From the Neck Up and Other Stories

Aliya Whiteley's new short story collection explores the strange and familiar, featuring wit and compassion. It includes stories about the future of farming, the artist bringing life to glass, the many-eyed monsters we carry, and the alien invasion through language. Whiteley is unlike any other writer working today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Titan Books Ltd

Aliya Whiteley is an award-winning author known for her works such as "The Beauty," "The Loosening Skin," and "The Arrival of Missives." Her latest collection, titled "The Strange and Familiar," showcases her talent for crafting captivating short stories. In this collection, Whiteley explores the peculiarities of everyday life, delving into themes of gardens, bodies, and familiar worlds. Through her witty and compassionate storytelling, she uncovers the unexpected and fascinating aspects of our existence.

One of the standout stories in the collection is titled "The Future of Farming in an Ice Age." In this tale, Whiteley imagines a world where agriculture has adapted to the harsh conditions of a new Ice Age. The protagonist, a farmer, must navigate the challenges of growing crops in freezing temperatures and limited resources. The story is a thought-provoking exploration of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.

Another notable story is "The Artist Bringing Life to Glass." In this story, Whiteley explores the relationship between an artist and her glass sculptures. The artist is struggling with her work, feeling that it lacks life and meaning. Through her interactions with the sculptures, she discovers that they possess a consciousness of their own and can communicate with her. The story is a beautiful meditation on the power of art and the connections between humans and the natural world.

Whiteley also delves into the theme of the many-eyed monsters we carry within us. In the story "The Many-Eyed Monsters We Carry," the protagonist is a woman who discovers that she has a hidden ability to see the thoughts and emotions of others. She must navigate the complexities of her newfound power, as it brings both challenges and opportunities. The story is a fascinating exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

In "The Secret Cities Inside Our Bodies," Whiteley imagines a world where our bodies are not just physical vessels, but also contain secret cities. The protagonist, a scientist, discovers a portal that leads to one of these cities and must navigate its intricate networks of tunnels and chambers. The story is a mind-bending exploration of the human body and the mysteries that lie within it.

Another standout story is "The Alien Invasion Through Our Language." In this story, Whiteley explores the idea of an alien invasion that begins through our language. The protagonist, a linguist, must work to understand the language of the aliens and communicate with them in order to prevent a devastating war. The story is a thought-provoking exploration of the power of language and the importance of cultural diversity.

The collection also features a retelling of the fairy tale "The Chantress." In Whiteley's version, the protagonist is a young woman who is taken captive by a mysterious chantress. The chantress has a dark past and a twisted sense of humor, and the story is a dark and twisted retelling of the classic fairy tale.

Overall, "The Strange and Familiar" is a captivating collection of short stories that showcases Aliya Whiteley's talent for crafting compelling and unexpected narratives. Through her wit and compassion, Whiteley unpeels the strangeness of everyday life and reveals the hidden wonders that lie within us. This collection is a must-read for fans of short fiction and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling to transport readers to new and fascinating worlds.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789094756