This is an excellent collection of short stories and a pleasure to read. There is a deep focus on cultural or generational differences and a very human lack of connection in many of the stories, which certainly pack a punch and resonate for a long time afterwards.

Particular favourites were the title story, "Alternative Medicine", where choices made serve to tear a family apart; "Pets", in which an incident with a neighbour gives food for thought; the incredibly moving "Piano Lessons/War Stories" where the subtle counterpoint between musical endeavour and the horrors of war are used to describe the life of a family; and "The Orphans" where a visitor from another land is taken as a metaphor for escape. I also enjoyed the strangely obsessed protagonist in "Mandy", the sudden opening out of a new kind of life in "The New Heart" and the bitter contrast between dreams and reality seen in the aptly named "The Eternal Disappointment of the Much Anticipated Event".

All together, these little gems add up to a strong, dark and deeply human collection. I can thoroughly recommend it.

The Amazon link doesn't seem to be working..

But it's available now direct from the publisher, Flame Books

Excellent summary with a clear indication of story-lines, themes and content;very well-written. I'd have liked to know a little more about the author and the settings.

Sheila

The publisher's website has the following info about her:

Laura Solomon was born in New Zealand where she has lived most her life, though she has also spent a number of years in the United Kingdom.

She has an honours degree in English Literature (Victoria University, NZ, 1997) and a Masters in Computer Science (University of London, 2003).

Laura has published two novels in New Zealand: ‘Black Light’ (Tandem Press, 1996) and ‘Nothing Lasting’ (Tandem Press, 1997). Her first play, ‘The Dummy Bride’, was produced as part of the Wellington Fringe Festival, and her second, based on her short story, ‘Sprout’, was part of the 2004 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

She has published numerous short stories and poems online and in various literary magazines, and her poem ‘The Latest Lighthouse Keeper’ was commended in the Ware Poets Competition, 2007.