An incredibly solid collection of stories. Though most of them made me feel terrible—sick with panic or dread—every story was very memorable and well written.

The collection as a whole was delightfully cohesive, with morally grey characters and often disturbing realistic plots. Carson has explored what happens when maybe not very nice people find themselves in not very nice situations, and the result is often… not very nice.

I loved the history woven into each story and the setting was beautifully fleshed out. Very well done, and highly recommended.

I love insightful stories about everyday life, so the stories in this collection pertaining to simple, everyday life were my favorites. The protagonists make such astute observations that I found myself highlighting certain passages that merit further reflection. “Caravan” is definitely a stand-out.

Aside from “Caravan” and “In the Car with the Rain Coming Down,” the other stories, for the most part, seem designed to shock the reader. Maybe this is on purpose, but it comes across as a bit “trying too hard” for my tastes. Moreover, it means the collection is a bit disjointed, whereas I prefer collections that seem designed to work together as a whole with the stories presenting a similar theme or vibe.

However, all in all, I highly recommend this collection for fans of literary fiction. The narratives are thought-provoking and well-crafted. The stories are particularly strong when they explore the dynamics of complex relationships and how the characters’ identities are shaped by those relationships, especially when the characters are undervalued or overlooked.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

This book comprises stories that evoke emotion in a similar fashion to a pebble in your shoe, in that you can't stop thinking about them. Absolutely fantastic writing.

I don’t often read collections of short stories, but the description of this collection definitely caught my interest. And then with the first story, which was a bit shocking and very much had the effect of watching a scene you can’t look away from, I had high expectations.

I did enjoy most of the stories, and I found the most enjoyment in the more mundane ones. They all are laced with a wit that is sometimes venomous, and some of the stories have truly horrifying moments that ratchet up the tension. The two that stand out the most to me are “Caravan” and “In The Car With The Rain Coming Down”.

One tells the story of a loss of childlike wonder and innocence in a truly normal way that absolutely broke my heart. It doesn’t come close to the more disturbing elements of some of the others, but “Caravan” really got to me. “ITCWTRCD” was another relatively mundane story that expertly navigated the territory of being the overlooked or under appreciated person in a group. These two especially stood out, and they definitely make me inclined to rate the collection higher as opposed to some of the more shocking tales.

All in all I would say this is a 3.5⭐️ in total with a few 5⭐️ standouts inside.

This was a really well done collection of stories, it had a great overall concept and I was enjoying the differences of the stories. Jan Carson does a great job in writing these worlds and thought they worked with the genre. It had that great feel that I was hoping for and enjoyed read this.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Northern Irish short stories infused with absurdity and humanity, they will take you on a roller coaster of emotions.

I loved Carson’s addictive writing. You can find her humor in the most absurd and horrifying scenes. This book will take you for a ride. I don’t even know if I’m better for it, but I think there is beauty in that. A must read, check the content warnings!

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for this ARC.

Entertaining, irreverent, and voicey. A recommended purchase for collections where short stories lit are popular.

Some of the stories are confusing and I feel like they end on cliff hangers weather or not it's intentional I don't know. Part of it might be a cultural disconnect because there were a lot of English references that made it difficult for me to understand.