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Illusions, Delusions
Just what is a short story? Through the prism of seven vastly different and fantastically imaginative forms, Alexander Raphael showcases the opportunities the genre offers. Inspired by writers such as John Updike, James Thurber and Franz Kafka, here are his first set of stories in a wonderfully minimalist yet thought-provoking style.
51 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2019
About the author
Alexander Raphael
4 books12 followersHalf-Mexican, half-Welsh and growing up in London, Alex Raphael was surrounded by different influences and interests. But it was always books that spoke to him most and had the greatest impact.
He started writing when at college, where his love of reading evolved into a desire to write, in particular focusing on poetry and short stories. Studying English and American Literature at university meant he took a break from writing, as well as giving him the chance to see more of Mexico on his travels. He concentrated on his journalistic career while working on different writing projects, but his favourite genre of literature has always been short stories as they are what first inspired him to write.
That’s why his first book was The Summer of Madness, a romantic short story that tells of a guy who goes out to try to win his ex-girlfriend back. Will you be rooting for Kurt and his big public gesture or is it more complicated than that and you don’t want her to date him again? Either way you’ll get to know a memorable set of characters along for the ride.
His second book Illusions, Delusions reflects Raphael’s love of alternative short stories from the writers of his childhood and challenges the idea of the narrative. Will your favourite be the story in the form of a questionnaire, a poem or a set of jokes, among the seven very different styles?
Alexander Raphael’s third book is Always Never, Rarely Sometimes, featuring original premises and distinctive characters with his trademark imagination, humour and memorable dialogue. Among others, meet a sinister magician with an array of pranks, a long-suffering husband finally becoming more decisive and a group of young guys intrigued by a pretty woman on another table.
Alexander Raphael’s latest offering is The Gameshow, about six disgraced celebrities who are unaware of just how much trouble they are in, having signed up for the most provocative of television shows. His satirical debut novel is a look at the constant decision-making needed by stars to remain popular and relevant, and just how desperate they can become when the wrong decisions are made.
You can find more information on his works here https://alexanderraphaelwriter.com/
He started writing when at college, where his love of reading evolved into a desire to write, in particular focusing on poetry and short stories. Studying English and American Literature at university meant he took a break from writing, as well as giving him the chance to see more of Mexico on his travels. He concentrated on his journalistic career while working on different writing projects, but his favourite genre of literature has always been short stories as they are what first inspired him to write.
That’s why his first book was The Summer of Madness, a romantic short story that tells of a guy who goes out to try to win his ex-girlfriend back. Will you be rooting for Kurt and his big public gesture or is it more complicated than that and you don’t want her to date him again? Either way you’ll get to know a memorable set of characters along for the ride.
His second book Illusions, Delusions reflects Raphael’s love of alternative short stories from the writers of his childhood and challenges the idea of the narrative. Will your favourite be the story in the form of a questionnaire, a poem or a set of jokes, among the seven very different styles?
Alexander Raphael’s third book is Always Never, Rarely Sometimes, featuring original premises and distinctive characters with his trademark imagination, humour and memorable dialogue. Among others, meet a sinister magician with an array of pranks, a long-suffering husband finally becoming more decisive and a group of young guys intrigued by a pretty woman on another table.
Alexander Raphael’s latest offering is The Gameshow, about six disgraced celebrities who are unaware of just how much trouble they are in, having signed up for the most provocative of television shows. His satirical debut novel is a look at the constant decision-making needed by stars to remain popular and relevant, and just how desperate they can become when the wrong decisions are made.
You can find more information on his works here https://alexanderraphaelwriter.com/
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 5, 2019
Great collection!
These stories are clever, humorous, thought-provoking, twisted, and delightful!
The author sets a scene, paints the people with interesting personalities, and introduces a situation which may, or may not, be influenced by the main character...
The story called “Punbelivable” is absolutely awesome! Very creative!
