Openings: 'So varied, so subtle, so tonally poised - a stunning collection.' TESSA HADLEY

The much-anticipated new collection from the BBC National Short Story Award-winning author of Multitudes and Intimacies is a masterclass in attentiveness, exploring fleeting moments of heartbreak and hope that can change the course of a life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Wendy Erskine is a highly acclaimed short story writer whose work is characterized by its honesty, finesse, and lasting impact. Her stories are deeply relatable and evoke a range of emotions, leaving a lasting impression on readers. Erskine's writing is praised for its attention to detail and her ability to create vivid and compelling characters.

The Times hails her as one of the finest short story writers currently at work, noting that her collection will captivate readers and leave them deeply immersed in its world. The reviewer highlights the mastery displayed in each story, emphasizing the author's ability to create a sense of attentiveness and draw the reader into the narrative.

Jan Carson, another prominent critic, praises Erskine's latest collection as a masterpiece. She describes it as a highly anticipated new work from the BBC National Short Story Award-winning author of "Multitudes" and "Intimacies." Carson praises Erskine's ability to create compelling narratives that pulse with possibility and illuminate those fleeting but significant moments of heartbreak and hope that can shape a life.

The thirteen striking stories in "Openings" span different eras and locations, from a passionate affair in Blitz-era London to a highly charged Christmas party in Belfast and a trip to Marrakech that could potentially form a new family. Each story is filled with vivid imagery and explores the complexities of human relationships. The author's ability to capture the essence of these moments and convey them with subtlety and compassion is praised by critics.

Claire Kilroy, in her review for the Sunday Times, emphasizes Caldwell's glorious skill for creating narratives in which every element works in perfect harmony. Kilroy describes the prose as liberating, noting that it takes a writer as subtle, compassionate, and clear-eyed as Caldwell to track the hidden forces that work upon us and illuminate our secret selves. The reviewer praises Erskine's ability to create characters that are both relatable and complex, allowing readers to connect with them on a deep level.

Overall, Wendy Erskine's "Openings" is a highly regarded short story collection that showcases her exceptional talent as a writer. Her stories are praised for their honesty, finesse, and ability to evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact. Erskine's writing is considered a masterclass in attentiveness, and her ability to create compelling narratives that explore the human experience is widely celebrated.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 217 x 132 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571382750
Edition number: Main