Short fiction with humorous and unexpected twists: Only Animals is a collection of entertaining speculative stories

 

Only Animals

Chelsea Sutton

Wrong Publishing, 2024

Ebook, 44 ppg.

Buy link 

 

Only Animals by Chelsea Sutton is an eclectic and creative collection of stories that I truly enjoyed reading. These stories left me thinking outside the box and had me delve into a series of imagery and symbolism to grasp their meanings.

 

"Fish Bowl: a play" was a very interesting and very curious story. It has that whole "turning of the tables" feel to it. As was "The Fold." I loved the open ending of "The Stargazer" because it left much to the reader's imagination.

 

"There Is No Baby In This Story" said so much with so little. I loved how Auggie stayed resolute in her decision not to give in to her mother's expectations. In fact, Auggie was such a lovable character in this story! I kinda knew what her mother meant about finally understanding the value of the unpleasant highchair one day, but for Auggie, it was just a thing that was too uncomfortable for her to sit in or enjoy as a baby. Yet instead of getting rid of it after it comes into her possession, she honors her mother's feelings for it in such a beautiful way.

 

The title story was an excellent read. It says so much about how we handle grief. Grief is different for everyone, but some people think it must be the same for everyone everywhere. I like how the daughter finds someone to connect with in the grief support group and the discussions they have. And I absolutely LOVED the ending of this story, how it all comes together.

 

Only Animals is a collection of stories that takes the reader beyond a normal reading experience. It pulls the reader into a world where everything is upside down and inside out. It offers readers bits and pieces of truth and meaning, holding its breath as it waits for the reader to finally gasp with understanding. That understanding shines this story collection in a brand-new light, one in which this reader was grateful to have the chance of experiencing.

 

 

Five stars

 

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.