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The Weight of a Feather and other stories
“The promise implicit in an anthology is that it aspires to present something different, unexpected” ~ Joyce Carol Oates
(Introduction to The Oxford Book of American Short Stories)
From the classical form of The Weight of a Feather, first published by The Huffington Post (2013), to the suggestive allegory of The Leopard and The Lizard, this collection of short stories by South African author Judy Croome is an ideal mix of the familiar and the startling.
These vibrant slices of life testify to the mysterious and luminous resources of the human spirit. Whether feeling the harrowing emotion in The Last Sacrifice or the jauntiness of Jannie Vermaak’s New Bicycle, the reader will delight in a plethora of stories that cross boundaries to both challenge and entertain with their variety.
Edited by Angela Voges of Typographica Manuscript, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cover Design by Michelle Davidson Argyle
(Introduction to The Oxford Book of American Short Stories)
From the classical form of The Weight of a Feather, first published by The Huffington Post (2013), to the suggestive allegory of The Leopard and The Lizard, this collection of short stories by South African author Judy Croome is an ideal mix of the familiar and the startling.
These vibrant slices of life testify to the mysterious and luminous resources of the human spirit. Whether feeling the harrowing emotion in The Last Sacrifice or the jauntiness of Jannie Vermaak’s New Bicycle, the reader will delight in a plethora of stories that cross boundaries to both challenge and entertain with their variety.
Edited by Angela Voges of Typographica Manuscript, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cover Design by Michelle Davidson Argyle
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
199 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2013
2 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Judy Croome
13 books185 followersJudy Croome lives and writes in Johannesburg, South Africa. Judy loves cats, exploring the meaning of life, chocolate, cats, rainy days, ancient churches with their ancient graveyards, cats, meditation, and solitude. Oh, and cats. Judy loves cats (who already appear to have discovered the meaning of life.)
Writing as J A Croome, "The Sand People: a collection of magical realism and other stories" [Aztar Press, 2024] is also available.
Croome's fiction and poetry books "the dust of hope (rune poems)" (Aztar Press, 2021); "Drop by Drop (poems of loss) (Aztar Press, 2020); "a stranger in a strange land" (Aztar Press, 2015); “The Weight of a Feather & Other Stories” (Aztar Press, 2013), “a Lamp at Midday” (Aztar Press, 2012) and “Dancing in the Shadows of Love” (Aztar Press, 2018, 2012, 2011) are available.
Croome co-authored the non-fiction book "Street Smart Taxpayers (Juta Law, 2017) with her late husband Dr. Beric Croome.
Shortlisted in the African Writing Flash Fiction 2011 competition, Judy’s short stories, poems and articles have appeared in various magazines, anthologies and newspapers, such as The Sunday Times, The Huffington Post (USA) and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Itch Magazine. In 2021 and 2016, Judy was the poetry judge for the Writers2000 (South Africa) annual poetry competition and, in 2021, presented "The Gift of Poetry" to Writers2000 (South Africa).
Join her on Instagram @judy_croome or visit her on www.judycroome.com
Writing as J A Croome, "The Sand People: a collection of magical realism and other stories" [Aztar Press, 2024] is also available.
Croome's fiction and poetry books "the dust of hope (rune poems)" (Aztar Press, 2021); "Drop by Drop (poems of loss) (Aztar Press, 2020); "a stranger in a strange land" (Aztar Press, 2015); “The Weight of a Feather & Other Stories” (Aztar Press, 2013), “a Lamp at Midday” (Aztar Press, 2012) and “Dancing in the Shadows of Love” (Aztar Press, 2018, 2012, 2011) are available.
Croome co-authored the non-fiction book "Street Smart Taxpayers (Juta Law, 2017) with her late husband Dr. Beric Croome.
Shortlisted in the African Writing Flash Fiction 2011 competition, Judy’s short stories, poems and articles have appeared in various magazines, anthologies and newspapers, such as The Sunday Times, The Huffington Post (USA) and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Itch Magazine. In 2021 and 2016, Judy was the poetry judge for the Writers2000 (South Africa) annual poetry competition and, in 2021, presented "The Gift of Poetry" to Writers2000 (South Africa).
Join her on Instagram @judy_croome or visit her on www.judycroome.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 15, 2014
Judy Croome is a fantastic storyteller. She takes the reader on a journey through life and its various nuances. All of Croome’s stories have a message that the reader can take away, the sign of a brilliant short story. If a story makes an impact on you then, you are more likely to repeat it to your friends and thus spread its popularity. The anthology starts of with ‘The Weight of a Feather’, which deals with the sudden milestones of growing up. Learning curves which are not necessarily forgivable.
In a flowing but often brutal style the characters and their tangible emotions leap off their pages. As one Goodreads reviewer wisely states: ‘One can feel like a voyeur peeking vicariously into a person’s life, or be swept into a nightmare.’ Even stories like The Biter Bit and The Negotiation, short as they are, reverberate with your conscience a long while later.
The stories in this anthology are something you would read in a newspaper with your morning cup of tea, or the last thing you read on the train and often think about it at work. It is very easy to imagine what the characters might have done next after the story ends. Such is the beauty and poignancy of the authors writing and the versatility of the genre.
In a flowing but often brutal style the characters and their tangible emotions leap off their pages. As one Goodreads reviewer wisely states: ‘One can feel like a voyeur peeking vicariously into a person’s life, or be swept into a nightmare.’ Even stories like The Biter Bit and The Negotiation, short as they are, reverberate with your conscience a long while later.
The stories in this anthology are something you would read in a newspaper with your morning cup of tea, or the last thing you read on the train and often think about it at work. It is very easy to imagine what the characters might have done next after the story ends. Such is the beauty and poignancy of the authors writing and the versatility of the genre.
January 25, 2014
Wow is what I say when I talk about The Weight of a Feather. When hearing the words short stories my immediate thought is stories that are quick but do not have enough detail in them to be enjoyable, although since reading this book my whole perception has changed. The stories were deep sometimes intense and they didn't falter. Goldy's Locks was ones of those intense ones, a wife recalling her husband who is now dead and how long they had been married. It wasn't all rosy and one day she couldn't take it anymore.
Another story about a teenage boy talking to his mother, trying to understand why she walked out on him and his father. Did that mean she didn't love him? another deep story that pulled at my heartstrings.
If I had to sum this book up in one word I would use the word Remarkable.
Another story about a teenage boy talking to his mother, trying to understand why she walked out on him and his father. Did that mean she didn't love him? another deep story that pulled at my heartstrings.
If I had to sum this book up in one word I would use the word Remarkable.
September 24, 2015
I won this through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
The Weight of a Feather and other stories, while well written, really didn't hold my interests. I'm not sure if it is because I'm just not really into short stories or if they really weren't that interesting. I've read quite a few glowing reviews for this book so I'm sure the fault lies with me. All the stories seem to be missing something. I realize there is only so much you can put into a short story. It was like drinking a glass of Kool-Aid that doesn't have quite enough sugar in it. The author Judy Croome does write well and she isn't one of those authors that seem to be lacking in writing ability and I would love to read a novel by her!
The Weight of a Feather and other stories, while well written, really didn't hold my interests. I'm not sure if it is because I'm just not really into short stories or if they really weren't that interesting. I've read quite a few glowing reviews for this book so I'm sure the fault lies with me. All the stories seem to be missing something. I realize there is only so much you can put into a short story. It was like drinking a glass of Kool-Aid that doesn't have quite enough sugar in it. The author Judy Croome does write well and she isn't one of those authors that seem to be lacking in writing ability and I would love to read a novel by her!
August 28, 2018
The Weight of a Feather and other stories is the perfect companion for a literature lover that's looking for something to read in one sitting. That's what makes short stories so great, you can come back to them at any time.
Judy Croome's short stories are a unique and enjoyable collection of true to life tales that really make one think about what they've just read. Written with simplicity but brimming with complex subjects such as loss of innocence, poverty and unconditional love, Croome's short stories are read beautifully on paper and can be understood from any context, no matter where you are in the world.
Don't expect your typical happy endings, these shorts stories are meant to broach a combination of topics in a unique and perhaps thought-provoking way.
Judy Croome's short stories are a unique and enjoyable collection of true to life tales that really make one think about what they've just read. Written with simplicity but brimming with complex subjects such as loss of innocence, poverty and unconditional love, Croome's short stories are read beautifully on paper and can be understood from any context, no matter where you are in the world.
Don't expect your typical happy endings, these shorts stories are meant to broach a combination of topics in a unique and perhaps thought-provoking way.
