L. A. Robbins eclectic collection of stories provides an immersive experience. Her stories cover themes such as family, connectivity, cross-cultural dynamics and alienation and vary in style from the lyrical to the grotesque (like the Roald Dahl-esque ‘Expansion Bridge’). I loved this story collection and would highly recommend it.
Kath B
A fabulous collection of stories set across the world. I went on a journey reading each story. There was a great amount of different emotions from what life can hit you with.
I felt the anxiety, love, misfortune, laughter and so much more in the characters, the author expressed this in the short stories so well! I have read short stories before but this is by far my favourite, it was current and intriguing and the ending to stories felt complete. I love that my hometown was mentioned in the book too!
I cannot wait to read more stories from this author.
Melina M
Lisa’s impressive book of short stories definitely shows the ongoing evolution of a creative and innovative writer.
Her anecdotal recollections go beyond personal experiences and take them into the wider context of life decisions and exploring alternatives.
Importantly, Lisa’s stories engage readers in possibly identifying parallel situations in their own lives and encouraging them to explore aspects of satisfaction, ambition and new pursuits.
Victoria Carroll
What a fabulous collection of short stories from around the globe. I felt I was there with each of the tales. A hugely recommended read populated with unforgettable characters with brilliant, thought-provoking storylines.
I found this to be a truly enjoyable read. A true embarkation on a journey that encompasses almost the whole gambit of human emotions and will uplift your spirits.
Tony Davies
This fascinating collection of short stories is wide-ranging in both subject matter and geographical location. From a terrifying ghostly encounter to the hilarious effects of transplant operations on a group of ageing bridge players, Robbins demonstrates a mastery of different genres but focusses on the intricacies of human relationships for the majority of her tales. These exquisite stories evoke scenes of love and pain, hope and despair, traumas and the triumph of the human spirit. Set in countries in which the author has lived or stayed (according to the blurb), adding colour and nuance to the narratives, we move from the UK to the USA, from Taiwan to Greece.
This is a beautifully written, illuminating collection that is highly recommended.
KPL
LA Robbins’ portmanteau of short stories travel the world, exploring themes of love, loneliness and identity, and make an intriguing read for anyone who’s ever tried to make a new life in a new place. The stories were beautifully written, with narrative twists and an eye for detail – a playground in Hong Kong, a New Year’s Eve feast in northern Italy, a tango club for lonely hearts in London, a daughter’s unwanted lover shipping up unexpectedly in America – that always avoid the obvious and play dextrously with readers’ expectations. The range and variety is impressive. A very polished collection.
Ness
I do enjoy a well-written book! I didn’t know what to expect from the story and had to look up the title, ‘Widdershins’ to see what it meant. From the opening sentence when a small child is left in error on a supermarket trip, we understand how fraught dad, Robin’s, life is. A widow, Robin is just about managing his teaching job and raising three children with the help of an aunt and uncle. How Robin’s wife, Charlotte, died is explained halfway through the story.
Enter nanny Morag McCaul – a tall manly woman with a bag of tricks. I wondered where this might lead, with the Ouija board, tarot cards and more. Just as I wondered how Robin’s physical symptoms (back pain) might be connected to stress.
‘Give it time,’ Robin’s sister urges. Really this is what the story is about: a family grieving for a past which cannot be brought back, each of them searching for ways to be whole again, in body and mind.
Anna H
A mesmerising novel that is simultaneously subtle, in its sensitive handling of relationships between a bereaved father (Robin) and his family, and bold in its bringing together of the spiritual and earthly world. The story is one of a brave search for hope, and the author skillfully navigates deep themes with a light touch. Holding the family together is Morag, the children’s eccentric nanny, who brings a sturdy warmth and liveliness to the pages. All the while you are immersed in Edinburgh’s nooks and crannies – a perfect setting for a journey of unusual twists and discoveries.
Highly recommend to all courageous souls interested in going Widdershins!
Hastie Salih
This insightful novel starts with widower Robin Macfarlane leaving his two-year-old in a Tesco shopping trolley in Edinburgh. Other calamities make him realise that not only he needs help, but also his children. So he hires the eccentric but playful nanny Morag. Slowly but surely, the three children and Robin learn to navigate grief with self-compassion.
Healing and awakening takes courage but brings enormous rewards for the family, including romance.
I found similarities to the ‘Sound of Music’ film in that newly formed family bonds heal grief and loss.
Widdershins has a wonderful, optimistic ending which brings hope to us all.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
Simon Cann
