Speaking Of (A houseful of eclectic works of fiction)

Speaking Of by Mary Murphy is a book with something for every reader — short stories, flash fiction, poetry, and a novella. In turn compelling and reminiscent of different times, the stories in this book are immersive with characters that stay long with readers.

When Neala meets Imogen, she is just a child, and ''still in the ownership of the blithe sprightliness, not yet burdened with the mindfulness of a maturing adolescent.'' A love that will grow over a lifetime is born, but can she ever get to tell her about how she feels? The short stories in this book feature an intriguing cast of characters, from lovers to a tailor, charlatans, and more. From flash fiction to science fiction, readers are pulled in by the author's imaginative plot, the captivating, often lyrical style of writing, and the powerful imagery that draws the readers' attention to vividly drawn settings. The stories take readers across different countries and times — Ireland, Greece, the United States, and Scotland.

“Neala Speaks” surprised me in a way I never thought it would, and this short story, confidently written in an enthralling first-person narrative voice, makes a bold promise and the author doesn't fail to deliver. The sparkling prose fills every page and the points of view are delivered with clarity. “Delilah Speaks,” is hypnotic and will appeal to readers who enjoy the paranormal. The three poems are a gorgeous treat as well, and I was captivated by how the author captures the epiphany of love in the fusion of two souls:

''O what a glory feeling
when the soul is resting
in the comfort of another
O what a splendour moment
as the merry sun breaks through
to azure blue''

Speaking Of is indeed eclectic and hugely imaginative. Mary Murphy's creations are small gems for readers with diverse literary tastes and she creates characters that are complex and likable. She writes about people and places that readers can easily imagine, cleverly building convincing plot points and infusing the writing with realism and humanity. I love characters who are recognizably real and flawed, and such are the creations in this book. Then there is the magic in Murphy's writing and the spell in the world-building. Overall, Speaking Of is a table set with a variety of dishes — and there is a treat for everyone.