The State of Us

In Charlie Hill's satirical short story collection, people stare, laugh at the pomp of the privileged classes, and dwell in space. These stories delve into questions of human nature and invite readers to recognize themselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 90 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Fly on the Wall Press

In Charlie Hill's satirical short story collection, people stare. Behind twitching curtains. Behind the lens of a camera. With an eye reminiscent of Samuel Beckett, Charlie Hill invites you to be privy to strange social experiments, laugh at the pomp of the privileged classes, and dwell in space, floating in the introspection of your solitary thoughts. As these stories delve into questions of human nature, you might recognise yourself in the characters, who are all too human in their flaws and desires.

The first story, "The Man Who Watched the Children," follows a man who becomes obsessed with watching his neighbours' children through a telescope. He becomes increasingly paranoid and delusional, convinced that the children are being harmed by a mysterious figure. The story is a dark and unsettling exploration of the nature of obsession and the dangers of voyeurism.

"The Party" is a hilarious and biting satire of the privileged classes. It follows a group of wealthy friends who gather at a mansion for a dinner party, only to find themselves trapped in a game of cat-and-mouse with a mysterious stranger. The story is a sharp critique of the excesses and pretensions of the upper class and the lengths they will go to maintain their social status.

"The Spaceman" is a surreal and introspective story about a man who travels to space in search of a new life. He becomes lost in his thoughts and memories, and begins to question the nature of his existence and the purpose of his journey. The story is a meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain.

"The Woman Who Walked into the Sea" is a haunting and poetic story about a woman who walks into the sea and disappears. The story is a meditation on the power of the ocean and the nature of loss and grief. It explores the idea of the sea as a metaphor for the unknowable and the impossibility of ever fully understanding the world.

"The Man Who Lived in the House on the Hill" is a dark and mysterious story about a man who moves into a house on a hill and begins to experience strange occurrences. He becomes convinced that the house is haunted by the ghosts of its previous inhabitants and begins to investigate the history of the house and the people who lived there. The story is a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of the supernatural and the power of fear.

"The Woman Who Had Two Faces" is a clever and satirical story about a woman who discovers that she has two faces. She becomes obsessed with her newfound ability and begins to use it to manipulate and control those around her. The story is a sharp critique of the nature of identity and the dangers of self-deception.

"The Man Who Wasn't There" is a surreal and mysterious story about a man who appears to be everywhere at once. He becomes a celebrity and is worshipped by his followers, but he remains mysterious and elusive. The story is a commentary on the nature of fame and the cult of celebrity.

"The Woman Who Wasn't There" is a clever and satirical story about a woman who disappears and is never seen again. The story is a commentary on the nature of disappearance and the mystery surrounding it. It explores the idea of the missing person as a symbol of the unknown and the impossibility of ever fully understanding what happened.

In conclusion, Charlie Hill's satirical short story collection is a brilliant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Through his dark and witty stories, Hill challenges the reader to think critically about the world around them and to recognise the flaws and desires of the characters. The collection is a must-read for anyone who enjoys satire and social commentary and is a testament to Hill's talent as a writer.

Weight: 98g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915789020