Reviews: Good or Bad? A Deep Dive into FRESH BEGINNINGS

Exploring the Themes of FRESH BEGINNINGS

Reviews can be a mixed bag. They can be good or bad, but sometimes they leave you wondering. My latest short story collection, FRESH BEGINNINGS, features eleven stories, two of which delve into the intriguing concept of time travel. Among these, the most personal story is the first one, titled VISITORS.

A Personal Journey Through Time

In VISITORS, the narrative is set in July 1969, a significant month in history when humans first set foot on the moon. This story revolves around the funeral of the father of the main character, a young woman in her twenties. She shares a complicated relationship with her mother, much like my own experiences. In real life, I never found closure regarding my relationship with my mother. However, in this story, I created a future version of the young woman who mysteriously travels back in time to that funeral. This future self is able to address her mother with kindness and firmness.

The Challenge of Conveying Time Travel

Without overwhelming the reader, I aimed to subtly indicate that the character has indeed time-travelled from the twenty-first century to 1969. She carries a mobile phone to capture moments at the crematorium and the family home. Additionally, she mentions buying a CD on Amazon, and her stepson maintains a blog. These elements are crucial in establishing the time travel aspect.

Misinterpretations and Confusion

However, I was taken aback by a recent review. The reviewer concluded that this story is about a confused elderly lady with dementia who doesn’t understand mobile phones, Amazon, or blogs. They mistakenly believed that she thinks men have only just landed on the moon. Words fail me at this point.

The Importance of Understanding Context

This situation highlights the importance of context in storytelling. Readers bring their own experiences and interpretations to a story. While I intended to create a narrative that bridges the past and present, not everyone may grasp the nuances. It's a reminder that storytelling is a collaborative effort between the writer and the reader.

Engaging with Readers

I always welcome feedback and discussions about my work. If you have thoughts or questions, please feel free to reach out by emailing info@attfieldduttbooks.com.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FRESH BEGINNINGS is a collection that invites readers to explore complex relationships and the concept of time. While reviews can be perplexing, they also provide valuable insights into how stories are perceived. I hope that readers will engage with the stories and find their own meanings within them.

For more information, visit attfieldduttbooks.com and explore the world of storytelling.