Reviews

Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves: a collection of short stories by Dianne Ascroft

michaeljmccann's review

5.0

Short stories are not easy to write. The author has just a few pages in which to introduce and delineate characters, develop the action, and reach an ending that will satisfy the reader. In Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves, Dianne Ascroft demonstrates that she has mastered the craft of short-story writing. The stories included in this collection are understated, allowing characters to be delineated through their gestures and thoughts. The prose is simple, and the language is cadenced and at times almost lyrical. The stories are vignettes from daily life that examine such themes as nostalgia and regret, pride, self-awareness, and second chances at happiness.

Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves is a delightful collection that will appeal to a wide range of readers, including those who enjoy short stories, contemporary and literary fiction, romance, and quiet-time reading.

francesmthompson's review

4.0

I was really happy to read this collection of gentle stories that touch on elements of Irish country life that I get the distinct impression the author has witnessed or experienced personally. Though a self-published book, these stories are very polished and are written with calm confidence. My only reason for not awarding Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves 5 stars is that I like my short stories with a little bit of a twist and these do not really fall under that category - nor should they! They are fully intended as calm quiet stories about real life and real people so the lack of twist doesn't dilute their charm at all. I also wished that this collection was a little longer. The author was so effective in capturing slices of life from a country that I find so rich in character and charm... I would have liked to have stopped in the richly green Ireland countryside a little longer!

I know Dianne Ascroft has authored a full-length novel about a child's evacuation from Germany to Ireland during the Second World War, and now I'm very intrigued to read this. I recommend this collection of short stories for anyone with a knowledge of or interest in rural life in Northern Ireland and though short the ebook is great value for its price (currently under £1 on Amazon.co.uk).