HEARTLAND
Edited by Niall Griffiths & Rhiannon Hooson (Parthian)
This is an anthology of the poetry and short stories shortlisted for the annual PENfro Festival competition, selected by novelist Niall Griffiths and poet Rhiannon Hooson, taking the reader on a whistlestop tour of European cities, isolated islands and struggling Welsh sheep farms. The collection touches upon subjects as diverse and intimate as grief, the relationship between myth and reality, and the ways in which we are formed and reformed by our natural surroundings. For me, Kathryn Tann’s Blushing Rainwater and Moira Ashley’s Double Helix stood out for their vivid imagery and the freshness of their concepts. Overall, though, despite the undeniable talent of its writers, this is an anthology which focuses almost exclusively on the darker side of modern life. It’s crying out for some humour and, oddly enough given its title, genuine heart.
Price: £9.99 Info: www.parthianbooks.com RR