These short stories take us on deep dive into the depths of strongly affected minds. They range from the real to the surreal, yet every one rings true in its own way. Some have their roots in traditional tales of witchcraft, some are completely original creations of twisted minds.

The strength of the writing is in the portrayal of strong emotions such as guilt (often tinged with irony), regret, love and other family connections (good and bad) and several touching explorations of how we deal with grief. And several not so touching, from hideous to heart rending. There is one story of unselfish love with a hopeful ending that brought tears to my eyes.

Some of the stories follow traditional plot patterns. One is a rehash of the old idea of a writer wondering if he was only a character in someone else’s book. Others are reminiscent of old-fashioned horror stories like Poe’s.

A common technique used is the unusual interpretation of a simple situation like a lighthouse keeper in a storm or the loss of a loved one. One story uses the art of glass blowing as a metaphor for life.

The subject matter is always love of a sort, often involving family connections, both good and bad.

The writing style is clear and even, allowing the reader to concentrate on the ideas and characters. Connection to real life varies, from complete realism through simple ghost stories to the weirdest surrealism. The latter part of the book leans more heavily towards positive and pleasant thoughts, and I found these works more moving.

This author shows a masterful ability with a wide range of plotlines and styles, held together by a controlled set of themes. Highly recommended for fans of surrealism, realism, and horror.

Five stars.