Take a photo of a barcode or cover
alphareads's reviews
18 reviews
Changes: A Love Story by Ama Ata Aidoo
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
On Rereading Classics — Changes by Ama Ata Aidoo.
As a Creative Writing student, I have often engaged in discussions about form, style, and what it means to write from “home”—writing in a style that is distinct to my culture/influenced by my subject matter. Personally, I do not believe there is an African way of writing, however, I can’t argue the fact that there is some distinctness that exists—overtly or not—between Western prose and prose from African writers. And I say this careful not to join the ongoing debate about the fact.
I frequently reflect on the notion that possessing a distinct style—however one defines it—may not suffice in the competitive landscape of commercial book publishing. That my readers might not be in the Western market, especially for my ongoing novel. I sometimes get a sense of this from my workshops.
While my workshop environment itself does not impose—because the program understands the importance of diverse styles and backgrounds and therefore, encourages accommodation for these—I fear have been impressionable in my thinking. Or maybe not.
“Maybe if I try to write like them, they will get it”. I mostly conclude. It has been a battle—a minor one, I must add.
Ergo, I find the need to reread classics lately a useful exercise.
Reading Changes by Ama Ata Aidoo has reminded me of what it looks like to be authentic in your style, be unique in your voice, stay close to your roots (not being too impressionable to please the Western market) and still amass a global readership.
Safe to say this conversation extends beyond the quality of writing or any perceived shortfalls in her prose—if there are any. I know for sure mine does lol—but the fact that when you pick Ama Ata Aidoo’s works, you immediately know there is something unconventional about it. Something unapologetic about its existence, in whatever form or style. And that is the beauty of my encounter with her and other great writers from Africa, lately.
In Changes, Ama Ata Aidoo inaugurates a new realist style in African literature. Aidoo’s portrayal of contemporary life in Accra offers an authentic depiction of the societal and personal challenges her characters navigate.
Aidoo develops a narrative voice that combines empathy with critical observation. This nuanced tone enables readers to engage deeply with the characters' struggles while also encouraging reflection on broader societal issues. For example, Esi’s choice to leave her first marriage and enter a polygamous relationship is presented with both understanding and critique. Aidoo does not merely present these decisions as right or wrong but instead explores their complexities.
Changes has this distinctive narrative style, which forfeits conventional prose style to embrace a form that is not “prose-like”. It reads like someone has sat you down to tell you a story with no care for flowery language, yet not devoid of literariness, a style reminiscent of oral storytelling traditions.
Getting re-introduced to her “style” of writing—or at least, of writing Changes—has reminded me of what is important. And it is not style—and whether or not readers can relate to it.
101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Where do I start? 🤔
I have only one thing to say: If you haven’t read this book, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life. Cos’ damn!
Brianna Wiest doesn’t hold back. No sugarcoating, just raw truths that had me enthralled from start to finish. More than once, I caught myself getting called out on my own BS. Fair to say these are definitely essays that can change the way you think.
At some point, I became one of these self-affirming Gen Zs on podcasts going “mmmmm,” “yeahhhh,” and “mmm mmm” 😅
This book is so timely and necessary.
I listened to the audiobook, but I’m definitely getting a physical copy—this one’s worth revisiting. I have actually begun relistening.
I know this is not one of my usual “serious” reviews but trust me, there isn’t anything more to say than GET A COPY!
I have only one thing to say: If you haven’t read this book, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life. Cos’ damn!
Brianna Wiest doesn’t hold back. No sugarcoating, just raw truths that had me enthralled from start to finish. More than once, I caught myself getting called out on my own BS. Fair to say these are definitely essays that can change the way you think.
At some point, I became one of these self-affirming Gen Zs on podcasts going “mmmmm,” “yeahhhh,” and “mmm mmm” 😅
This book is so timely and necessary.
I listened to the audiobook, but I’m definitely getting a physical copy—this one’s worth revisiting. I have actually begun relistening.
I know this is not one of my usual “serious” reviews but trust me, there isn’t anything more to say than GET A COPY!
Salt by Selina Thompson
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
When I was assigned this book for a group presentation at school and had to present on it, it took everything in me not to break down in a room full of people mid-presentation.
Never have I been struck this hard by the weight of sl*very—by the history, by the loss, by the echoes that still linger.
Allow me to gather what is left of me.
In Salt, Selina Thompson embarks on a deeply personal and poetic journey aboard a cargo ship. She traces the Transatlantic Slave Triangle—Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean—and navigates the waters that carried millions into bondage. As she confronts the weight of history, grief, and identity, she questions what it means to belong.
I don't read plays often but this play has left a hunger in me, a hunger for solo performance plays. I don't want to just read them. I want to watch as many as possible.
Blending raw emotion with powerful storytelling and “ritualistic” performance (which is made clear in the written directions), Salt is an excavation of the past in search of healing, a reckoning with the legacy of slavery, and a meditation on home—both real and imagined.
The part that really got to me was “The Second Point: Africa”. I have journeyed along that same route in Ghans as the playwright and reading about the recollection, so well told, brought back memories—of how I felt on the day of my tour, how my skin crawled when the tour guide passionately recounted the plight of our ancestors, unaware of the effect his vivid retelling was having on us—was having on me.
Why I enjoyed Salt was beyond its subject matter. It was the storytelling itself. The way Selina Thompson wove together personal narrative, poetry and ritual felt both intimate and expansive. Talk less of the breaking of rock salt on stage with a sledgehammer!
Though I am no expert in solo performance plays, I am certain this was not a conventional piece. And yet, there was something grounding about it.
This play was honest and vulnerable.
This was a really good one-person play to read and I can’t wait to grab any opportunity to watch it in person.
We, The Survivors by Tash Aw
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
We, the Survivors by Tash Aw is one of the books I discovered in the first term of my Creative Writing class. I initially picked this book out of curiosity because it was mentioned at a seminar that the author, Tash Aw, is an alumnus of my Creative Writing program. Then I read the opening.
“You want me to talk about life, but all I’ve talked about is failure, as if they’re the same thing, or at least so closely entwined that I can’t separate the two—like the trees you see growing in the half-ruined buildings in the Old Town.”
Tash Aw offers a very poignant opening paragraph that sets the tone for the story, themes and expectations. This opening creatively illustrates the protagonist’s internal struggle. The opening introduces readers to immediate tension. It is immersive.
Summary:
We, the Survivors discusses themes of class disparity, migration and the human condition within the context of contemporary Malaysia. The narrative centers on Ah Hock, a man from a modest fishing village, whose life takes a tragic turn leading to the murder of a migrant worker.
Review:
The novel’s structure is particularly noteworthy. It unfolds through a series of interviews between Ah Hock and Su Min, a US-educated writer and researcher pursuing a doctorate in sociology. Su Min returns to Malaysia to conduct field research, which includes interviewing Ah Hock about his life and the events leading up to his crime. This conversational style provides an intimate glimpse into Ah Hock’s psyche, effectively conveying his reflections and justifications.
While the novel is not a conventional "serial killer" story, its exploration into the psychology of Ah Hock, who commits a single, shocking act of violence, fueled one of my hidden obsessions (and a topic of interest to many), the psychology of serial killers.
As Ah Hock gives his accounts, the questions of culpability, morality and the factors that drive a person to commit such acts are raised. These questions, you will agree, are similar to the kind of introspection often found in true crime and serial killer stories.
Another noteworthy factor about this novel is the seamless transitions between past and present events. These transitions enrich the storytelling, offering a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances that shaped Ah Hock’s actions. But that is beside the point. It is how Tash Aw seamlessly does this and yet does not lose the reader. Even while in the narrative past, he manages to follow different story threads, which, in themselves, transition between pasts. Also, the choice to insert shorter chapters of the narrative present was spot on. Ah Hock’s present interactions with Su Min contributed to my appreciation of the structure. It might not be new or the first to be done, but it was a brilliant choice for this novel.
