Featuring a variety of short narratives, the imaginative prose of Miren Agur Meabe’s reflective, illuminating collection Burning Bones explores the life of a woman artist. As the narrator recollects events of the past, reminiscing about the innocence of youth and the challenges she is experiencing in the present, they all combine to provide an insightful series.

Meabe holds the prestigious status of being the only writer to be awarded Spain’s national poetry prize in the Basque language – not surprising considering the poetic form displayed in this collection. The translation captures the essence of the poetic prose in such short sections that must have been a fine balance to get right. It’s also interesting to note that this collection forms part of a triptych: Burning Bones is the second, following a novel titled A Glass Eye and preceding a poetry collection.

It’s understandable to see why the author is described as one of Basque literature’s leading contemporary writers and has a host of national awards to her name. The short narrative is an intriguing presentation of form and provides a riveting and immersive read.