Patched Words: A collection of short stories
by Rae McGregor
It’s a small volume – 93 pages, nicely produced, with clear text on good quality paper.
The title and the cover graphic fit well with a short explanation by the author –
This year I have been making quilts. While I was doing it, I thought writing a story was a bit like patchwork. Instead of placing fabric into a design, a writer uses words, which are fashioned to intrigue and interest a reader, just as a quilt intrigues and warms its owner.
This, together with the dedication – for my family and my Eden Village friends – suggests an emphasis on tales that will appeal to, and largely feature, mature women.
And this is borne out in the eleven stories and a poem. Overall, then, this collection is well planned and executed.
In the first, fittingly, a woman makes quilts – the latest holding particular memories. She loved how it had emerged from all Nancy’s clothes, and the backing of her mother’s dress was perfect.
Another bakes, choosing the ingredients with care. It was a good cake. Always rose well, always cut well, and she always had approving comments about the flavour.
All the characters are realistic, living the sorts of lives readers can identify with – learning to adjust to changed conditions, including the death of people close to them. But they are not all acquiescent or submissive. A stroke victim rebels, and more than one of the stories has the theme of revenge.
Altogether, Patched Words is a collection accessible to the majority of readers. It would make a good gift – particularly for an older relative or friend.
by Rae McGregor
It’s a small volume – 93 pages, nicely produced, with clear text on good quality paper.
The title and the cover graphic fit well with a short explanation by the author –
This year I have been making quilts. While I was doing it, I thought writing a story was a bit like patchwork. Instead of placing fabric into a design, a writer uses words, which are fashioned to intrigue and interest a reader, just as a quilt intrigues and warms its owner.
This, together with the dedication – for my family and my Eden Village friends – suggests an emphasis on tales that will appeal to, and largely feature, mature women.
And this is borne out in the eleven stories and a poem. Overall, then, this collection is well planned and executed.
In the first, fittingly, a woman makes quilts – the latest holding particular memories. She loved how it had emerged from all Nancy’s clothes, and the backing of her mother’s dress was perfect.
Another bakes, choosing the ingredients with care. It was a good cake. Always rose well, always cut well, and she always had approving comments about the flavour.
All the characters are realistic, living the sorts of lives readers can identify with – learning to adjust to changed conditions, including the death of people close to them. But they are not all acquiescent or submissive. A stroke victim rebels, and more than one of the stories has the theme of revenge.
Altogether, Patched Words is a collection accessible to the majority of readers. It would make a good gift – particularly for an older relative or friend.
Review by J.M.
Title: Patched Words: A collection of short stories
Author: Rae McGregor
Publisher: AM Publishing New Zealand
ISBN: 978-0-9951000-8-4
RRP: $20.00
Available: from the author, mcgregors@xtra.co.nz or 09 6304472
Author: Rae McGregor
Publisher: AM Publishing New Zealand
ISBN: 978-0-9951000-8-4
RRP: $20.00
Available: from the author, mcgregors@xtra.co.nz or 09 6304472
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