Also, I like how almost everything connects, in a full circle, in this novel. There is no single element in the book that is introduced or mentioned that does not have a purpose. Each detail contributes to the overarching story. At some point, I smiled and said, “Chekov would be proud." The deliberate commitment to the narrative economy is commendable.
Lastly, Tash Aw’s deliberate choice to incorporate foreign languages (mostly Malay) without translation intrigued me. Coincidentally, while reading this book, I was at the bridge of confusion regarding using local language in my prose, the need to translate for a global audience and how to navigate that (especially if you are not keen on translating these words). Tash Aw does it boldly and creatively. This technique adds authenticity to the narrative, immersing readers in Malaysia’s multicultural landscape. It underscores the complexities and cultural nuances in the setting of the book.
Critics have lauded this novel for its sharp social commentary and emotional resonance and by the end of the last chapter, you get to see why.
If you’re a fan of thought-provoking literature that blends sharp social commentary with a deeply human story, I highly recommend We, the Survivors by Tash Aw.
Nudibranch by Irenosen Okojie
I discovered Nudibranch through “Logarithm,” the opening story, assigned as part of my Art of Short Fiction class. I didn’t know what to expect (especially since it was class reading assignment), but I was immediately pulled in.
The style, the brevity, the lyrical quality of the prose—it read like a prose-poem, seamless and evocative.
Disclaimer, that story requires more than one read though (I still remember the long discussion we had in class about its meaning and the underlying story).
After reading Logarithm, I was immediately intrigued and knew I had to read the entire collection.
One thing became clear as I read: the author has a wildly imaginative and impressive mind. The otherworldliness of the stories is striking, yet they feel vividly real and immersive. It makes you wonder—where do these ideas come from? How does the writer make the strange and surreal feel so tangible?
A standout for me was “Point and Trill.” The unexpected twists left me marveling at the writer’s ability to get you to go “WTF”—in the best possible way.
This collection is daring, experimental and boundary-pushing.
Stories like Grace Jones redefine what’s possible in storytelling, challenging form and convention while keeping you hooked.
Did I love every story equally? No. Some resonated deeply, while others didn’t connect as much, and a few were somewhere in between. But do I think this collection is worth reading? Absolutely.
The writer’s talent and unique voice deserve all the recognition they’ve received and more.
If you’re up for something unconventional and wildly imaginative, give Nudibranch a read.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I discovered Nudibranch through “Logarithm,” the opening story, assigned as part of my Art of Short Fiction class. I didn’t know what to expect (especially since it was class reading assignment), but I was immediately pulled in.
The style, the brevity, the lyrical quality of the prose—it read like a prose-poem, seamless and evocative.
Disclaimer, that story requires more than one read though (I still remember the long discussion we had in class about its meaning and the underlying story).
After reading Logarithm, I was immediately intrigued and knew I had to read the entire collection.
One thing became clear as I read: the author has a wildly imaginative and impressive mind. The otherworldliness of the stories is striking, yet they feel vividly real and immersive. It makes you wonder—where do these ideas come from? How does the writer make the strange and surreal feel so tangible?
A standout for me was “Point and Trill.” The unexpected twists left me marveling at the writer’s ability to get you to go “WTF”—in the best possible way.
This collection is daring, experimental and boundary-pushing.
Stories like Grace Jones redefine what’s possible in storytelling, challenging form and convention while keeping you hooked.
Did I love every story equally? No. Some resonated deeply, while others didn’t connect as much, and a few were somewhere in between. But do I think this collection is worth reading? Absolutely.
The writer’s talent and unique voice deserve all the recognition they’ve received and more.
If you’re up for something unconventional and wildly imaginative, give Nudibranch a read.
Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
There are 1001 things I can say about this book. Really, I can rumble on for hours.
Blessings is such a daring debut, ripe for its time. Ibeh’s writing is both beautiful and refreshing, offering vivid descriptions that transport me back to my boarding school days. His portrayal of the setting felt so authentic, it was like reliving the past.
What stands out most is his ability to treat his characters with such humanity—there’s no bias, just a deep understanding of their complexities.
The book doesn’t scream for attention or try to be overly “political”; yet it carries the weight of its themes effortlessly.
It just harbours the dexterity of the issues discussed, the very delicateness of the coming-of-age of a queer boy in a society that isn’t ready for his kind of being. It simply captures the truth about the struggles, the joys, and the heartbreak of being different in a world that demands conformity.
This read made me feel so much. It was sad. It was fun. It was brave. It was insightful. It was hope. It was understanding. It was respectful. It was delicate. It was romantic.
P.S. I read this book months ago, but I couldn’t bring myself to review it until now. Maybe I needed more time to process it, or perhaps I felt that adding words to something so brilliant would somehow do a disservice to the art.
Blessings is such a daring debut, ripe for its time. Ibeh’s writing is both beautiful and refreshing, offering vivid descriptions that transport me back to my boarding school days. His portrayal of the setting felt so authentic, it was like reliving the past.
What stands out most is his ability to treat his characters with such humanity—there’s no bias, just a deep understanding of their complexities.
The book doesn’t scream for attention or try to be overly “political”; yet it carries the weight of its themes effortlessly.
It just harbours the dexterity of the issues discussed, the very delicateness of the coming-of-age of a queer boy in a society that isn’t ready for his kind of being. It simply captures the truth about the struggles, the joys, and the heartbreak of being different in a world that demands conformity.
This read made me feel so much. It was sad. It was fun. It was brave. It was insightful. It was hope. It was understanding. It was respectful. It was delicate. It was romantic.
P.S. I read this book months ago, but I couldn’t bring myself to review it until now. Maybe I needed more time to process it, or perhaps I felt that adding words to something so brilliant would somehow do a disservice to the art.
Face Me I Face You by Oyindamola Shoola
Face Me I Face You: A Poetry Collection by Oyindamola Shoola
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for intentional poetry—the kind that invites you to dissect and discuss each line. Shoola is a brilliant poet and this shines through in Face Me I Face You, where the structure, literary techniques and styles all come together seamlessly to create an artistic whole.
The concept behind the collection is fascinating which got me curious about the birth of this collection. After an insightful X Live Space conversation with the author, I gained a clearer understanding of her thought process and the inspiration behind the work.
Face Me I Face You is a collection of “witty and humorous poems that exist at the intersection of identity, class, and culture”. Divided into three parts—Palava, Face Me I Face You, and Water and Garri—the collection features about 32 poems, each rich with intention and depth.
I love it when writers experiment and challenge certain stereotypes and what is creatively possible. Hence, what struck me immediately was the unique style. Shoola introduces different characters, something I haven’t (really) seen in a poetry book before. The idea of the “unnamed narrator” is also a brilliant touch which to me, is different from the persona we are used to. (You might argue it is the same but I have my reasons for believing otherwise).
But what truly sets this collection apart is its “Nigerian-ness.” I haven’t read a contemporary collection that so vividly tastes, feels, and smells like Nigeria in a long time. It’s difficult to put into words, but there’s something unmistakably Nigerian about these pieces. The culture, the language…there is just something.
The artwork accompanying the chapters is equally intentional, bringing the characters, scenes, and themes to life. And of course, the humor throughout the collection is brilliant!
What I also love about this collection is the fusion of contemporary and traditional poetry styles. Whatever your taste in poetry, you’re bound to find a piece—or two, or three—that resonates with you.
All in all, I highly recommend this collection and can’t wait to see what Shoola comes up with next!
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.5
Face Me I Face You: A Poetry Collection by Oyindamola Shoola
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for intentional poetry—the kind that invites you to dissect and discuss each line. Shoola is a brilliant poet and this shines through in Face Me I Face You, where the structure, literary techniques and styles all come together seamlessly to create an artistic whole.
