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The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories
SHORT STORIES ABOUT STRONG WOMEN, CUBAN EXILE, GHOSTS… AND A MURDER.
"The Fish Tank is a gracefully-written, varied collection of entertaining, touching, suspenseful, and thought-provoking short stories. Maria Elena skillfully paints rich scenes and crafts interesting characters. Her prose is vivid and distinct. You will not want to miss this collection! " — NY Literary Magazine.
" The Fish Tank is at times fun, exhilarating, haunting and intriguing. The author has done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the short story genre in this fantastic collection. " — Feathered Quill Book Awards.
" From suspense, to romance, to real-life stories from the author's own past, the finely tuned craft of the short story is clearly evident in this collection. Each story is engaging, thought-provoking and memorable. This is clearly an author who writes with style and with class. " — Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite Awards.
“ The ambience of each unfolding story moodily fluctuates while continuing the ambience of haunting hope interwoven with a lingering sadness of passing. ” — Paul White, Electric Eclectic Blog.
Two times winner of the Silver medal at Readers' Favorite 2018 International Book Awards and the Feathered Quill Book Awards 2018. It has also garnered a B.R.A.G. Book Award Medallion.
"The Fish Tank is a gracefully-written, varied collection of entertaining, touching, suspenseful, and thought-provoking short stories. Maria Elena skillfully paints rich scenes and crafts interesting characters. Her prose is vivid and distinct. You will not want to miss this collection! " — NY Literary Magazine.
" The Fish Tank is at times fun, exhilarating, haunting and intriguing. The author has done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the short story genre in this fantastic collection. " — Feathered Quill Book Awards.
" From suspense, to romance, to real-life stories from the author's own past, the finely tuned craft of the short story is clearly evident in this collection. Each story is engaging, thought-provoking and memorable. This is clearly an author who writes with style and with class. " — Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite Awards.
“ The ambience of each unfolding story moodily fluctuates while continuing the ambience of haunting hope interwoven with a lingering sadness of passing. ” — Paul White, Electric Eclectic Blog.
Two times winner of the Silver medal at Readers' Favorite 2018 International Book Awards and the Feathered Quill Book Awards 2018. It has also garnered a B.R.A.G. Book Award Medallion.
- GenresShort Stories
127 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2016
6 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
16 books460 followersI'm María Elena Alonso-Sierra, and I write award-winning stories shaped by place, secrets, and the quiet moments when everything changes. My novels are born from a life lived across borders—an international upbringing, years spent traveling and living abroad, and a deep love for the cities, streets, and hidden corners where stories like to linger.
My international suspense novels, The Coin and The Book of Hours, explore paths I know well, being far from home, adding a sense of danger, intrigue, discovery, and unease that finds its way onto every page.
My short literary fiction collection, The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories, explore a wide range of voices and genres, including deeply personal tales inspired by my experience of exile and the resilience of ordinary Cuban citizens in the 1960s.
With Hanging Softly in the Night, I introduced Detective Nick Larson and his team, stepping fully into the world of investigative suspense and gritty detective work, set in an unforgiving city: New York.
I hold a Master's degree in English literature, but what truly shapes my work is curiosity—about people, about places, and about the secrets that live just beneath the surface. When I'm not writing, I'm usually exploring somewhere new, collecting details, atmosphere, and ideas that eventually become stories.
If you're drawn to smart intrigue, meaningful characters, and plots that keep your pulse racing, you're in the right place. I write stories that will leave you breathless until the last page...and I'm so glad you're here.
My international suspense novels, The Coin and The Book of Hours, explore paths I know well, being far from home, adding a sense of danger, intrigue, discovery, and unease that finds its way onto every page.
My short literary fiction collection, The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories, explore a wide range of voices and genres, including deeply personal tales inspired by my experience of exile and the resilience of ordinary Cuban citizens in the 1960s.
With Hanging Softly in the Night, I introduced Detective Nick Larson and his team, stepping fully into the world of investigative suspense and gritty detective work, set in an unforgiving city: New York.
I hold a Master's degree in English literature, but what truly shapes my work is curiosity—about people, about places, and about the secrets that live just beneath the surface. When I'm not writing, I'm usually exploring somewhere new, collecting details, atmosphere, and ideas that eventually become stories.
If you're drawn to smart intrigue, meaningful characters, and plots that keep your pulse racing, you're in the right place. I write stories that will leave you breathless until the last page...and I'm so glad you're here.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 4, 2017
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra's short stories collection "The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories" is a jewel.
