Scablands and Other Stories

Stories of austerity, poverty, masochism, and migration are told in the post-industrial scablands, where people are sick, lonely, lost, and half-living in the aftermath of upheaval or trauma. However, there is also beauty, music, laughter, and sometimes sisters dream they can fly.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Salt Publishing

These narratives, which take place in the aftermath of industrialization and the subsequent decline of traditional industries, depict a harsh and desolate landscape. The individuals portrayed in these stories are plagued by a range of physical and emotional ailments, including illness, isolation, disorientation, and the lingering effects of trauma. A teacher engages in an obsessive self-caning ritual. A neurologist struggles to remember his own home. A starving woman resorted to selling hugs in a deserted kiosk.

Despite the overwhelming adversity, there are moments of respite and even glimpses of beauty in these post-industrial scablands. Sometimes, a town square is filled with bubbles, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. Sisters dream of soaring through the skies, embracing the freedom of flight. An old man plays Bach on an empty street, his music resonating with a sense of melancholy. A cancer survivor searches desperately for a winning lottery ticket in her rundown flat, holding onto the hope of a better future.

In addition to the hardships faced by the characters, there are also instances of unexpected joy and wonder. Two ailing actors perceive animal shapes in the clouds, finding solace and inspiration in the natural world. A cancer survivor discovers a rare record collection hidden away in a Stoke terrace, a treasure trove of musical history. And sometimes, just round the corner, Gustav Mahler resides, hoarding rare records in a modest terrace house.

These narratives, which explore the complexities of human resilience and the enduring spirit of hope, offer a poignant reflection on the human condition in the aftermath of industrialization and societal change. They remind us that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is always the potential for beauty, connection, and moments of transcendence.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 112 x 177 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784632946