The concept behind the collection is fascinating which got me curious about the birth of this collection. After an insightful X Live Space conversation with the author, I gained a clearer understanding of her thought process and the inspiration behind the work.
Face Me I Face You is a collection of “witty and humorous poems that exist at the intersection of identity, class, and culture”. Divided into three parts—Palava, Face Me I Face You, and Water and Garri—the collection features about 32 poems, each rich with intention and depth.
I love it when writers experiment and challenge certain stereotypes and what is creatively possible. Hence, what struck me immediately was the unique style. Shoola introduces different characters, something I haven’t (really) seen in a poetry book before. The idea of the “unnamed narrator” is also a brilliant touch which to me, is different from the persona we are used to. (You might argue it is the same but I have my reasons for believing otherwise).
But what truly sets this collection apart is its “Nigerian-ness.” I haven’t read a contemporary collection that so vividly tastes, feels, and smells like Nigeria in a long time. It’s difficult to put into words, but there’s something unmistakably Nigerian about these pieces. The culture, the language…there is just something.
The artwork accompanying the chapters is equally intentional, bringing the characters, scenes, and themes to life. And of course, the humor throughout the collection is brilliant!
What I also love about this collection is the fusion of contemporary and traditional poetry styles. Whatever your taste in poetry, you’re bound to find a piece—or two, or three—that resonates with you.
All in all, I highly recommend this collection and can’t wait to see what Shoola comes up with next!
RECURRENT by Darla Mottram
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.75
Recurrent, by Darla Mottram, is an autobiographical poetry collection about the author’s childhood and life. It captures the “difficult” childhood she had—her mother’s constant abuse of drugs, her father’s negligence (even locking her up once), abuse from her father’s friend, going in and out of foster homes, her mother’s demise, among others.
From her accounts, readers get to see how she navigates all these difficult moments and how those experiences shaped her. And all that is delivered through carefully layered verses.
The book starts with a “timeline,” which provides a solid context of the writer’s life despite being compressed. This prepares the reader for what to expect.
With each poem, Mottram paints a vivid picture with words, capturing the details of her childhood—how it feels to live with people who are not your biological parents, to be in foster homes, to be abused, and to hear about your parent’s overdose.
I enjoyed the use of diverse poetic forms and styles. They felt deliberate, and I am a sucker for intentional poetry.
One theme worth noting is the duality expressed in the poems. Mottram constantly used diction like “halve,” "halved,” “two selves,” "dividing,” and others. I feel they tie everything together given the context and the kind of life she lived, constantly wanting to be of a different life, or sometimes being different selves of herself.
Also, the addition of old pictures, handwritten letters, pages of court orders, adoption papers, etc. adds a layer of realism to the narrative in the collection.
My only reservation, though, is that it seems some of the forms and styles used in some of the poems appeared forced. They seemed like paragraphs forced into stanzas. I don't know if that was the point or if it was deliberate, but it was glaring to me.
I recommend this collection. However, be aware of some of its triggering themes before you pick it up.
Some of my favourite poems were;
1. Split
2. Lungfish
3. Song
4. Certificate of Irrevocability (I think this poem is a creatively beautiful poem).
5. Birth
6. Matryoshka
7. The goose
8. A picture goes in search of its frame
9. Praxis
10. Letting in the wolves
From her accounts, readers get to see how she navigates all these difficult moments and how those experiences shaped her. And all that is delivered through carefully layered verses.
The book starts with a “timeline,” which provides a solid context of the writer’s life despite being compressed. This prepares the reader for what to expect.
With each poem, Mottram paints a vivid picture with words, capturing the details of her childhood—how it feels to live with people who are not your biological parents, to be in foster homes, to be abused, and to hear about your parent’s overdose.
I enjoyed the use of diverse poetic forms and styles. They felt deliberate, and I am a sucker for intentional poetry.
One theme worth noting is the duality expressed in the poems. Mottram constantly used diction like “halve,” "halved,” “two selves,” "dividing,” and others. I feel they tie everything together given the context and the kind of life she lived, constantly wanting to be of a different life, or sometimes being different selves of herself.
