
“Delusions and Dreams” by Maria Savva is a collection of short stories filled with irony, introspection, and dark humor. The author takes the reader deep inside the characters’ minds as they deal with their fears, anxieties, disillusionments, and desires. While the stories and characters deal with a lot of murkiness in their lives and inner thoughts, the author’s writing style is very clear. The dialog is realistic, and the stories flow seamlessly.
I particularly liked the skillful way she presented the story, “Delusions and Dreams,” in four parts, all from a different character’s perspective.
I particularly liked the skillful way she presented the story, “Delusions and Dreams,” in four parts, all from a different character’s perspective.
April 30, 2014
You never know what people think, you might think so, but. In this book of short stories, Maria tells us stories that seem to be going one way in one person mind, while something totally different is running through the other person thoughts. The grey area is very deceptive, things aren't always the way they seem. Download and see what I mean. LOL!
June 11, 2013
Twelve Stories of Betrayal, Greed, Revenge, Deception, Dreams, and Courage!
August 19, 2013
These loosely linked stories build one upon another until the riveting end. Savva is an insightful writer, observant and emotionally astute, with a knack for creating subtle suspense.
September 4, 2013
Delusion and Dreams is a book of twelve short stories, there is something for everyone. One of my favoritie storys was Merry Go Round.I look forward to reading more books by Maria Savva
May 18, 2014
Maria Savva has once again written a collection of short stories that is sure to make one think as each of the twelve stories draw you deeply into the mind of her characters. Ms. Savva has the unique ability to see into the depths of the human condition and bring to life through her written words the worst and best of mankind.
Her stories always contain some twists that will surprise and entertain you, while bringing you one step closer to understanding the various quirks her characters and plots involve.
I love this authors writing style and will continue to read her works and can wholeheartedly recommend them to others.
Her stories always contain some twists that will surprise and entertain you, while bringing you one step closer to understanding the various quirks her characters and plots involve.
I love this authors writing style and will continue to read her works and can wholeheartedly recommend them to others.
August 4, 2013
A fairly well written and quite enjoyable collection. My main criticisms were that the stories were very short and I felt that they would have been improved by greater depth and development of characters and places. Some stories were quite predictable but The Game of Life was my favorite and the end was unexpected. I was tempted to visit Ms Savva's website as a result of reading, it was good but I would suggest removing the shameless references to herself as some kind of child prodigy - after all it was a bit laughable and no one likes a bighead!
August 25, 2016
Delusion and Dreams (Maria Savva)
A well written collection of short stories.I feel that Delusion and Dreams has something for every type of reader. I loved all the stories but I would like to pick my three favorites. I won't say much about them, since I never do spoilers, I guess I would have to say read the book and find your favorites!
My top three favorites: Happy New Year, Getting Away With It & Merry Go Round.
A well written collection of short stories.I feel that Delusion and Dreams has something for every type of reader. I loved all the stories but I would like to pick my three favorites. I won't say much about them, since I never do spoilers, I guess I would have to say read the book and find your favorites!
My top three favorites: Happy New Year, Getting Away With It & Merry Go Round.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews