photo courtesy of amazon.com
This short story was an absolute gem. C. Jai Ferry’s dark writing took us into a relationship that was more than dysfunctional. It was toxic. It told the tale of a teenager who had come to live with her eccentric, cruel grandmother. As you are probably aware good first lines and first paragraphs are something I look for in books and Ferry hooked me from the start with her opening line which read, “My Grandmother wanted to kill me.”
The struggle between the child and grandmother was expertly captured from the teenagers perspective. It put you in the place and in the middle of the conflicts over fried eggs, halloween costumes and ballet. The ending was unexpected.
The back story to this story was also included in the book and I enjoyed reading that almost as much as I enjoyed reading the story. I was not surprised it had won a competition first prize and that it has since been made into a play that has been performed. I’d love to buy a copy of that as I have to do a play reading at toastmasters and this I think would be perfect.
Would I recommend this book – I certainly would and I look forward to reading more of C. Jai Ferry’s collections of short stories.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
You have convinced me. I don’t usually read dark but if it is well done… I recently read C. Jai Ferry’s book of flash fiction, Unraveled, and it too was very good. I have some shopping to do.
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Me too. I’m glad you have recommended Unravelled. I plan on reading it soon.
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Skeleton Dance knocked my socks off! C Jai Ferry is a talented writer and introduces us to the unsettling idea that monsters are in our own living rooms. Skeleton Dance was made into a film in Nebraska and you might be able to get a script from C Jai. I’m so glad you reviewed her novella!
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I agree Charli. It is a great tale. I’ve noticed she has commented on here so I will ask her if it is possible. I am trying to read a sample of the books by Carrot Ranch writers. It may take awhile but there is such a variety of genres, some of which I wouldn’t normally read, which makes for some interesting reading.
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Thank you for taking an interest in reading from the Rough Writers. Just as we have such wondrous diversity among flash, we do among books, too.
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A great diverse population with one common interest. Glad you have brought us all together Charli.
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Oh my gosh, I am blushing over here on the plains. Thank you so much for the kind words! I don’t know who was using me as a conduit to write Skeleton Dance on that day, but even these many years later I can remember the reeling emotions I felt when it was all done. I am just happy that I did the story some justice. ❤
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Loved your short story C. Jai. Do you know if the screenplay is available for purchase? I think it would be perfect for the play reading I have to give at toastmasters.
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