Gravity and Rust (and other stories) by Brian Quinn

Twenty two stories of confusion, tragedy, parody and farce.

The locations range from the Lambourn Valley to Kentish Town, from the Welsh borders to a supermarket boardroom, from a magical pool to a delapidated dreamhouse and from paradise to the fast lane of the M4.

The cast includes Jeeves, King Starmer I, Lady Birdwood, Wu Han the Apothecary, President Klamm, Fisker the white rabbit, a hapless political candidate, a colour-blind ghost, a troubled clock-winder, a bereaved therapist, a guardian angel, a displaced pangolin, a terrifying surgeon and an ineffective god.

As for the themes, the book offers a capricious car, a litany of excuses, an unwitting application, an elusive horse, a replayed accident, a lost tooth, a detached retina, a transferred nightmare, an exploding polling station and the end of the world – twenty-two tales of confusion, misunderstanding, tragedy, parody and farce.

Reviews

“I don’t know how you’re able to write so convincingly in so many recognisable voices – it’s the perfect story collection, conjured up as if by a dramatic spirit medium, for anyone wishing to disappear into witty musings on politics, cats, aging, unintended consequences and the afterlife, amongst other topics. You’re clearly someone who hears voices – lucky for us they’re so entertaining.”
Edward Brooke-Hitching

“What joy – a second book from Brian Quinn! We love his anecdotes, stories and parodies: they are exceptionally clever and delightfully witty. The perfect gift and an essential to bring doses of delight to your day.”
Emma Milne-White, Hungerford Bookshop