Hearts & Other Dead things
(A Cake & Quill anthology)
Jeremy wants Maggie back. Rosa hates Simon.
Adam can’t get laid. Graham hates cats. Maisie brings her new boyfriend home to
meet Mom and Dad. Yuki wants revenge. Jake really should get over his dead
girlfriend. Bradley gets offered a donkey. Doris should know better. And Peter
calls a number, hoping for a good time.
A handpicked
collection of sad, mad, bad stories and poems from the realms of romance,
sardonic or macabre, infused with woe or mirth, to make you glad you’re single
– or wish you were.
Writers are:
Bradley Darewood, Cat Nicolaou, J. Cassidy, Charlotte Stirling, S.A. Shields,
Adam Oster, Angelika Rust, Ken Alexopoulos, W.D. Frank, Tina Rath, Yvonne
Marjot, T.M. Hogan, Chloe Hammond, Jay Robbins, A.E. Churchyard
Cover by Charlotte
Stirling
All proceeds will
go to HOME, a charity in Singapore which works for the rights
of migrant and domestic workers, and against sex trafficking.
About the Charity
“A
ragged, thin Myanmar girl gripped my hand through the fence and sobbed
repeatedly, ‘chei-zu tin-bar-te’ (thank you). I had done nothing for her except
to say hello and smile. This was my emotional introduction to the dark
hypocrisy that seeps into every fibre of Singapore.
The
hourly abuse and modern day slavery that exist all over the city-state is
almost incomprehensible. Most people ignore it. Over time, the pampered living
seems to blinker our eyes to the huge divide between helper and employer.
Perfectly nice Western families forget their maid’s birthday, or exclaim that
their helper hasn’t seen their children for 2 years. But don’t offer to pay them
to return home.
The
dehumanization of certain people, usually women that I witnessed made me feel
that I was living during Apartheid or the Holocaust and I couldn’t understand
why nobody else seemed bothered. Could they not see it? Seriously?
Whether
making a maid walk three paces behind carrying all the shopping, or denying
these vulnerable women any days off for months, or smacking them, or
humiliating them, or rationing their food. I helped where I could. Vitamin
tablets, hugs, phone calls home, extra food smuggled through the fence, and
more hugs. But I had no political voice there at all and protests are illegal,
so I decided to write a book. Writing is what I do. It’s my talent. And I
thought, just do it. Write it. Get it out there. Tell their stories. Give them
some acknowledgement. Something. Anything.
HOME
is an extraordinary charity that actively helps these women to take legal
action, to escape abusive employers and re-locate if necessary. They advise on
contracts and employment. But most of all, they give hope when there is very
little left. This is why we have chosen them as the recipient of the proceeds
for this book and are proud to do so.”
–
Charlotte Stirling, January 2016
My Review of
"Hearts and other Dead Things."
When an eclectic group of writers, give of their valuable
time, and their clearly remarkable talents, to work together to write a book, specifically
intended to cover difficult topics; then, donate all proceeds from the sale
of that book to a Charity Set up to help victims of horrendous violence; together
with those other helpless souls caught up in the sex-trafficking that is
becoming all too familiar on the headlines of papers everywhere, then the very
least I can do as a reader is review it.
Romantic's anonymous. A story by Bradley Darewood/ Cat
Nicolaou
So, what happens when you meet up with your ex in a therapy
Group Called 'Romantics Anonymous?
Initially I thought, oh- okay, interesting concept and frankly expected
something comedic. Don't get me wrong, some of the dialogue and self-analysis
is laugh out loud, and nod in agreement, funny! But this author has cleverly
combined the humor with some in depth insights into the needs that drive the
individuals concerned, and in consequence, their reactions to what they would
normally consider aberrant behavior. I love a story that causes me to reflect,
and when you throw in damned funny dialogue...well for me that's one hell of a
good way to start an Anthology. Look forward to reading more by authors Bradley
Darewood. And Cat Nicolau.
A very clever poem by J Cassidy
This also comes under this heading. It is short, and
delightfully bittersweet.
Hambre De Las Calaveras. (The Hungry Skulls) A story
by Charlotte Stirling
As I have long
considered my visits to Singapore utterly memorable, and have in fact stayed at
Raffles both before and after 1990, the setting for this had me riveted from
the start.
It touched on some of the Expatriate's behavior and
expectations, with a clever hand. Revealing much in but a few apt and marvelous
descriptions.
The cruelty which is handed down to the maid Dumadora ...is
devastatingly, and blindingly accurate in its brutality. The vengeance when it
comes is both unexpected and very welcome. Bravo! I look forward again, to
reading more.
A Poem. By S.A Sheilds.
This book has layers within it. They peel back like a
Spanish onion. The poetry is stunning. This one 'untitled' by S.A Sheilds, is
both gutsy and revealing. It hit me hard. The pain expressed is I believe
universal for anyone insecure enough to stay in a dreadful relationship because
it's all that they know.
Girl of my Dreams – A Saga of Failure by Adam Oster
Boarding school can be hell,
insecurity can be worse. First love (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) whilst
in Boarding school, and being insecure...phew! The stuff of nightmares for
folks caught up in that particular feeding frenzy. Again, I find myself drawn
to the characters depicted in this one. At times, in fact they are all too
painfully real.
Sure I laughed, and the
measure of author Adam Oster's talent is that I wanted to cry for his misplaced
in time hero as well. It is irrelevant what the reader's own experience of
First Love...or lust maybe, therein lay the beauty of this story. For it hits
that wonderful empathy button that
many, but not all, humans possess. Still smiling.
Rain. A story by
Angelika Rust.
One of my favorite all time
singer/songwriters is Melissa Etheridge. One of her songs has the lyric "I
had rust on my dreams, and rust on my love." This very brief and sadly
compelling moment reminds me of that. It touches that chord. It pulls me back
to that pain. This anthology has some seriously gifted writers. Author Angelika
Rust, is yet another to add to my growing list.
i think i need a shower. A Poem by Bradley Darewood
I wish I didn't get the punch
line. I do. Still grinning at the very possible outcome.
Down The Drain a story by Ken Alexopoulos
This one pulls no punches
whatsoever. It's both difficult to read because of its blistering honesty, and
impossible not to, for exactly the
same reason. Did I enjoy it? Hmm ... enjoy may not be the correct word. Did I
appreciate it? Oh, yes. It caused me discomfort. Any story and Author, that can
hit that button with me, is worthy of
me remembering.
For The Love of Cats and Dogs a story by S A Sheilds.
Wow! This one snuck up and
bit me on the ass. No pun intended. I began reading this lulled into thinking I
was reading a simple expose of a 'Crazy Cat Lady'...wrong! Oh, so wrong. This
has far more. Layers upon layers, thought provoking, and complex. I loved it.
Your World and Its Weather. A Poem by W.D. Frank.
I read and re-read this poem,
several times in fact, wondering just how I felt about it. I'm still not
certain. The pain within the words is very evident. The feelings it expresses
for me ... helplessness, acceptance, and something more, it's the something
more that troubles me, because I'm unable to define it. Isn't that what poetry
is intended to do? I asked myself that question. I came up with
"Yes." I'm going to read it again ... and again.
Buried Doll. A Poem by Tina Rath.
Another poem that challenges
me. I like being challenged. Hatred and vengeance? Perhaps. Again, the layers
of meaning. Damn! These writers are good.
Johnny on the Spot. A story by Yvonne Marjot.
The pacing and the dialogue
are marvelous in this story. It takes you on a rather unexpected journey, and,
it's a journey with a road that no man or woman wants to travel. The sad fact
is, that some people do ... thought provoking, clearly defined, and immensely
readable. Ticks all my boxes.
Number 6. A story by Charlotte Stirling.
This is one of the shortest
of all the stories, but it is one of my favorites. Author Charlotte Stirling
has that wonderful gift of being able to set a visual so clearly in my head
with her writing it becomes cinematic. The debauched and depraved are arrogant.
The things that they do are sickening. The payback ... is a bitch. Tightly
woven with wonderfully fast pacing. Memorable.
Deleting Jessy. A story by Angelika Rust
Another fabulous read. This
one dealing with possessiveness to a deadly degree. Grief, moving on ... and
retribution gone mad. This author has marvelous insights into the processes
that drive us as humans, to do inhuman things.
Burn. A story By Ken Alexopolous.
"Burn," caught me
utterly unprepared. It made me cry. The complexity of loving so deeply, yet
being afraid of the promise of a future without it. Withholding the words that
may enslave your soul. Beautifully written. Sadly powerful.
Valentine's Day. A story by T. M. Hogan.
I'm from Australia, and the
story is set here. The humor and pathos of this piece resonated with me. The
ending ... I refuse to spoil it for you. Suffice it say I thoroughly enjoyed
it.
Sex in Santa Domingo by Bradley Darewood.
This one I viewed differently
as Author Bradley Darewood has shared with the readers a true situation (The
names have been changed) from his memoirs currently being written. This is a
powerful piece, and the author has allowed us to glimpse his life for a brief
time along his journey. The author has clearly reconstructed a learning curve
into his self-awareness. Honest, and well written. I'd be more than interested
to read his complete memoir when it's available.
Waiting. A Poem by Chloe Hammond.
Short, Succinct and Painful. Yes.
I liked it.
Miss Angelika March. A story by Charlotte Stirling
Let me quote from the story
..."Then my heart turned hard and steel flooded those tight, little veins that
feed the eye, and my mouth tasted the betrayal like an overnight locust storm."
I was unsuprised that this
story hit me at gut-level; the above description only gives you a small taste
of the pain this Author can create with her words. It is Charlotte Stirling
again. The empathy she creates is stunning.
To Hell and Back. A story by Jay Robbins.
Be prepared for this one, if
you can. The title is so accurate, and the journey the characters are on will
lead each of them into their own versions of Hell. This talented writer will
take you by the throat and force you to take that journey with them. You may
not enjoy the trip, but you will not be able to forget the journey undertaken
to reach the results. An absolutely riveting piece of writing. This is a stand
out.
Eternal Love. A poem by Bradley Darewood.
Being addicted to anything
carries with it a mandatory life sentence. Being addicted to another human
being can send you straight to death row. Another blindingly aware poem by this
author.
Miss Smith's Upgrade. A story by A.E.Churchyard.
This story holds out a small
crumb of remaining hope for us as a species. The author takes us on a step into
the future of mankind. A.E Churchyard permits us a glimpse into the manner in
which we have been technologically prepared for lengthy survival in a world so
predictable and safe it's frightening in itself. As the title says, Miss Smith
has gone for an upgrade ... to, her implants. Not physical attributes
ostensibly, they are options to alter a facet of life that may not be as
satisfyingly comfortable as the receiver would wish. New Boyfriend? Sure ...
there is an implant for that, and just about anything else that remains of
human desires, and in consequence, their actions.
The beauty within this story
is that glimmer, that faintly shining, seemingly unquenchable shadow we know as
hope. Author A.E Churchyard encapsulates it beautifully, and gives us as readers
caught up within these pages, a gift. A beacon leading to hope that seems to
continue to burn on within us all. A marvelous and satisfying read.
I Dream Of
Rigor: A Heartwarming Tale Of Murder, Sex, And Snuggling A story...by W. D. Frank.
Wow, this story is
beautifully dark. The gallows humor very appealing. The pacing is furiously
fast and the visual images created by author W.D Frank are wonderful. Another
author for me to find out more about.
Poem: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Skunk Cabbage.
A Poem by Tina Rath.
Pointed and perfect.
Vengeance and love gone wrong are beautifully encapsulated within these 16
lines of verse.
Man in a Can a story by Chloe Hammond.
I love a short story that
leaves me smiling and nodding in silent agreement. This one is priceless. An
absolute must read for any woman who has ever had or wanted a date to die for,
and found only men without that added something that sets the sparks flying. It
is funny, quirky and darkly cutting in its honesty. I would love to read a
continuing story with these wonderful characters.
Metamorphosis a story by Angelika Rust
A short, sad and quirky piece
that defines friendship in few cleverly chosen words. An honest interpretation.
I liked this one a great deal.
Agnés and Albertine a story by Charlotte Stirling.
What a fabulously crafted
short story, exposing so much of the frailty of human nature, and the endless
pursuit of survival at all costs. This one covers the bases of need and the
essence of belonging. It is tortured, twisted and unbearably human. Simply
stunning.
The Number a story by Bradley Darewood.
My sense of humor is
decidedly dark, so this story really hit a nerve and sadly I found myself
smiling and nodding in understanding and agreement with the all the sentiments, anger and punishment dished
out. I don't recommend the path taken by the characters, but it is not at all
difficult to see what motivated their actions. Another thoroughly enjoyable
read from the pen of author Bradley Darewood.
The Chest a story by Tina Rath
Dark and macabre, with
wonderful pacing and characterizations all imparted with a clever understanding
of the fine line between sanity and madness that beckons us all at times. It
made me shudder, which is difficult to do. I loved this one.
###
I am exhausted after the
reading, floundering around for words to express the experience as clearly, as
concisely as I can. Each of those that read it will find differing levels of
emotional response to what nestles between these pages. That's as is should be.
For me. It will linger in my
memory. I will seek out other works by these authors. I am not only quite in
awe of, but, intensely grateful for their talent.
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