A Sense of Smell and other stories

by Richard Newell

Literary Fiction - Short Stories - as paperback and e-book.

The power of the sense of smell as a trigger for memory is explored in the title story. In another story, an unexpected relationship on a Connecticut beach develops between two women who have lost their husbands. And a disturbed adolescent boy finds resolution.
These are some of the themes in the eight short stories in this little book by novice writer Richard Newell, a retired physician.

“Beautifully written – I hope a novel will be next.” Sylvia Whu.
“Loved the raunchy bit! Not cheesy at all.” Erica Ling
“Sensitive characterisation.” Bartholomew B.
“These interesting and intriguing short stories show an incredible gift for writing and story-telling; the author is clearly proficient in the art and technique of both, with a rich imagination and life experience. I got quite caught up in these stories and wanted for more.” Editor’s Note.

124 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2019

About the author

I was born in England shortly after the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and educated at Oxford and London Universities. After nearly thirty years practising medicine in hospital and general practice, mostly in South Africa, I went to sea as a cruise ship’s doctor until I had to dry my feet and hang up my stethoscope aged sixty-seven. Those last several years were the most interesting and enjoyable of my whole life: I saw the whole world, my wife travelled with me most of the time, and the children also managed several trips with us, all for a dollar a day.
After my retirement, the decision to try my hand at writing was easy: much of my early life was spent writing essays – mainly literary criticism on German and French works through the centuries (that was the Oxford stint); I had done a fair amount of lecturing; and I had written a series of articles on travel health for a specialist travel magazine. Besides, it makes a change from just washing the dishes, mowing the lawn and playing with the grandchildren!
My interests are reading (books, magazines, the back of cereal packets, anything!), classical music, travel, bridge, food and wine – in any order, and often at the same time. Once upon a time I played the violin (I even had a string quartet going while at university, just for fun), had a private pilot’s licence, shot small-bore rifle for Oxford and rowed for my college. I believe in the importance of good manners and respect for others. However, I do not subscribe to the modern fad of political correctness – so, BE WARNED!

Reviews

[Cynthia Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light-hearted refreshing and enjoyable easy read.

Author Richard Newell has painted pictures with words in a succinct and charming manner. This collection of  short stories flows, with a stream of well-crafted stories each leaving an imprint in essence ,A sense of smell. The author takes one travelling and sojourning,adding adventure , breathless young love and stories with sprouts of wisdom .Caring hearts ,community spirit , some twists and turns with the Author an eternal Peter Pan who  steers one seemlessly through .
A refreshing and fun collection of well presenred Short stories bound with a beautiful  cover and title.
A sense of smell would make a great gift and a book that every airport should have.Opening one up to exploring ,as who knows what adventures lies ahead.

[Mike Rowan]

The book is well written and held my attention. I look forward to the next offering.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I particularly liked the story about the young boy and his mentor, Tim. written sensitively with insight into young boys concerns about budding sexuality. some of the other stories I thought
were a little lacking in character development to ensure that the reader became immersed in them.

[Jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Newell's introduction to his collection of short stories, set in England of the 60s, 70s and 80s states that, although all are pure fiction, there will be some who may think they recognise themselves - that some of the stories are about life experiences which may be common to our younger days - and indeed they are. There is an underlying warmth and profound understanding of human nature, its soul and reason for 'being'. having read the stories three times, I feel a sense of humanity and compassion flowing through the various themes and incidents, and an honesty not often found in a first edition of short stories, which are difficult to write in perfect form. Richard Newell has found this form and used it to great advantage, each story varying from the preceding ones in fact and character. From'...ancient colleges and verdant meadows filled with buttercups...' to his final observation in Paradise Lost - 'The father's heart sank: two thousand years of gentle civilisation destroyed by vandals in forty.' The three eras are poetically and realistically portrayed to those of us who remember them. A Sense of Smell and other stories is beautifully written and deserves to be widely read and enjoyed. I loved it.

[Ian MacKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Newel has penned a collection of easy to read and entertaining short stories between the covers of a small book ideal to take with you on an aircraft.
Characterization in these tales is convincing and descriptions of the respective localities bring the surroundings to life.
If you're looking for easy, uncomplicated reading in a "get away from it" milieu I recommend this book as a companion.

[Richard Newell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I possibly say about my own effort? Of course, I think it is brilliant, first class, a wonderful easy read, specially for travelling on trains and planes or on the beach! What is more, I would unhesitatingly award myself five stars.

However, don't believe me: the book was chosen for inclusion in the list of "must-read" books for 2020 by CQI - Issuu, a UK magazine. So, if you enjoy short stories, this little book may be the one for your birthday!