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Pulling The Rug: A Sideways Glance At Life In Short Fiction and Verse
Life isn't always bitter, but it isn't always sweet and it has an uncanny knack of biting your backside when you least expect it. This little collection of stories and verse is the author's response to the banana skins we all have to negotiate and to the unexpected bonuses that balance the scales
51 pages, ebook
Published December 8, 2016
16 people want to read
About the author
Jane Jago
91 books169 followersI live in the beautiful west country with my big, silly dog and my big sensible husband.
I spent the first half of my working life cooking and the second half editing other people's manuscripts.
At last I have time to write down the stories that have been disturbing my sleep for as long as I can remember.
Writing my first title took two years, because the characters kept doing unexpected things. I've since learned that they are always going to break out of the mould. So I just sit back and enjoy the ride.
For more writings and musings see:
http://tinyurl.com/t9pkll3
I spent the first half of my working life cooking and the second half editing other people's manuscripts.
At last I have time to write down the stories that have been disturbing my sleep for as long as I can remember.
Writing my first title took two years, because the characters kept doing unexpected things. I've since learned that they are always going to break out of the mould. So I just sit back and enjoy the ride.
For more writings and musings see:
http://tinyurl.com/t9pkll3
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 9, 2016
Pulling the Rug is an apt title for this slim collection of poetry and short fiction. I enjoyed the acerbic nature of the poems, each topped off with a zinger at the last verse. Several of the short stories also contain a serving of irony, while the rest are crafted with a gentle touch. I hope that the author continues writing in this vein, as her work is concise and appealing.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
January 5, 2017
It's always a bit risky buying a book by an author brand new to you and who none of your friends have read yet either, but this small collection sounded interesting enough for me to take the risk.
I'm really glad I did because this is a lovely collection of stories. Jane has the ability to pull you into a story within the first few lines and then take you on an epic journey only lasting a few pages.
By far the best short story I have ever read is contained in this book, I recommend buying this book just so you can read "Mister Smith", absolutely incredible. A close second was "Fur coat, no knickers" nice title and again it is an emotional story.
Between the stories you will find a poem, the first one is a new version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and that made me chuckle. I felt the rest of the poems were lacking something after such powerful stories which was a shame. Still this is a very good book and I'll be checking out more work by the author.
I'm really glad I did because this is a lovely collection of stories. Jane has the ability to pull you into a story within the first few lines and then take you on an epic journey only lasting a few pages.
By far the best short story I have ever read is contained in this book, I recommend buying this book just so you can read "Mister Smith", absolutely incredible. A close second was "Fur coat, no knickers" nice title and again it is an emotional story.
Between the stories you will find a poem, the first one is a new version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and that made me chuckle. I felt the rest of the poems were lacking something after such powerful stories which was a shame. Still this is a very good book and I'll be checking out more work by the author.
February 26, 2017
This is a book of short stories and poems about the real life. Some show the touching and sweet side of life while others are more nitty-gritty and surprisingly blunt, which makes this book is quite accurately titled. I shed tears over a few endearing and sentimental stories. I found several stories absolutely hilarious and laughed my ass off. I choked on a few surprise ending and sometimes my eyes popped out of my head. Each story and poem made me smile. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone with a healthy sense of humor.
January 16, 2017
I am a huge fan of short stories, but poetry? Not so much. Which is why calling each and every one of the stories and poems in this little collection a standalone five star is rare indeed. Each and every word in this volume seems to have been carefully selected to get as much milage as possible.
The title is apt as Jago doesn't pull any punches, pulling the proverbial rug out from under us in the very first story. And it doesn't get any easier. Have a box of tissues on hand for some, and righteous indignation for others, and maybe, just maybe, there is a reward for sitting through the entire roller coaster ride.
Absolutely brilliant. I'd recommend this collection to anyone.
The title is apt as Jago doesn't pull any punches, pulling the proverbial rug out from under us in the very first story. And it doesn't get any easier. Have a box of tissues on hand for some, and righteous indignation for others, and maybe, just maybe, there is a reward for sitting through the entire roller coaster ride.
Absolutely brilliant. I'd recommend this collection to anyone.
December 24, 2017
Less of a sideways look at life, and more a smack in the face with harsh reality, this book is not for the fainthearted. A collection of short stories and poetry, this is a quick read - I finished it in a couple of hours - but in that time I had laughed and cried. This book is so full of raw emotions. Again, there are trigger warnings (I sure know how to pick 'em), this time child abuse, so if this is something you are sensitive to, then maybe steer clear. At the end of that particular short story I felt very uncomfortable, and unsure how I was supposed to be feeling. It takes a very clever writer to leave you with so many questions at the end of a book. If you are looking for something a bit different from the norm, give it a go.
