Quickly, While They Still Have Horses by Jan Carson

"Quickly, While They Still Have Horses" by Jan Carson is a collection of stories set in post-conflict Northern Ireland, blending humor with horror and tenderness with absurdity. The tales explore various facets of life, from the innocence of first love to the complexities of parenthood. Each story is infused with empathy and dark wit, often taking a surreal turn. In one story, a couple on a beach is too distracted to notice their baby crawling towards danger. Another tale features a haunted car, while a public pool becomes the center of chaos due to rumors of miraculous healing. The stories are filled with unexpected events, such as a baby found in a biscuit tin and a mysterious hand appearing in a refrigerator. Occasionally, the narratives venture into alternate realities where unusual phenomena occur, like pillars of fire used as mental health treatments and animals going extinct by law. Though the backdrop of the Troubles is present, the focus remains on the vivid characters and their unique experiences, making them feel incredibly real.

The 17117th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 0

This book was first published in 2024

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