The English Short Story Writer
MIKE SMITH looks at the writings and Englishness of V.S. Pritchett: ‘In so many of Pritchett’s stories, there is an uncomfortable consciousness that hangs in the atmosphere like the smell of an extinguished candle…’
What I Want as a Reader, Discovered via Keret
ANGELA READMAN shows us the ‘Yes Factor’ in Etgar Keret’s work: ‘…reading should give us a buzz too. I recommend Keret, but mostly I recommend getting in touch with small things in fiction that have the ‘Yes Factor’ for you…’
Author Profile: Etgar Keret
SHAWNA VESCO looks at the life and work of Israeli writer Etgar Keret ‘… Keret has a Kafkaesque absurdism that borders on grotesque and is steeped in irony.’
2013 Feature Writing Competition
We are delighted to announce that the 2013 THRESHOLDS Feature Writing Competition is now open, with a first prize of £500 for the winning essay in each category – Author Profiles and We Recommend.
The Maker by Jorge Luis Borges
In his essay on Jorge Luis Borges’ short story collection The Maker, DANIEL SPINKS discusses ‘the intricate manner in which Borges takes an idea from history, religion, literature or philosophy and plays with it…’
Remembering Sam Selvon’s Short Stories
In his essay CYRIL DABYDEEN discusses memories of Sam Selvon’s short stories: ‘Selvon’s story-telling became immediate folklore with long-lasting echoes, due to his natural voice in narration and dialogue.’
Author Profile: Ali Smith
EMMA YOUNG looks at the life and writing of Ali Smith: ‘It is Smith’s focus and attention to voice that marks her out as a unique writer…’
Author Profile: Daniil Kharms
‘As soon as you see a picture, you know he’ll be good.’ In his essay, shortlisted for the THRESHOLDS Feature Writing Competition, C.D. ROSE tells of the life of Daniil Kharms.
Author Profile: F. Scott Fitzgerald
In her essay, shortlisted for the THRESHOLDS Feature Writing Competition, JADE BROUGHTON looks at the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short stories.
Playing with Dolls
RUTH QUINLAN recommends A Real Doll: ‘A.M. Homes is the writer to turn to when you want someone to lift the floorboards of everyday life and show you the roaches scurrying underneath.’