Review
An accomplished debut collection from this local author, says Verbal.
- Days of Wine and Rosaries
- Guildhall Press
In Bloom
Carlin’s debut collection is a study in versatility – from comedy to tragedy, her stories cover all aspects of the human condition with a deft touch.
Opening with a touching meditation on fatherhood through the medium of a funeral, and closing with the briefest and sweetest of short stories (starring the Gorbachevs, no less), Carlin is nothing if not eclectic. A particular highlight for this reviewer was ‘The Interview’, a wry look at the worst job interview ever conducted. I defy anyone to read this story without cringing from the roots of their hair to their toenails. Even Carlin’s humour doesn’t detract from the shock of embarrassed recognition the reader feels on perusing this one. She writes beautifully for (what some might consider) a late bloomer and her changes in tone and pace from story to story are perfectly executed. A promising sign of things to come. More please, and longer next time!
Verbal