September has too many Mondays, so I’m going to take a breather and continue a tradition that I began back in March. Instead of posting a new story, I’ll devote this space to resharing a few stories that impressed me recently.
Beginning with…
The Highwayman Kennedy Thornwick by
The Highwayman Kennedy Thornwick is set in a fantastical 18th century England where magic is forbidden, the British government has it hands full with a rebellion, and bandits roam the countryside. The main plot follows Tommy Fellham, framed for theft and murder, as he attempts to escape Magelock Penitentiary and avenge himself against the man who framed him.
Anchored by this central premise, each chapter centers around a colorful character in Tommy’s orbit. It’s a very cinematic book: I find myself imagining each part as a season, each chapter an episode. The historical details are vivid and well-researched, and you’ll find something to love and hate about every character you meet.
And the writing! You ever go to the gym and see a guy casually reracking dumbbells that you would struggle to lift? Well, Lisa Kuznak does that with prose. Highly recommend checking this one out.
Desiderium by Julie Furxhi
Continuing with the trend of historical fiction, Desiderium is a braided story told by three women throughout 20th century Albania.
One thread follows the resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the years just before World War I. Another follows a small band of guerilla fighters in the Albanian countryside at the height of World War II. The final thread unites the two, as a modern day museum curator chases rumors of hidden gold in the ruins of Rodoni Castle.
I’ve read a little about the Arab Revolt during World War I, and I know a fair bit about the Mediterranean theatre in World War II, but the Albanian perspective was completely new to me. The writing is both emotional and restrained, opting for brief, impactful poetry rather than sweeping, florid prose, but the author does a good job of giving each perspective a unique voice that fits the setting. It starts off a bit slow, as it takes a while to introduce three distinct characters, but the stories build momentum with each successive chapter.
The Roots That Clutch by
I’m a sucker for fairy tales, especially as we lean into autumn, and Walt nails it with this one. Quaint little village at the edge of the big, dark woods? Yes and yes.
Since it’s a short story, I can’t talk too much about it without giving away the game. If you enjoy this one, you should also check out Walt’s Table of Contents page. He’s very prolific, and he keeps a lot of irons in the fire, so you’re bound to find something else you like.