Rating: 3 stars
I usually turn down requests to review short stories or collections, but on occasion exceptions will be made. My introduction to James Hutchings came in the form of his hilarious and witty Two Fisted Tweets. So upon his request to review his next book, The New Death and Others, I agreed.
The New Death turned out to be a complete departure from James Hutchings’ earlier work. It’s not that I think he should pigeon hole himself, but the witty and creative voice that I came to know and love was only visible in a handful of the stories.
The beginning of the book made me quite nervous, as the first few stories were of a mystical theme or tales of folklore – and folklore is just never funny. Then came “The End”—the story, not the literal conclusion—and I could finally see a light.
However, that light would flicker throughout the book as Hutchings randomly flittered from fantasy, to poetry, to humor; as well as a few areas I couldn’t quite identify. Nonetheless, a few of the selections stood out: “The Unchartered Isle”, “Compatibility” and “Everlasting Fire” as well as a handful more that followed.
Using his penchant for snide humor, wit and satire James Hutchings personifies incarnations, adds a little politics to the mix and includes a funny, yet scathing, commentary on peoples' unnatural attachment to their phones.
Among the satire and fantasy, Hutchings also throws in a few creepy anecdotes, such as “Lost, Feral or Stray” where a man courts a veterinarian receptionist by bringing in various animals that all, coincidentally, have a broken leg.
Some of the stories are founded on and semi-adaptations of other well-known works. Adding a bit of his person touch and random twists, Hutchings is successful in making them his own. No subject is off-limits to the author’s sarcastic shots, as he roughs-up Hollywood, government, fast food; and even Hipsters—although it’s done ironically.
The collection’s continuous jumping back and forth between different genres and structures, gives the book a bit of a disorganized, unbalanced feel. Whereas you might be getting into a groove of fantasy, the tone will suddenly turn and you’ll find yourself reading humor or something a bit more ghoulish, which detracts from the flow.
Overall, many of the selections were fun and creative. There is something for everyone, but not everyone will enjoy every aspect of the collection. However, you’re guaranteed to enjoy most of it.
Purchase this book at Amazon or Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92126
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Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 196 KB
Publisher: James Hutchings (September 27, 2011)
ASIN: B005Q8Q8DY