Also, the addition of old pictures, handwritten letters, pages of court orders, adoption papers, etc. adds a layer of realism to the narrative in the collection.
My only reservation, though, is that it seems some of the forms and styles used in some of the poems appeared forced. They seemed like paragraphs forced into stanzas. I don't know if that was the point or if it was deliberate, but it was glaring to me.
I recommend this collection. However, be aware of some of its triggering themes before you pick it up.
Some of my favourite poems were;
1. Split
2. Lungfish
3. Song
4. Certificate of Irrevocability (I think this poem is a creatively beautiful poem).
5. Birth
6. Matryoshka
7. The goose
8. A picture goes in search of its frame
9. Praxis
10. Letting in the wolves
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt
Dazzling Mirage by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Full Disclosure: This book took me, entrapped me without caution. I didn’t see myself go. I just kept turning, page after page.
I was first drawn to this book because I had heard a lot about its adaptation. I had sat in a film cinematography class taught by the man [Tunde Kelani. A legend] who directed the adaptation. He is known for making great films and so I wondered, “What about this book made him adapt it to the screen?”.
A few pages in, I experienced a significant moral dilemma. It made me ponder whether it is appropriate to marry someone even if you know their genotype, and have a child who may develop sickle cell anemia. Despite the risk, is it worth it to proceed with the marriage because of the deep love you share with your partner?
A few pages in, I experienced a significant moral dilemma. It made me ponder whether it is appropriate to marry someone even if you know their genotype, and have a child who may develop sickle cell anemia. Despite the risk, is it worth it to proceed with the marriage because of the deep love you share with your partner?
Funmiwo, the main character, had similar questions in her quest to find out exactly why she ended up being a sickler when both her parents were in health care.
This book made me sad. It got my emotions and mind reeling. It is not a complicated book but it does tackle a very complicated subject. The author did an excellent job of bringing to life the struggles of sickle cell patients through their beautiful writing.
This book made me sad. It got my emotions and mind reeling. It is not a complicated book but it does tackle a very complicated subject. The author did an excellent job of bringing to life the struggles of sickle cell patients through their beautiful writing.
"Dazzling Mirage" achieves what few other works of Nigerian literature have accomplished: a thorough examination of the challenges faced by sickle cell patients in Nigeria.
I appreciate the fact that this author doesn't overwhelm the readers with too much research. Although this book is about sickle cell anaemia and aims to raise awareness about it, the details about the disease are presented in a way that feels well-researched yet not overwhelming. The information is layered and spread throughout the book beautifully and engagingly, making it feel like you're reading a novel rather than a research paper. This is a remarkable achievement.
Through this novel, you get to live the life of a sickle cell patient through the main character, Funmiwo, and other characters. You get to experience the stigma they face.
The Widow who Died with Flowers in Her Mouth by Obinna Udenwe
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This author has a voice. You can tell his writing apart from that of other authors. He has a gift for good titles—you can tell from the collection title. His openings are excellent and specific, too. They get you hooked. And for most of your reading, you will keep wondering how he comes up with such story ideas. I believe the “originality”—if I should say—of the individual stories is one of the things I like about this collection.
However, I did not enjoy all of the stories, which is not news for a short story collection. You love some, skip over some and simply get lost in some.
I loved the first story, “John 101 or The New Ridiculous Way to Commit Suicide and Be Famous”. Making it the first story was a strategic move because that was quite an introduction to the book. I still wonder how Udenwe came up with an idea like that. I enjoyed every bit of the narrative.
“Obama Talorin Shop” was a weirdly interesting story. I enjoyed reading it.
Coming in a close third would be “The Housekeeper”. I didn't expect the twist in that one. Again, quite an interesting story idea.
“The Redemption of Father McGettrick” was also a good read. Personally, this is one of the stories in the collection that would have you wondering how the author got his ideas. Insanely weird stuff and I am a sucker for weird.
Generally, I don’t see why you shouldn't give this book a chance. I recommend.