Of the four sections, "For the Fun of Writing (Just Because), Soul Songs (Stories from the Cuban Diaspora), Prologues (prequel stories from upcoming novels), and The End," Soul Songs impressed me the most. Having lived in the Florida Keys, home to many Cuban refugees, Alonso-Sierra's stories reminded me of stories I have heard before.
Alonso-Sierra's gift for writing allows the readers to "see" her characters' thinking, struggle with conflict, and will to overcome whatever the obstacle.
Her book features a lot of strong women and I liked that.
In "Jerry's Gift" it's Maureen who got out of a non working marriage. Though she supported her ex Jerry while he studied corporate law he did not value her as a partner, his family did not treasure her. But Jerry isn't as perfect as he might think. Busy with philandering and trying to manipulate things so Maureen'd get as little money as possible Jerry forgot that had hid her jewelry together with his late grandmother’s. And, since Jerry not Maureen took the jewelry out of the safety box nobody would ever be able to track it back to her.
But, having taken the gift Maureen doesn't sit idle, she builds a new life for herself. And, she enjoys it.
"... Every afternoon, after she stopped the refurbishing, she made a pitcher of lemonade and sat facing the eighty-year-old maple trees at the edge of the property. Her ritual. Her space. Her world..."
In "Rites of Passage" it's Kate who overcomes her disliking of roller coasters to support her son Bryan. Finally tall enough, Bryan wants to ride the tallest, scariest roller coaster and his father won't let him go alone or ride with him. Supporting Bryan is so empowering that Kate overcomes her own emotional restraints.
"... With a heartfelt sigh, I stand in line again."
In "Bubbles Don't Bring Smiles" it's Abue Cachita (Abue, shortened from abuela, spanish for grandmother) who keeps her cool as Castro's soldiers are approaching, searching for American goods while the “... glorious Comandante (Castro) is at the front lines. He will not cower to the enemy that threatens to destroy our glorious revolution.”..."
Alonso-Sierra features not only clever women stores, there is also a detective Nick Larson Story, with a third novel about his detective work forthcoming.
Maybe not surprising the story that moved me the most is The Fish Tank* (*2015 Finalist at Carried in Waves Contest from the University of Cork, Ireland), also depicted on the cover. The opening of this story holds the clue
"... (Matilda's) back created a perfect parallel to the chair’s backrest barely two inches behind her, and the organza skirt she wore, a faded green, frothed around her legs, its color a pitiful contrast against the vivid white petticoat underneath. She tried not to move, unlike the other adults inside the room who shifted nervously in kaleidoscope patterns..."
Matilda is about to leave Cuba with her mother. They are going to join her papi who escaped after the Playa Girón invasion. Matilda brings only one toy, "... a beautiful Snow White doll, crafted in Switzerland, with a smooth porcelain face, round innocent eyes, rosy cheeks, and a pout for a smile. A family heirloom, handed down from mother to daughter for four generations..."
As she waits with her mother in "the fish tank," a holding room, suspense rises by the minute. People are still getting removed, they won't make it to freedom. When Matilda and her mother are finally about to leave, one of the guards notices the doll.
But, remember, the clue was in the opening of the story. Things are never obvious. It's another "strong woman"-story, only this time is a girl.
LOVED this book. A must-read for Floridians, Cubans, women, history buffs, and lovers of good books.
5*****
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
Of the four sections, "For the Fun of Writing (Just Because), Soul Songs (Stories from the Cuban Diaspora), Prologues (prequel stories from upcoming novels), and The End," Soul Songs impressed me the most. Having lived in the Florida Keys, home to many Cuban refugees, Alonso-Sierra's stories reminded me of stories I have heard before.
Alonso-Sierra's gift for writing allows the readers to "see" her characters' thinking, struggle with conflict, and will to overcome whatever the obstacle.
Her book features a lot of strong women and I liked that.
In "Jerry's Gift" it's Maureen who got out of a non working marriage. Though she supported her ex Jerry while he studied corporate law he did not value her as a partner, his family did not treasure her. But Jerry isn't as perfect as he might think. Busy with philandering and trying to manipulate things so Maureen'd get as little money as possible Jerry forgot that had hid her jewelry together with his late grandmother’s. And, since Jerry not Maureen took the jewelry out of the safety box nobody would ever be able to track it back to her.
But, having taken the gift Maureen doesn't sit idle, she builds a new life for herself. And, she enjoys it.
"... Every afternoon, after she stopped the refurbishing, she made a pitcher of lemonade and sat facing the eighty-year-old maple trees at the edge of the property. Her ritual. Her space. Her world..."
In "Rites of Passage" it's Kate who overcomes her disliking of roller coasters to support her son Bryan. Finally tall enough, Bryan wants to ride the tallest, scariest roller coaster and his father won't let him go alone or ride with him. Supporting Bryan is so empowering that Kate overcomes her own emotional restraints.
"... With a heartfelt sigh, I stand in line again."
In "Bubbles Don't Bring Smiles" it's Abue Cachita (Abue, shortened from abuela, spanish for grandmother) who keeps her cool as Castro's soldiers are approaching, searching for American goods while the “... glorious Comandante (Castro) is at the front lines. He will not cower to the enemy that threatens to destroy our glorious revolution.”..."
Alonso-Sierra features not only clever women stores, there is also a detective Nick Larson Story, with a third novel about his detective work forthcoming.
Maybe not surprising the story that moved me the most is The Fish Tank* (*2015 Finalist at Carried in Waves Contest from the University of Cork, Ireland), also depicted on the cover. The opening of this story holds the clue
"... (Matilda's) back created a perfect parallel to the chair’s backrest barely two inches behind her, and the organza skirt she wore, a faded green, frothed around her legs, its color a pitiful contrast against the vivid white petticoat underneath. She tried not to move, unlike the other adults inside the room who shifted nervously in kaleidoscope patterns..."
Matilda is about to leave Cuba with her mother. They are going to join her papi who escaped after the Playa Girón invasion. Matilda brings only one toy, "... a beautiful Snow White doll, crafted in Switzerland, with a smooth porcelain face, round innocent eyes, rosy cheeks, and a pout for a smile. A family heirloom, handed down from mother to daughter for four generations..."
As she waits with her mother in "the fish tank," a holding room, suspense rises by the minute. People are still getting removed, they won't make it to freedom. When Matilda and her mother are finally about to leave, one of the guards notices the doll.
But, remember, the clue was in the opening of the story. Things are never obvious. It's another "strong woman"-story, only this time is a girl.
LOVED this book. A must-read for Floridians, Cubans, women, history buffs, and lovers of good books.
5*****
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
December 23, 2022
I adored these stories because they were so compelling, so different, and I was gripped by everyone. In fact it is difficult to say which one was my favourite. I could name them all for different reasons.
The author had first hand experience of what it was like in Cuba under Castro and was able to turn these into works of fiction. They glued me to the page. Some were incredible. Things you and I take for granted in our every day lives, these people would be thrown into jail or worse for owning them. Things like washing powder for example. These stories were amazing and frightening at the same time.
Talking about scary stories, there was one set in a museum where dark things were happening. For a short one, it was fully formed and almost read like a novel. The author managed to get everything into it without it being cramped. Like her other stories, although complete, I was left wondering.
So, in conclusion, this is a fantastic book. I loved every word and would highly recomend it for the high quality of writing and story lines.
Full Review is here - karensbookbuzz.wordpress.com/2018/05/...
The author had first hand experience of what it was like in Cuba under Castro and was able to turn these into works of fiction. They glued me to the page. Some were incredible. Things you and I take for granted in our every day lives, these people would be thrown into jail or worse for owning them. Things like washing powder for example. These stories were amazing and frightening at the same time.
Talking about scary stories, there was one set in a museum where dark things were happening. For a short one, it was fully formed and almost read like a novel. The author managed to get everything into it without it being cramped. Like her other stories, although complete, I was left wondering.
So, in conclusion, this is a fantastic book. I loved every word and would highly recomend it for the high quality of writing and story lines.
Full Review is here - karensbookbuzz.wordpress.com/2018/05/...
November 2, 2018
Two things.
One, I am a hard person to please when it comes to reading.
You see, I don't much care for populist stories, they are all a bit same-old, same-old. They tend to pander to the lowest common denominator in a sad and futile race which only serves to brace the writer's ego.
I look for more, much more. I want stories written from an interesting perspective, ones which touch the soul, stimulate the mind and provoke thought. Elements so often overlooked in favour of the mindless banality which tends to pass for entertainment.
Secondly, I rarely write reviews.
I will only mention a book if I think it worthy and, therefore, think I have put pen to paper this way only four times in at least as many years.
Consequently, it is not without reason I write this article, call it a review if you wish, about a book called The Fish Tank & other short stories, written by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra.
I first came across this book whilst editing 'The List', an annual recommended reading list published by CQ International. The cover of The Fish Tank, which is designed by Scott Carpenter, grabbed my immediate attention exactly as a good cover should.
A little later, I was asked by an author friend if I would read an ARC. I did, hence this rambling account.
I was intrigued by the first tale, Jerrys gift, which 'sort of' sets the feeling for the entire book. I say 'sort of' because the ambience of each unfolding story moodily fluctuates while continuing the ambience of haunting hope interwoven with a lingering sadness of passing.
The title tale, The Fish Tank, brings to life the stark reality of the authors experience as a child leaving Castro's Cuba for a life in exile.
Maria has captured the trepidation and anxiety of both mother and daughter in the final moments before their (possible?) departure.
After reading The Fish Tank, I understand Maria's statement about writing these short stories, "I never suspected creating the short stories would tear at the scab protecting a deep wound I still harbour in my heart, one that will not quite properly heal."
Each story is narrated beautifully; the well-paced revealing of the characters and their situations makes each tale a joy to read, easily flowing from start to the end.
Reading this book allowed me to glimpse into people's personal and private lives, to live with them as they feared for what the next day, the next hour may bring and, I felt the subdued passion of hope, as the teasing dreams of a better future dangle tantalisingly out of reach, just that one little fingertip away from…
As I said at the beginning, I am a hard person to please when it comes to reading, so I rarely find a book worthy of writing a review, such as this.
Enough said.
One, I am a hard person to please when it comes to reading.
You see, I don't much care for populist stories, they are all a bit same-old, same-old. They tend to pander to the lowest common denominator in a sad and futile race which only serves to brace the writer's ego.
I look for more, much more. I want stories written from an interesting perspective, ones which touch the soul, stimulate the mind and provoke thought. Elements so often overlooked in favour of the mindless banality which tends to pass for entertainment.
Secondly, I rarely write reviews.
I will only mention a book if I think it worthy and, therefore, think I have put pen to paper this way only four times in at least as many years.
Consequently, it is not without reason I write this article, call it a review if you wish, about a book called The Fish Tank & other short stories, written by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra.
I first came across this book whilst editing 'The List', an annual recommended reading list published by CQ International. The cover of The Fish Tank, which is designed by Scott Carpenter, grabbed my immediate attention exactly as a good cover should.
A little later, I was asked by an author friend if I would read an ARC. I did, hence this rambling account.
I was intrigued by the first tale, Jerrys gift, which 'sort of' sets the feeling for the entire book. I say 'sort of' because the ambience of each unfolding story moodily fluctuates while continuing the ambience of haunting hope interwoven with a lingering sadness of passing.
The title tale, The Fish Tank, brings to life the stark reality of the authors experience as a child leaving Castro's Cuba for a life in exile.
Maria has captured the trepidation and anxiety of both mother and daughter in the final moments before their (possible?) departure.
After reading The Fish Tank, I understand Maria's statement about writing these short stories, "I never suspected creating the short stories would tear at the scab protecting a deep wound I still harbour in my heart, one that will not quite properly heal."
Each story is narrated beautifully; the well-paced revealing of the characters and their situations makes each tale a joy to read, easily flowing from start to the end.
Reading this book allowed me to glimpse into people's personal and private lives, to live with them as they feared for what the next day, the next hour may bring and, I felt the subdued passion of hope, as the teasing dreams of a better future dangle tantalisingly out of reach, just that one little fingertip away from…
As I said at the beginning, I am a hard person to please when it comes to reading, so I rarely find a book worthy of writing a review, such as this.
Enough said.
May 20, 2017
An unexpected treasure handed over from an ex-spouse via the divorce lawyer; a classic mother-son bonding experience on a roller coaster ride; tragic tales of survival of ordinary Cuban citizens in the 1960s; a paranormal happening in the Museum of the Weird, the Sad, and the Wretched; and a complex murder mystery – all of these stories in one volume, “The Fish Tank and Other Short Stories” by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, reveal life stories in the raw with a compassion for reality and fantastical.
Maria Elena is a marvellous storyteller. She presents her narrative with overwhelming descriptive power and unexpected and surprising twists and turns. The plots are cleverly orchestrated with characters that come alive with compassion, both good and evil. Her protagonists are strong and endearing, particularly in her Cuban stories which depict an era of unspoken horrors and frightening scenarios. The suspense leading up to the climax pulls the reader along a roller coaster ride filled with adventure to a climax that certainly doesn’t disappoint, but rather fills the reader with a sense of awe as the reader realizes the power behind the narrative and unusual path that the author has followed. The resolution reaffirms the author’s intent: to provide the reader with a certain “wow” factor in the story itself.
From suspense, to romance, to real-life stories from the author’s own past, the finely tuned craft of the short story is clearly evident in this collection of stories. Each story in this collection is engaging, thought-provoking and memorable. This is clearly an author who writes with style and with class.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
Maria Elena is a marvellous storyteller. She presents her narrative with overwhelming descriptive power and unexpected and surprising twists and turns. The plots are cleverly orchestrated with characters that come alive with compassion, both good and evil. Her protagonists are strong and endearing, particularly in her Cuban stories which depict an era of unspoken horrors and frightening scenarios. The suspense leading up to the climax pulls the reader along a roller coaster ride filled with adventure to a climax that certainly doesn’t disappoint, but rather fills the reader with a sense of awe as the reader realizes the power behind the narrative and unusual path that the author has followed. The resolution reaffirms the author’s intent: to provide the reader with a certain “wow” factor in the story itself.
From suspense, to romance, to real-life stories from the author’s own past, the finely tuned craft of the short story is clearly evident in this collection of stories. Each story in this collection is engaging, thought-provoking and memorable. This is clearly an author who writes with style and with class.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
October 6, 2018
Heart and Soul in Short Stories
This is the first book I have read by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, but definitely not the last. You can easily see that she has put her heart and soul into every story. All are written in a different genre showing the versatility of this author. Maria Elena could have easily turned every one into a full blown novel. I can’t pick a favorite because they are all so well written. Each story comes alive on the first page. All have completely fleshed out characters and their worlds are complete. It feels like you are right there in the middle of the action. I highly recommend this book and others written by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra.
October 11, 2020
Wonderful Collection of Feelings
I love true short stories! This is a great collection that evokes plenty of emotion and is a bit haunting. One could buzz through these and be done in a lunch hour, but that would be a pity. Like a fine wine, this should be enjoyed and pondered and savored. It would be so much better to read one per day and enjoy the gift that each story plants in your heart. From sharing an adventure with your son to allowing your ex to screw himself over to broken dollies, each story is a treasure. I will make a point of reading more of this author's work. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
I love true short stories! This is a great collection that evokes plenty of emotion and is a bit haunting. One could buzz through these and be done in a lunch hour, but that would be a pity. Like a fine wine, this should be enjoyed and pondered and savored. It would be so much better to read one per day and enjoy the gift that each story plants in your heart. From sharing an adventure with your son to allowing your ex to screw himself over to broken dollies, each story is a treasure. I will make a point of reading more of this author's work. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
October 19, 2020
I love anthologies for their short story impacts and the opportunity to find new authors. This one is a little different as all of the stories are by one author. I had never read any of her work before but the stories in THE FISH TANK clearly exhibit Alonso=Sierra's extraordinary skills and her ability to capture the reader in each story and hold them there while she unwinds each tale in unexpected and completely different ways. No two are the same, yet each is equally spell binding. Now I have to go check out the rest of her library.
September 20, 2020
Very good stories in this book. Something for everyone although I enjoyed all of them. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.
January 26, 2018
THIS IS A BOOK WITH SEVERAL SHORT STORIES. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE SHORT THEY ARE WELL WRITTEN. THEY CAN DEFINITELY BE MADE INTO A LONGER STORY
March 16, 2018
I do not usually enjoy short stories, but I did really enjoy this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
June 24, 2018
We are proud to announce that FISH TANK: and Other Short Stories by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 24, 2018
Thank you for the copy of this short story collection. I particularly liked the detective story and would like to read more about that character.
February 26, 2020
A good solid set of short stories. I especially enjoyed those grouped as "Soul Songs (Stories from the Cuban Diaspora)."
January 4, 2021
A brilliant collection of short stories.
The stories move along briskly and leave you gobsmacked at the end. Well worth re-reading them as well as they are that good.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this book.
The stories move along briskly and leave you gobsmacked at the end. Well worth re-reading them as well as they are that good.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this book.
April 28, 2018
Great book filled with interesting and enjoyable stories. I enjoyed them all.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews