I Wanted to be Close to You

In Katie Oliver's debut short fiction collection, the line between reality and fantasy, technology and nature, autonomy and oppression is blurred, and the threat of violence simmers as women transform into birds, converse with plants, and plot their revenge. These dark, surreal tales will leave a lasting impression.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2022
Publisher: Fly on the Wall Press

I yearned to be near you, so I ventured into the forest. The allure of the unknown and the desire for adventure had always captivated me, and I couldn't resist the temptation any longer. The forest was a place of mystery and enchantment, a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred. The air was thick with the scent of pine needles and wildflowers, and the sun filtered through the canopy, casting a dappled light on the ground. As I walked deeper into the forest, I felt a sense of exhilaration and anticipation. The trees towered above me, their branches reaching out like arms to embrace me. The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, creating a symphony of sound that filled my ears. I could hear the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant call of animals. The forest was alive with energy, and I felt a sense of connection to the natural world that I had never experienced before. As I walked, I noticed that the boundaries between technology and nature were also blurred. I saw birds perched on power lines, their wings flapping against the wires as they carried on their conversations with the machines. I saw plants that had grown into the shape of computers, their leaves rustling in the breeze as they processed information. It was as if the forest was a living, breathing organism, a hybrid of technology and nature. I also noticed that the boundaries between autonomy and oppression were blurred. The women in these stories were strong and independent, but they were also oppressed by the systems that were meant to protect them. They were forced to conform to societal norms, to sacrifice their own desires for the sake of others. But they refused to be silenced, and they plotted their revenge against those who had wronged them. The threat of violence simmered throughout these dark, surreal tales, but it was also a source of strength and resilience. The women in these stories were not afraid to stand up against their oppressors, to fight for what they believed in. They were survivors, and they knew that they had the power to create their own destiny. As I continued to walk deeper into the forest, I felt a sense of awe and wonder. The world was unpredictable and no woman was safe, but in this place, I felt a sense of empowerment and possibility. I knew that there were still secrets and wonders waiting to be discovered, and I was eager to explore them. The forest had opened my eyes to a new world, a world of magic and mystery. And I knew that I would never forget the lessons that I had learned here.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913211875