A magnificent debut short story collection from Omer Friedlander, The Man Who Sold Air In The Holy Land is just one of the many intriguing titles featured herein. If your interest is piqued by the title of the book as mine was, you’ll be transported to the Middle East for a wide range of stories with a heightened focus on the human element.
The strong sense of character is richly conveyed, whether it’s by the portrayal of first love in The Sand Collector or the recollection of a misdemeanour in the past within Jaffa Oranges. With so much emotion involved, it’s difficult not to be affected by the experiences – and this hypnotic blend was perhaps aided by the recent heatwave: in the hazy sun, these stories were the perfect place to be transported to.
The best short stories manage to convey so much within their limited length, and this collection includes a host of hypnotic tales, illuminated by the rich language. It’s difficult to imagine some of the scenarios faced by these characters in real-life situations, yet the stark reality and hopeful nature of the stories strike a balance, resulting in a moving and dazzling collection.
The Man Who Sold Air In The Holy Land, Omer Friedlander (John Murray)
Price: ÂŁ14.99. Info: here
words RHIANON HOLLEY
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