January 31, 2014
The Weight of a Feather is a series of random short stories, depicting life’s journeys. Each story “ends” cleverly (or doesn’t end at all), leaving more for the imagination to wonder about. Of course, until the next story snatches your attention.
From trials to triumphs and vice versa, these stories are a warm embrace for anyone who has experienced love, loss and life in general. It begins with the title story, that in reality is a story that many older individuals may relate to. A young girl spends months befriending a “pet” chicken that roams freely on her family property – only to have it make the ultimate sacrifice by ending up on her dining table. My mother once shared the exact life occurrence when she was the same age as the main character. To this day, she is unable to enjoy pets, as she recognizes as an adult that life can be fleeting and unexpectedly disappointing.
One story that was especially poignant to me was “The Negotiation,” where a widowed husband finds a clever way to make sure that his late, dear wife’s car never gets sold. This story struck a special chord, as I recently lost my grandmother in 2013. Mementos are especially important to keep our loved ones’ memories alive. I was left wondering what would come of the old man, and used my imagination to creatively shape his destiny.
The paradigms shift from tale to tale – a mother mourns the lost life of her son by putting herself in a brief exile in “Born Beneath a Balsamic Moon.” She finds very little healing in the pain she mentally inflicts upon herself, but feels it is the only way to feel connected to his soul. A chance encounter with who seems to be a random homeless man creates the epiphany she needs to start life anew. There was beauty in this story; like a phoenix the mother was able to rise from the literal ashes.
Irony plays a major part in “Rainbow Farm (or the Ghost of Christmas Past), as Affirmative Action leads society to a reindeer Santa. I had to chuckle while reading this story, and wonder what inspired it. What life experiences could the author have had to hint at the subtle tragedy of discrimination through such blatant humor.
I will pass this book on to each of my friends who request a good read. As we travel through life, it is crucial to remember the great gifts that we are given. Life itself is a gift that many of us take for granted each day. The Weight of a Feather is a light book, but holds a place in my heart forever.
http://vforvadge.com/love-life-and-st...
From trials to triumphs and vice versa, these stories are a warm embrace for anyone who has experienced love, loss and life in general. It begins with the title story, that in reality is a story that many older individuals may relate to. A young girl spends months befriending a “pet” chicken that roams freely on her family property – only to have it make the ultimate sacrifice by ending up on her dining table. My mother once shared the exact life occurrence when she was the same age as the main character. To this day, she is unable to enjoy pets, as she recognizes as an adult that life can be fleeting and unexpectedly disappointing.
One story that was especially poignant to me was “The Negotiation,” where a widowed husband finds a clever way to make sure that his late, dear wife’s car never gets sold. This story struck a special chord, as I recently lost my grandmother in 2013. Mementos are especially important to keep our loved ones’ memories alive. I was left wondering what would come of the old man, and used my imagination to creatively shape his destiny.
The paradigms shift from tale to tale – a mother mourns the lost life of her son by putting herself in a brief exile in “Born Beneath a Balsamic Moon.” She finds very little healing in the pain she mentally inflicts upon herself, but feels it is the only way to feel connected to his soul. A chance encounter with who seems to be a random homeless man creates the epiphany she needs to start life anew. There was beauty in this story; like a phoenix the mother was able to rise from the literal ashes.
Irony plays a major part in “Rainbow Farm (or the Ghost of Christmas Past), as Affirmative Action leads society to a reindeer Santa. I had to chuckle while reading this story, and wonder what inspired it. What life experiences could the author have had to hint at the subtle tragedy of discrimination through such blatant humor.
I will pass this book on to each of my friends who request a good read. As we travel through life, it is crucial to remember the great gifts that we are given. Life itself is a gift that many of us take for granted each day. The Weight of a Feather is a light book, but holds a place in my heart forever.
http://vforvadge.com/love-life-and-st...
February 14, 2014
I’m usually not one for short stories, but I figured I would give The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories a shot because, let’s face it, I thought “The Weight of a Feather” sounded pretty cool. I also really liked the cover art, and I hoped the old advice “don’t judge a book by its cover” wouldn’t come back to haunt me.
What I Liked:
Judy Croome definitely has a way with words. Her descriptions were quite vivid and truly created new worlds. I am largely unfamiliar with South Africa, but her stories made me feel like I was there. Also, her characters were unforgettable. Each unique and round, they effectively brought her stories to life.
