There are rich pickings in this generous collection of short stories. In these brief fictions, Duffy can luxuriate in the exploration of language, playing with a theme, teasing out all its possible twists and turns.
Or she can focus in sharply on an incisive plot perfectly matched to the short form. Murder is a key element, and desire; there’s sensuality and empathy in spades. This collection rewards careful consumption: gobble down one story straight after another and you risk indigestion. They are best enjoyed with some space around them so that each can exist independently. Leave a bit of time after you’ve finished “Martha Grace”, a disturbing tale of unlikely attraction, to reflect on the power of humiliation; pause between a story of Eros and Thanatos before you start on the next – Duffy is brilliant at dreaming up new permutations of their never-ending dance. She’s also good at spinning narrative from neat jumping-off points, such as a nursery rhyme or the long history of an urban swimming pool. Sheer imagination and a true love of language shine here.
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