Two last in the collection were sad, wise and hilarious at the same time! Loved also allegorical touch and the work of author with plots, forms/structure and heroes!
I will not label the stories as only happy or sad, dark or light… I’d say they are as they are - each one outstanding on it’s own, but as a collection - they are stunning!
If you love short stories or need a break from long reads - this book is a must have.
These stories are clever, humorous, thought-provoking, twisted, and delightful!
The author sets a scene, paints the people with interesting personalities, and introduces a situation which may, or may not, be influenced by the main character...
The story called “Punbelivable” is absolutely awesome! Very creative!
Two last in the collection were sad, wise and hilarious at the same time! Loved also allegorical touch and the work of author with plots, forms/structure and heroes!
I will not label the stories as only happy or sad, dark or light… I’d say they are as they are - each one outstanding on it’s own, but as a collection - they are stunning!
If you love short stories or need a break from long reads - this book is a must have.
June 12, 2020
Great Job, I was delighted reading so clever stories, the use of the words in a sort of double sense is astounding as well as brilliant!
Punbelievable is the one I enjoyed the most, great word games!
Punbelievable is the one I enjoyed the most, great word games!
July 25, 2021
I have a tie between this short story and Summer of Madness as my two favorite Raphael works. I really enjoyed the different formats and found myself engaged in unexpected ways as I traveled through each stories unique dimension. My favorite would have to be the Questions, Awnsers and More Questions. I've never read anything qutie like it and I found it such a fascinating way to explore the thought human thought process and the reality of what we should do vs what we actually do. Another favorite was Punbelievable. 🤣 All around this is a fun, well written collection of short stories that I would reread a few times over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
Cleverly titled, Illusions, Delusions takes readers on a whirlwind journey through seven stories that all deal with the mind, imagination, and creativity in some way. Raphael really plays with genre and different storytelling techniques in this collection. It’s amazing to explore just how different each story is from the next, and yet they all work wonderfully as a cohesive exploration of, well, illusions and delusions.
A lonely man finds love in an unexpected place, a writer has a poignant conversation with one of his characters, a character spends an entire day daydreaming the hours away (oh, how relatable this one was!)… these are just a few of the riveting stories available in this collection. There’s even a story made up almost entirely of puns, and it’s clear that Raphael had a blast writing it, which makes reading it all the more enjoyable.
The fact that this is Raphael’s first published collection of stories is honestly pretty mind-blowing. The artistry and craft is so impressive in this entire collection. The writing style differs from story to story, and each style is so unique and engaging that it’s genuinely hard to pick a favorite (although this reader particularly enjoyed Breaking Through the Fourth Page).
Overall, this is the kind of collection that’s easy to fly through in one sitting. The stories aren’t particularly long, but they are deeply impactful. Give this collection a read. You might be surprised to see just how much some of these thoughtful, inventive stories stick with you long after finishing the final page.
A lonely man finds love in an unexpected place, a writer has a poignant conversation with one of his characters, a character spends an entire day daydreaming the hours away (oh, how relatable this one was!)… these are just a few of the riveting stories available in this collection. There’s even a story made up almost entirely of puns, and it’s clear that Raphael had a blast writing it, which makes reading it all the more enjoyable.
The fact that this is Raphael’s first published collection of stories is honestly pretty mind-blowing. The artistry and craft is so impressive in this entire collection. The writing style differs from story to story, and each style is so unique and engaging that it’s genuinely hard to pick a favorite (although this reader particularly enjoyed Breaking Through the Fourth Page).
Overall, this is the kind of collection that’s easy to fly through in one sitting. The stories aren’t particularly long, but they are deeply impactful. Give this collection a read. You might be surprised to see just how much some of these thoughtful, inventive stories stick with you long after finishing the final page.
January 3, 2026
This is one of those collections that quietly gets under your skin. Illusions, Delusions doesn’t feel like it’s trying to show off, but the variety and creativity in the stories really impressed me. Each piece explores what a short story can be, and I loved how different the forms felt while still holding together as a cohesive collection.
The writing is clean and minimalist, but there’s a lot going on beneath the surface. Some stories made me stop and think, others lingered with me longer than I expected. You can definitely feel the influence of writers like Kafka and Thurber, especially in the way everyday situations slip into something slightly off-kilter or unsettling.
It’s a thoughtful, imaginative collection that rewards taking your time with it. If you enjoy short stories that play with form and leave space for interpretation, this is well worth picking up.
The writing is clean and minimalist, but there’s a lot going on beneath the surface. Some stories made me stop and think, others lingered with me longer than I expected. You can definitely feel the influence of writers like Kafka and Thurber, especially in the way everyday situations slip into something slightly off-kilter or unsettling.
It’s a thoughtful, imaginative collection that rewards taking your time with it. If you enjoy short stories that play with form and leave space for interpretation, this is well worth picking up.
December 15, 2021
I was given the chance to read this book of short stories and I absolutely loved them!
The way they are written both draws you in and makes you think. Sometimes things aren't quite as they seem. Each stories is different from the other , there is no genre I could place it into.
My favourite was definitely questions, answers , questions , I liked the way that it did make you think about the questions and take time with them. They are short stories but they pack a lot into them, they are ones that I certainly wouldn't forget in a hurry.
A brilliantly written set of short stories , they are unique, different and perfect to read when you went something that doesn't fit one genre. Cannot wait to read more by this wonderful and talented author!
The way they are written both draws you in and makes you think. Sometimes things aren't quite as they seem. Each stories is different from the other , there is no genre I could place it into.
My favourite was definitely questions, answers , questions , I liked the way that it did make you think about the questions and take time with them. They are short stories but they pack a lot into them, they are ones that I certainly wouldn't forget in a hurry.
A brilliantly written set of short stories , they are unique, different and perfect to read when you went something that doesn't fit one genre. Cannot wait to read more by this wonderful and talented author!
March 16, 2026
Illusions, Delusions is a book with six short stories taking on different styles and topics.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and love how different it is from anything I've read before. I found myself completely engaged and mesmerised from one story to the next, the author's writing style is so unique and fascinating that it takes you on a whole journey into different worlds throughout the book.
I absolutely love the short story Punbelievable, it was amazing and had me laughing out loud. But the short story that really stood out for me was Within Twilight, there was just something about it that really hit me emotionally and I will definitely remember it long after reading this book.
Overall, another incredible and unique read by Alexander Raphael that I would highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and love how different it is from anything I've read before. I found myself completely engaged and mesmerised from one story to the next, the author's writing style is so unique and fascinating that it takes you on a whole journey into different worlds throughout the book.
I absolutely love the short story Punbelievable, it was amazing and had me laughing out loud. But the short story that really stood out for me was Within Twilight, there was just something about it that really hit me emotionally and I will definitely remember it long after reading this book.
Overall, another incredible and unique read by Alexander Raphael that I would highly recommend.
October 17, 2025
Having read his previous work, I was curious to read what Raphael wrote next. This is certainly very different to anything I've ever read before. Each story has a different creative feel to it but you can see why they were grouped together. The cover image comes from the second story, about a group of loners who reflect on a life full of disappointments. It was my favourite but I liked them all really.
September 21, 2025
This is such a different kind of book to what I normally read. I wouldn't even know how to categorise it really, but that is why I loved it so much. It's a very experiemantal and imaginative work. I mean, one of the stories is just a set of puns. Very funny and clever!
August 21, 2022
Within Twilight
This is a really meaningful story in my opinion,that is very energetic,specific and beautiful,besides all the details that Alexander wrote,they’re just brilliant.
This is a really meaningful story in my opinion,that is very energetic,specific and beautiful,besides all the details that Alexander wrote,they’re just brilliant.
August 7, 2025
I had never read stories like these before. They are all very different and all very creative. They aren’t long but you will notice new things if you read them again, especially the last one.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews