Available on Amazon, this short book gave me a long, delectable read. Although it could be read in a single sitting, I preferred to have the thought provoking flash fiction, short stories, micro flash and one liners wash over me slowly, letting me digest the twists and turns and the black places to which Sarah Brentyn took me. Savouring each piece like my favourite meal.
Brentyn is a master at this genre of writing, with twists that are unexpected as they are shocking. No story exceeded 100 words and many, including those that hit hardest, were over in a blink of an eye, leaving you feeling as though you’d been socked in the stomach.
I am going to give nothing away and hence my review is as short as Brentyn’s book but nowhere near as powerful. She describes it “No-one escapes unscathed. Delve into the deeper reaches of the human condition and the darkness that lives there.” I can describe it no better myself and would highly recommend this book of psychological shorts.
Sarah Brentyn blogs on lemon shark
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About Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
I loved it
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I’m not surprised. 🙂
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Intriguing! Any book that delves into the ‘deeper reaches of the human condition’, is for me! This is a sweet review, and prompted me to look at the book on Amazon, and visit Sarah’s blog. Thanks, Irene!
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You’re welcome Diane. Glad I sent you on a wander.
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Woow! You made me curious about this book, the way you describe it made me feel the need to immerse myself in this universe of “dark stories”.
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Glad to have piqued your curiosity. We all have dark stories in us so they tend to pack a punch when you read them.
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I enjoyed it too Irene. She is the master of this genre. It’s nice to see you back in the blogosphere.
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Thanks Norah. Good to be back. Reading a book of shorts is so different to reading a novel but Sarah has it down to a fine art.
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She does!
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What a lovely surprise to find this on your blog! I was just happy to see you back in the blogosphere… When, what to my wondering eyes should appear?
Irene, this is a beautiful review. I am touched by your thoughts on the book. This is what I’d hoped to achieve—thought-provoking pieces that packed an emotional punch. Thank you so very much. ❤
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You did the writing Sarah so it is I who thanks you and you are very welcome.
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❤
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A provocative review – I’ll have to look into this book.
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I think you would find the book ?????? provocative. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
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Sounds intriguing and delightful. 🙂
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and sometimes disturbing.
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Lovely review. I also enjoyed Sarah’s book and highly recommend it. What gorgeous writing!
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I couldn’t agree more re Sarah’s writing. She can pack a punch in such a few words.
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Wonderful review, Irene!
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Thanks Charli.
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It sounds most intriguing. You have whetted the appetite!
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I enjoyed it immensely. Flash is something to savour. Quite different to a novel and can pack a bigger punch.
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I wanna read it!
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Savour it when you do…. 🙂
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