What I Didn’t Like:
As sound as the quality of Judy Croome’s writing was, the subject matter was definitely not up my alley. I’m the kind of person who wants a happy ending every time, or at least a neutral one. I like to feel good after I’ve read something. I know that reality is not always happy, but that’s the exact reason I usually stick to fiction. I use books to transport myself away from reality.
Arguably, the stories nowhere near mimicked my reality, but the situations and events in almost every story included in The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories were dismally depressing or disturbing.
No matter how wonderfully and creatively an author describes the sacrificial rape and slaughter of a young woman, I still do not want to read about it.
I hoped very much that I would come across a happy story that would redeem the collection for me, but the happiest stories were about seemingly fat people turning on a fan and a man who sold his wife for a bike.
Overall:
The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories was a well-written but semi-depressing collection of short stories, one I would not recommend to other happy-go-lucky readers like myself.
Rating: 2.75 / 5 Stars
For more reviews check out www.thegrandshuckett.com
What I Liked:
Judy Croome definitely has a way with words. Her descriptions were quite vivid and truly created new worlds. I am largely unfamiliar with South Africa, but her stories made me feel like I was there. Also, her characters were unforgettable. Each unique and round, they effectively brought her stories to life.
What I Didn’t Like:
As sound as the quality of Judy Croome’s writing was, the subject matter was definitely not up my alley. I’m the kind of person who wants a happy ending every time, or at least a neutral one. I like to feel good after I’ve read something. I know that reality is not always happy, but that’s the exact reason I usually stick to fiction. I use books to transport myself away from reality.
Arguably, the stories nowhere near mimicked my reality, but the situations and events in almost every story included in The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories were dismally depressing or disturbing.
No matter how wonderfully and creatively an author describes the sacrificial rape and slaughter of a young woman, I still do not want to read about it.
I hoped very much that I would come across a happy story that would redeem the collection for me, but the happiest stories were about seemingly fat people turning on a fan and a man who sold his wife for a bike.
Overall:
The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories was a well-written but semi-depressing collection of short stories, one I would not recommend to other happy-go-lucky readers like myself.
Rating: 2.75 / 5 Stars
For more reviews check out www.thegrandshuckett.com
January 27, 2014
It has been awhile since I read a collection of short stories. I was a little worried I might not be able to get into it because I generally tend to read very long novels, and I particularly enjoy series of novels (i.e. Stephen King's Dark Tower series, George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones series). I needn't have worried. I enjoyed Judy Croome's collection of short stories from beginning to end. Particular favorites include: Born Beneath a Balsamic Moon, Umbrella in the Snow, A Dish Best Eaten Cold, The Leopard and the Lizard, and The Last Sacrifice. Believe me, the irony is not lost on me that the stories I enjoyed most in Weight of a Feather were all of the longer variety.
I always enjoy stories set in surroundings and times unfamiliar to me, it makes me feel a bit like a world traveler as I descend into each new tale. I think that's why I prefer long novels, it prolongs the journey and provides a satisfyingly long and languid experience as I "live" inside the story. Weight of a Feather was a nice change of pace. I was very satisfied with the extremely wide range of subject matter and differing tones of each tale. I often find myself (when reading longer novels) losing track of time and reading "just one more chapter" and then another and then another, until the wee hours of the morning - often resulting in self-recrimination for not exercising more control over my passion for reading as I yawn my way through the day, struggling not to give in to the temptation for a nap. Croome's collection made for perfect bedtime reading, providing a natural stopping place as I paused to ponder each story before moving on to the next.
In short, I highly recommend Judy Croome's Weight of a Feather to anyone interested in expanding their literary range.
I always enjoy stories set in surroundings and times unfamiliar to me, it makes me feel a bit like a world traveler as I descend into each new tale. I think that's why I prefer long novels, it prolongs the journey and provides a satisfyingly long and languid experience as I "live" inside the story. Weight of a Feather was a nice change of pace. I was very satisfied with the extremely wide range of subject matter and differing tones of each tale. I often find myself (when reading longer novels) losing track of time and reading "just one more chapter" and then another and then another, until the wee hours of the morning - often resulting in self-recrimination for not exercising more control over my passion for reading as I yawn my way through the day, struggling not to give in to the temptation for a nap. Croome's collection made for perfect bedtime reading, providing a natural stopping place as I paused to ponder each story before moving on to the next.
In short, I highly recommend Judy Croome's Weight of a Feather to anyone interested in expanding their literary range.
November 21, 2013
This book was a collection of 45 short stories all written at different times. I honestly can say a book has never touched me so. Every story spoke to me. There was a little something to be taught or remembered or mulled over in each story. There was not one bad one in the bunch.
I believe all of the stories were heavily written about strong women. And that was amazing. I always loved strong female characters and there was no dearth of them in this book.
All of the stories were all favorites but my three top stories were Black Waters, The Lottery Ticket, and The Blue Mountains. You will have to read it for yourself to judge your favorites and why I might pick those three as mine.
The back of the book has some excerpts from her other works. That was wonderful to read also. I intend now to read all of her works.
What I love was in the "About The Author" section in the back of the book where it states "The driving motivation of her writing is the search of love in all its forms. Judy writes because she believes words have great power: they can bring comfort, joy, and hope. They can reveal secrets and lies. And, while they may not change the world, they can - at their best - change people's lives, even if only for a moment."
Isn't that beautiful?
Read this book you will not be disappointed.
I believe all of the stories were heavily written about strong women. And that was amazing. I always loved strong female characters and there was no dearth of them in this book.
All of the stories were all favorites but my three top stories were Black Waters, The Lottery Ticket, and The Blue Mountains. You will have to read it for yourself to judge your favorites and why I might pick those three as mine.
The back of the book has some excerpts from her other works. That was wonderful to read also. I intend now to read all of her works.
What I love was in the "About The Author" section in the back of the book where it states "The driving motivation of her writing is the search of love in all its forms. Judy writes because she believes words have great power: they can bring comfort, joy, and hope. They can reveal secrets and lies. And, while they may not change the world, they can - at their best - change people's lives, even if only for a moment."
Isn't that beautiful?
Read this book you will not be disappointed.
November 6, 2014
I’ve been a sucker for short stories ever since I discovered Edgar Allen Poe as a young teenager, so when Judy Croome offered to share a collection of her stories, I couldn’t resist. It isn’t really an appropriate choice for my blog, but it was an enjoyable break, definitely worth sharing in a casual review.
Leslie (my blog partner) asked me as I was reading what the book was about. I said it was about life, and that seemed to satisfy her. But the question remained with me: What is your book about, Judy? My mind wandered back to another book I reviewed of Croome’s, a haunting spiritual journey titled Dancing in the Shadows of Love. It, too, was about life, and I found myself captivated by Croome’s short story collection in the same way.
Croome is a very good writer. Her stories are imaginative and engaging, they play heavily on the element of surprise, but more than that, they leave you full of feelings. Icky feelings, happy feelings, sad feelings, nervous feelings. Her characters–all of them–are simultaneously common and peculiar, a little like peeking into the closet of your smiling next door neighbor. A little like if you were to peek into your own heart. It’s scary stuff.
Some stories appear to have been published before, and some appear to be originals, but they’re all great reads. Highly recommended!
Aztar Press, © 2013, 193 pages
ISBN: 978-0-987047-3-0
Leslie (my blog partner) asked me as I was reading what the book was about. I said it was about life, and that seemed to satisfy her. But the question remained with me: What is your book about, Judy? My mind wandered back to another book I reviewed of Croome’s, a haunting spiritual journey titled Dancing in the Shadows of Love. It, too, was about life, and I found myself captivated by Croome’s short story collection in the same way.
Croome is a very good writer. Her stories are imaginative and engaging, they play heavily on the element of surprise, but more than that, they leave you full of feelings. Icky feelings, happy feelings, sad feelings, nervous feelings. Her characters–all of them–are simultaneously common and peculiar, a little like peeking into the closet of your smiling next door neighbor. A little like if you were to peek into your own heart. It’s scary stuff.
Some stories appear to have been published before, and some appear to be originals, but they’re all great reads. Highly recommended!
Aztar Press, © 2013, 193 pages
ISBN: 978-0-987047-3-0
December 29, 2013
At first, I was a little leery about reading this book because it is out of my genre, but I never turn down a book without giving it a chance. I must say that I am glad that I gave this book a chance, because it is a phenomenal Classical Anthology that I will not forget and will want to re-read over again. This is a remarkable book with many short stories that have either captured my heart and soul, or made me smile. The stories flowed so well and so real that I felt as if I was living in these stories. I absolutely loved each and every story but my favorite out of them all is 'A Dish Best Eaten Cold'. These stories either had me pondering them as I read each one. This book is delightfully entertaining and brings out things that you would least expect in each story told. I was entranced from beginning to end. It was extremely hard to put the book down once I started reading it. I highly recommend this book to all. Be prepared for something totally different, yet very addicting and this anthology will keep you wanting to read more of this author's work.
I received a paperback copy of this book for a blog tour in return for an honest review.
I received a paperback copy of this book for a blog tour in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2013
*received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway winner.
This collection of stories will not disappoint the avid reader, especially one that values scenery, imagery and heartfelt storytelling. I started this book and was drawn in by the South African scenes that made me feel like I was there, in the bush, trying to understand a culture and lifestyle that is very unlike my own. I tried to wrap my mind around the atrocities that happened in the name of culture and feel the pure, unbridled love brought only by the bonds of family. Croome did an exceptional job of pulling at my heart strings, wrenching me into tears then making me smile at the moral value of her stories. I fought back tears, I laughed, I smiled and I understood what culture means to many different people. This is a must read. My personal favorites are Umbrella in the Snow, The Leap, The Lottery, The Blue Mountains (my fave) and The Gold Miner. Breathtaking, heart wrenching, satisfying.
- T.R. Horne, author of Breaking Möbius and Crazy Dirty Love, blogger at www.ragingbookreviews.wordpress.com
November 15, 2013
I love the depth and breadth of Judy Croome’s writing. In, The Weight of a Feather, a collection of short stories, she takes the reader on a wide variety of journeys. One can feel like a voyeur peeking vicariously into a person’s life, or be swept into a nightmare.
In the dark, beautiful and horrifying story, “The Last Sacrifice,” one is pulled into the distant past, while in “The Wheel Turns” one is taken into a possible future. There is African bush magic in, “The Leopard and the Lizard,” and satirical humor in, “Rainbow Farm.” There are stories of love, loss and redemption, of faith, hope and despair.
Ms. Croome is an artist whose canvass is the blank page and whose medium is words. She paints pictures. Some sparse, some detailed. Some modernistic, some classical. But each can be studied, reread, reviewed, many times over. Reading this collection is rather like walking into a museum and being amazed.
In the dark, beautiful and horrifying story, “The Last Sacrifice,” one is pulled into the distant past, while in “The Wheel Turns” one is taken into a possible future. There is African bush magic in, “The Leopard and the Lizard,” and satirical humor in, “Rainbow Farm.” There are stories of love, loss and redemption, of faith, hope and despair.
Ms. Croome is an artist whose canvass is the blank page and whose medium is words. She paints pictures. Some sparse, some detailed. Some modernistic, some classical. But each can be studied, reread, reviewed, many times over. Reading this collection is rather like walking into a museum and being amazed.
January 13, 2014
I have not read a short story anthology before so when this book tour came up it was the perfect opportunity to see what exactly a short story anthology was.
In The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories is lots of very short stories, some just a page long some a few pages long. I particularly enjoyed the original story The Weight of a Feather because the story was similar to what my husband experienced as a child with his chicken being dished up for dinner after school. I also liked Umbrella in the Snow although I enjoyed many of the short stories these two stood out to me. Some I just didn’t ‘get’ as they were so short.
I liked this book because it is great for short time fillers like when I was at the doctor’s surgery waiting to be seen and at the dentist. I could finish one or two stories in the time I sat waiting.
It was very well written and I would love to read more from Judy Croome.
In The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories is lots of very short stories, some just a page long some a few pages long. I particularly enjoyed the original story The Weight of a Feather because the story was similar to what my husband experienced as a child with his chicken being dished up for dinner after school. I also liked Umbrella in the Snow although I enjoyed many of the short stories these two stood out to me. Some I just didn’t ‘get’ as they were so short.
I liked this book because it is great for short time fillers like when I was at the doctor’s surgery waiting to be seen and at the dentist. I could finish one or two stories in the time I sat waiting.
It was very well written and I would love to read more from Judy Croome.
January 25, 2014
The fun thing about The Weight of a Feather: and Other Stories is that it has a range of literature. There are one stanza poems as well as one or two page stories and some longer ones. There are stories with a happy ending, those with a sad or angry ending, and stories with a Twilight Zone-like twist.
The whole book has an exotic feel, talking about places I have never been (in South Africa) and using phrases I had never heard (in Afrikaans). In some places, the situation was so far removed from my life that it was difficult for me to identify with the character, but in other stories, even though the character and I were separated by thousands of miles, I could completely understand how he or she was feeling.
This is not a book to read in one sitting. It is best to savor one or two stories at a time or read a few poems when you need a short refresher. Otherwise the diversity of tales can be a bit overwhelming.
The whole book has an exotic feel, talking about places I have never been (in South Africa) and using phrases I had never heard (in Afrikaans). In some places, the situation was so far removed from my life that it was difficult for me to identify with the character, but in other stories, even though the character and I were separated by thousands of miles, I could completely understand how he or she was feeling.
This is not a book to read in one sitting. It is best to savor one or two stories at a time or read a few poems when you need a short refresher. Otherwise the diversity of tales can be a bit overwhelming.
February 28, 2014
I love a good short story anthology, and this book didn’t let me down. Each story was well written and short enough so that if I needed to stop to do something else, I could without struggling to get to the end, since I don’t like stopping in the middle of a chapter. The only problem with that is that I read a lot in bed before going to sleep, and I kept telling myself “the stories are short, I can read one more” over and over (not that I’m complaining).
There is such a variety of themes to the stories in this book that you never get bored. You’re in one place and time one minute, and a completely different place and time the next. It kept me excited to see what the next story would be.
I think everyone, even those not to keen on short stories would enjoy this book. It would be great to carry with you to read during short breaks and when you have a free moment here and there.
This will be a book I read again and again.
There is such a variety of themes to the stories in this book that you never get bored. You’re in one place and time one minute, and a completely different place and time the next. It kept me excited to see what the next story would be.
I think everyone, even those not to keen on short stories would enjoy this book. It would be great to carry with you to read during short breaks and when you have a free moment here and there.
This will be a book I read again and again.
May 3, 2014
I read Weight of a feather in exchange for honest review from Charisma Media. The Weight of a Feather: and Other Stories, written by Judy Croome, is a collection of short stories. The stories range from one page to 10 pages long. I wanted to review the book because I haven't read short stories in a while.
The first story is Weight of a feather, which is about a little girl and her birds, who she considers her friends. I also liked One Lonely Road, which is about a farmer starting a new life in the city. Another favorite was The Biter Bit. The story starts out with a wife fussing at her husband for stealing money from a homeless man for a lotto ticket. The Fan is about a husband, who wants his wife to turn on the fan to beat the heat. I feel like him right now. It is hot and my fan isn't getting the room cool enough.
The book is well-written and descriptive.
The first story is Weight of a feather, which is about a little girl and her birds, who she considers her friends. I also liked One Lonely Road, which is about a farmer starting a new life in the city. Another favorite was The Biter Bit. The story starts out with a wife fussing at her husband for stealing money from a homeless man for a lotto ticket. The Fan is about a husband, who wants his wife to turn on the fan to beat the heat. I feel like him right now. It is hot and my fan isn't getting the room cool enough.
The book is well-written and descriptive.
February 6, 2014
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The weight of a feather is such a quick read of stories. Their is a total of 45 different stories in the book, so they are an average of 5 pages for each story. I really enjoyed that the stories are so short and a quick read when going any where that I have to wait for a little while. I am able to pick a story and by the time I have to go in, I am already done reading a few of them.
Their was not just one story that enjoyed in the book but all of them. While I normally do not read short stories, this was a enjoyable read. I am amazed by Judy she is a fabulous author and has brought each of the stories to life in so few words.
She does have a few other books that I am going to be looking into as well.
The weight of a feather is such a quick read of stories. Their is a total of 45 different stories in the book, so they are an average of 5 pages for each story. I really enjoyed that the stories are so short and a quick read when going any where that I have to wait for a little while. I am able to pick a story and by the time I have to go in, I am already done reading a few of them.
Their was not just one story that enjoyed in the book but all of them. While I normally do not read short stories, this was a enjoyable read. I am amazed by Judy she is a fabulous author and has brought each of the stories to life in so few words.
She does have a few other books that I am going to be looking into as well.
November 2, 2013
An amazing collection of short stories.
How to describe it?
It was as if I was a fly on the author's shoulder, as she traveled from one extreme to the other of the world, stopping here and there to eavesdrop on a conversation, pausing a while longer at times to catch a glimpse into lives from all walks of life and across all of time.
Many of the snatches are heart-wrenching with emotion, but I loved the humor just as much, the kind of humor that isn't meant to be funny, it's just the way, we as people, are sometimes as we go about our life.
A wonderful collection that I'll be reading over and over again
How to describe it?
It was as if I was a fly on the author's shoulder, as she traveled from one extreme to the other of the world, stopping here and there to eavesdrop on a conversation, pausing a while longer at times to catch a glimpse into lives from all walks of life and across all of time.
Many of the snatches are heart-wrenching with emotion, but I loved the humor just as much, the kind of humor that isn't meant to be funny, it's just the way, we as people, are sometimes as we go about our life.
A wonderful collection that I'll be reading over and over again
March 18, 2014
I won this book in a first reads giveaway.
These are some of the best short stories I have ever read. Some of them are no more than a page and a half, but every one of them pack a wallop! "The Weight of a Feather" brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of the same life I had growing up on a farm. "A Dish Best Served Cold" had me hooting with laughter. The best part of these stories is how Croome has taken men and women from all walks of life, all ages, and from all kinds of locations and made them relatable. I look forward to her novel that will be released later this year! This is not an author to miss!
These are some of the best short stories I have ever read. Some of them are no more than a page and a half, but every one of them pack a wallop! "The Weight of a Feather" brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of the same life I had growing up on a farm. "A Dish Best Served Cold" had me hooting with laughter. The best part of these stories is how Croome has taken men and women from all walks of life, all ages, and from all kinds of locations and made them relatable. I look forward to her novel that will be released later this year! This is not an author to miss!
February 14, 2014
If you are someone who enjoys reading short stories this is an interesting book to pick up. It's really easy to just pick up the book, open it up to a random page, and begin reading something new. The variety of themes also means that the story that you read yesterday will not necessarily resemble the one that you read this time. There were stories that were pretty straightforward. then there were others that were more complex. Strange, even. Some were even shocking for me in their content. However, if you enjoy reading something quick and new, then this might be just the thing for you.
January 23, 2014
If you like short stories then you will love The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories, It is jam packed with a total of 45 short stories and each are completely different from each other. There are several stories that really got to me and I find myself thinking about them for time to time.
Most of my reading is done in bed for around half an hour, with this book I could read a lot of these short stories in that time and I could finish the story before sleeping so it didn’t play on my mind about what happened next.
Most of my reading is done in bed for around half an hour, with this book I could read a lot of these short stories in that time and I could finish the story before sleeping so it didn’t play on my mind about what happened next.
February 11, 2014
This a book I won. When it arrived I delved right into it and was very pleased with it.
A book of short stories written by a South African author and the stories are all about life and different aspects of it. It has a very comfortable feeling about it and gives the reader a true feeling of simplicity. It is written in the style that many articles in Reminiscence magazine is. Simple, honest and comforting.
A book of short stories written by a South African author and the stories are all about life and different aspects of it. It has a very comfortable feeling about it and gives the reader a true feeling of simplicity. It is written in the style that many articles in Reminiscence magazine is. Simple, honest and comforting.
August 18, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive this book through Goodreads First Reads. What I found compelling about this Croome's short stories was the variety of subject, made even more interesting when interlaced with exotic bits of African culture.
December 9, 2013
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads. Croome's strength lies in her ability to write in different and distinct voices and touch our hearts. The last line of The Gold Miner is reason enough in itself to read the book through.
January 27, 2014
I won this book from Goodreads giveaway. The writing itself was good and strong. I really liked some of the stories, but most of them were a bit boring.. I also was yawning in between the poems. Definitely not my cup of tea. All in all it's a decent book , but I won't be re-reading it again.
June 13, 2014
In each story of 'The Weight of a Feather and other stories' Judy Croome gives a window into the human condition, a moment in a life, or the tears of a heart.
I received my copy throug Goodreads First Reads.
I received my copy throug Goodreads First Reads.
January 14, 2014
A beautiful set of stories that has something very few short story collections have - variety. Just like the land the author comes from, the complexity of this collection offers a little something for everyone. Easily my favourite work from this author and I'm looking very forward to the next one.
March 20, 2014
The author Judy Croome is my wife and any review I write will not be objective. However, I believe this is her best work to date.
January 27, 2014
Lovely short stories, very well written, captivating, I had a hard time putting the book down once I began reading.
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