Mrs Pulaska and Other Stories

Christopher Burns' new collection of short stories showcases his mastery of the short story form, featuring intelligent but conflicted characters facing decisive moments across different times and places. The stories are driven by haunted or determined individuals in landscapes that play a significant role in the narrative, such as a repository of unstable nitrate film, a desert outcrop, a winter barn, and a Parisian suicide. The collection has previously appeared in various publications and has been praised by notable authors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2024
Publisher: Salt Publishing

Christopher Burns, a celebrated novelist, showcases his exceptional skill in the art of the short story with his latest collection. Through his intricate and nuanced characters, who navigate through vast spans of time and diverse locations, Burns delves into the profound consequences of their choices, shaping their futures and redefining their pasts. The settings, ranging from a repository of unstable nitrate film to a desert outcrop where a daughter vanishes, a winter barn where a silent refugee labors without explanation, and a Parisian suicide that echoes down through centuries, become integral elements that underscore and enrich each narrative.

In these stories, the landscape itself takes on a life of its own, serving as a powerful determinant alongside the characters. From the draining reservoir to the Neolithic cave to the remote Greek church, the surroundings become as essential to the story as the individuals who venture into them. These are driven people, haunted by their pasts or determined to forge their futures, whether they are alert, unaware, in love, or filled with doubt. Some stories in this collection have previously graced publications like Les Temps Modernes, Granta Shorts, Best British Short Stories, The Time Out Book of New York Stories, and Prospect, attesting to Burns' recognition and acclaim.

Christopher Burns' literary prowess has been lauded by esteemed figures such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Melvyn Bragg, Margaret Drabble, and Hilary Mantel. He has authored six novels, including The Flint Bed, which was shortlisted for the Whitbread Award, The Condition of Ice, A Division of the Light, and an earlier collection of short stories titled About The Body. Hailing from Cumbria, Burns' work stands as a testament to his unique voice and ambitious storytelling.

This collection is a true masterpiece, offering readers a profound and captivating experience that can be relished multiple times. It demands attention, challenges perceptions, and leaves a lasting impact on those who dare to delve into its depths. With its exceptional craftsmanship and profound insights, Christopher Burns' latest collection establishes him as a master of the short story form, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of literature.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 496 x 184 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784633158