December 30, 2016
I enjoyed this book, even the poetry and I'm not much of a fan of poetry.
The stories were short, sweet and had varied tones, topics and genres. Love, death and ghosts are all visited here. My nitpick is that it was hard to get into the stories as there wasn't much background given for the settings. I had a hard time placing where and when the stories were taking place. Aside from that, a lovely little book of some very short, but interesting tales.
The stories were short, sweet and had varied tones, topics and genres. Love, death and ghosts are all visited here. My nitpick is that it was hard to get into the stories as there wasn't much background given for the settings. I had a hard time placing where and when the stories were taking place. Aside from that, a lovely little book of some very short, but interesting tales.
March 17, 2018
What an eclectic array of not only short stories but also poetry.
The poetry for me was enjoyable because it is not typical; having to derive meaning to the words as some, or most in my opinion tends to be. No, this poetry is the 'In your face' kind. Refreshing. 'Poet Beware' has an ending that is like being slapped with a silly stick. I couldn't stop giggling.
The same can be said for the stories too. 'Kayleigh Remembers' stopped in me my tracks. Whoa.
But then, there was 'Fur Coat, No Knickers' which gives the perception of the sweet innocence of a simpler time....or does it?
The author certainly harnesses the element of surprise too perfection.
Kudos.
The poetry for me was enjoyable because it is not typical; having to derive meaning to the words as some, or most in my opinion tends to be. No, this poetry is the 'In your face' kind. Refreshing. 'Poet Beware' has an ending that is like being slapped with a silly stick. I couldn't stop giggling.
The same can be said for the stories too. 'Kayleigh Remembers' stopped in me my tracks. Whoa.
But then, there was 'Fur Coat, No Knickers' which gives the perception of the sweet innocence of a simpler time....or does it?
The author certainly harnesses the element of surprise too perfection.
Kudos.
August 12, 2023
Dark, Disturbing and well done
A shattered glass and razor blade collection of poetry and short stories, leaning toward the dark crimson end of the spectrum.
A shattered glass and razor blade collection of poetry and short stories, leaning toward the dark crimson end of the spectrum.
December 10, 2016
This is a short little book - only 51 pages according to Amazon - but well worth the 99p I paid for it. Some of these little short stories and poems are funny, and some are sad - but all are sharp. The title is pretty apt: the author delights in pulling the rug out from under the reader's feet (eyes?) at the last minute.
A person's writing says a lot about what kind of person they are, and this book says that the author doesn't take herself or anyone else too seriously: and if you do, she will come along with a big pin and puncture your inflated ego for you. That said, there are things that should be taken seriously: sacrifice, betrayal, and old ladies.
Of the short stories, I liked them all for different things: sometimes the suddenness of the twist in the ending; sometimes the idea that things aren't necessarily what they seem. My favourite stories were the one about the lady in front of the mirror (you can just imagine what events surround the little vignette that we get) and the last one: Fur Coat and No Knickers, for reasons which will become obvious when you read it. I really liked that one; it's one of those where the feeling it gives you lasts long after you close the book.
As for the poetry, generally I don't like poetry - but this suited me enough that I read some of it out to my husband. There can be no higher praise! :-)
There is a sort of intimacy about this book: it feels like the author published them out of a desire to share a laugh, or a cry - not out of a desire to impress.
This is the part where I admit to knowing the author (or rather, having corresponded with the author) and receiving a free copy for review. Well, one out of two ain't bad. :-)
A person's writing says a lot about what kind of person they are, and this book says that the author doesn't take herself or anyone else too seriously: and if you do, she will come along with a big pin and puncture your inflated ego for you. That said, there are things that should be taken seriously: sacrifice, betrayal, and old ladies.
Of the short stories, I liked them all for different things: sometimes the suddenness of the twist in the ending; sometimes the idea that things aren't necessarily what they seem. My favourite stories were the one about the lady in front of the mirror (you can just imagine what events surround the little vignette that we get) and the last one: Fur Coat and No Knickers, for reasons which will become obvious when you read it. I really liked that one; it's one of those where the feeling it gives you lasts long after you close the book.
As for the poetry, generally I don't like poetry - but this suited me enough that I read some of it out to my husband. There can be no higher praise! :-)
There is a sort of intimacy about this book: it feels like the author published them out of a desire to share a laugh, or a cry - not out of a desire to impress.
This is the part where I admit to knowing the author (or rather, having corresponded with the author) and receiving a free copy for review. Well, one out of two ain't bad. :-)
January 3, 2020
Jago has a great talent for words. I found her poems and short stories in this collection to be intriguing, thought-provoking, and grim at times. A good read for anyone who enjoys quirky short stories.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews