Winter Tales

by Kenneth Steven

Elemental, timeless stories, set in Italy, Finland, Ireland, Russia, Germany, Scotland and America, reveal the impact the seasons can have on our inner being.

Although each is complete in itself, these beautifully crafted tales contain recurring motifs, so our understanding of one is enriched by the reading of others. The perspectives shift mesmerizingly, as layer upon layer of human experience is uncovered. Ambiguity, mystery and spiritual searching abound as the author meditates on many of the themes found in his highly acclaimed poetry: betrayal, lostness, bullying, the miraculous, faith and the power of love

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2017

About the author

Kenneth Steven is a translator, writer, and poet. His longest translation, The Half Brother, was long-listed for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and short-listed for the international IMPAC Award. He often completes work for NORLA (Norwegian Literature Abroad).

He lives in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland.

Reviews

[Erica Rosemary]

'Winter Tales' is a collection of short stories from poet, children's author, novelist and translator Kenneth Steven.

Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I'm not accociated with the author or publisher in any way, my opinion is entirely my own.
In saying that, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author apparently lives in Argyll, which is just North of where I am on the West Coast of Scotland, so admittedly this may have enhanced the reading experience for me personally (you had me at "The sea was a living cauldron")

Elemental influences are felt in Steven's writing, while at the same time invoking cosy, domestic atmospheres - poetic snapshots of life that are poignant in their simplicity, as all short stories should be. These 'Winter Tales' work beautifully as a collection and, as described by the publisher, each is enriched by the reading of the other.
The changing of the seasons and human experience go hand in hand, as far as I'm concerned, and Kenneth Steven encapsulates this beautifully in his work.

[Taylor Yardley]

This is a difficult review to write. I was not enjoying this collection of stories until the final one. The effect of this is confusing.

I really, really enjoyed the last short story. It was atmospheric, emotionally charged, and GOOD. The others just felt haphazardly written. Maybe short story formats aren’t for me, but I had trouble understanding the context and trajectory of each until the very last moment when it ended.

I do feel, however, that I read this during the right season. It is definitely a Fall/Winter collection. The season comes through the writing and makes you want to curl up by a fire and drink something warm. I just wish the words captivated me more.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review from Net Galley.

[Ann]

This is a collection of twelve short stories gathered by Kenneth Stevens from around the globe. I liked several of the stories but for the most part I found my self skimming. The stories focus on the human emotions including people who have lost their way, being bullied, love, faith and betrayal.

[RedRobinXXX]

I am reviewing this book for Kenneth Steven, Marylebone House, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
Wow what a lovely collection of short stories which make you think. There’s something for everyone there.