The Little Washer of Sorrows

by Katherine Fawcett

The Little Washer of Sorrows is a collection of short stories that explores what happens when the expected and usual are replaced with elements of the rare and strange. The book's emotional impact is created with strong, richly drawn characters facing universal issues, but in unusual settings. The collection is both dark and comical with engaging plot twists and elements of the macabre as characters attempt to cope with high-stakes melodramas that drift further out of their control. The threat of something sinister lingers beneath the surface in many of Fawcett's stories, as she explores the messy "what ifs?" of life and the ever-present paradox of free will.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories with a difference, clever, creative writing and fun to read. My favourites: Captcha (hilarious), The Little Washer of Sorrows (brilliant), Lunch Date (poignant), The Siren Sisters, and The Anniversary Present (What can I say... You have to read them all.). Author Katherine Fawcett has a wonderful imagination.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Entertaining and often strange short stories often with a magical or mystical twist. Some very good, clever stories and one or two duds.
Enjoyed the book but by the time I'd got to the end I'd had enough!

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Washer of Sorrows was an excellent collection of hilariously crafted tales.

This book is a compilation of many funny stories. This world of fiction is written in such a way that you do not see the ending of each story coming. I loved not knowing what was going to happen, and seeing the hilarious spin Katherine Fawcett puts on these funny stories.

Some of these stories are better than others, but they all left me feeling amused and impressed. Quite often it is easy to see an ending coming, but Katherine took me by surprise every time. Even when I thought I guessed the least likely scenario to happen, this wonderful author managed to twist the ending in a completely different angle.

This playful book was fabulous. I can't think up one negative thing about this book. Each story is just the perfect length and doesn't seem to be lacking any information. These stories also aren't to long - they are the perfect length to keep the reader interested.

The stories do not seem to connect, so if you want to skip around the different stories you can.

I would definitely suggest this book to others! Especially to those who want a good, comedic read that doesn't need much commitment!

Five out of five stars!

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Amber Cowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me so happy in some dark days. I loved the unique blend of reality and fantasy and the one of a kind voice. Beautiful, mesmerizing and extremely compelling

[Sara Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Usually I don't enjoy short stories, but this book was a huge exception for me. The stories are funny, snappy, sexy, quirky, satisfying and fast-paced. Many of them play on mythical or magical themes in a modern setting. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Stephen Lawlor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely awesome! Very fun stories, and out there at times. Entirely unpredictable and tremendous to read. Thoroughly enjoyed it

[Karen Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful collection of fantastical and honestly hilarious short stories. A wonderfully insightful trip through some bizarre and wholy interesting scenes. Loved it.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy! Short stories written from a wild and envious imagination. I was really surprised and delighted with this book. Highly recommend.

[Bob Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever. Funny. Witty. Great sense of humor. Loved every story!!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the different short stories in this book, some of the stories made me wish there were more to read!

[Barbara McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lot of fun to read. All the stories are worthwhile. I am not feeling very articulate today but read this okay?

[Karen McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh and Nostalgic

How does Fawcett come up with these fantastic, original stories? I picture the author and her friends on a dock, it’s a summer evening, they’ve had a few, and then the “What if?” conversation starts.

The first story in the collection, “Captcha” made me laugh the most, more of a shake my head, Oh my! kind of laugh. Fawcett’s style is exactly what I like to read.

One of my favorite stories, “Jesus on the Candy Bar” (what a title!) has the distinct and authentic voice of a teenage girl. Fawcett remembers the awkwardness of adolescence like it was just last summer. In “Dire Consequences,” there’s a shocking result of momspeak “Eat your greens.” Fawcett's writing is fresh and nostalgic at the same time.

Off the charts for originality, the book’s namesake “The Little Washer of Sorrows” was oh so clever. Best last line ever! I chuckle every time I think about it.

I broke my rule of reading only one short story per night. More than once.

[Helen Van spronsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this collection of whimsical and humorous short stories. The author is truly a master wordsmith. Each story is so individual and yet there is an undercurrent of such creative fantasy that links the collection. Many laugh out loud moments!

[Phil Della · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of mermaids, angels, mythical characters come to life and acting like humans, unicorns, or fantasy of any sort when it comes to my fiction. I find it to be silly and cartoonish. That being said, I do respect a person who thinks that way and has that bent. We're not all alike, after all. And Fawcett certainly goes there in her head a lot. This is a light-hearted book, mostly. It's got true variety. It's got straight up literary fiction, the kind with mere mortals living their lives. It's a real grab-bag. It's unlike any book in my collection. That's gotta say something. It says that this collection is unique. It just might be what you're after.

[Stephanie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of what I can only describe as magical realist short stories.

Some of the stories in this collection left the reader wanting more. Some were intriguing. Most were mildly disturbing. This was not the most amazing collection of short stories ever, but it was definitely unique and enjoyable.

[Noémie Courtois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plutôt un 3.5 car l’originalité de ces nouvelles est vraiment surprenante, mais leurs qualités sont assez inégales. Certaines sont d’une grande qualité alors que d’autres n’arrivent pas à attiser notre curiosité.

[Nina Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this quirky collection of short stories! Wild, imaginative, funny and charming, with some great surprises :)

[Barb Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exhilarating ride! Each story was creative, entertaining, and thought-provoking. I have since shared this book with my 84 year old mother and my 18 year old daughter and both loved it as much as I did. It seems that this book's appeal spans the generations! Bravo!