The Four Marys
A Quartet of Contemporary Folk Tales
Published on 5. June 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
280 pages
978-1-908643-57-5 (ISBN)
Description
Longisted for the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered prize 2015 "Powerful stories." - Marina Warner. Obsession, longing, deceit and even murder feature in this quartet of provocative novellas, which gives a modern twist to tales of women for whom all is not necessarily as it seems. Drawing on history, culture and lore, this is a riveting exploration of the complexities of motherhood: edgy and engrossing, moving, yet at times, disturbing.
Reviews / Votes
"Powerful stories about the lives and deaths of women" * Marina Warner * "In sinuous prose the past shimmers to life through the present. The Four Marys is a tremendous achievement." * Zoe Wicomb * Rafferty shows all the vivid hues ... gutsy and red-blooded ... the titular fourth tale is superb - -- Alan Bett * The Skinny * A strong collection of tales ... Rafferty s ability to honestly represent the deep love and passion of motherhood, and also the desires of women, is a testament to her writing. - -- Rebecca Dark * We Love This Book * "Each of the four tales is almost spellbinding in its own right. Through her skillful use of language and attention to detail Rafferty brings her settings, characters and ideas to vivid life, each feeling as wild and primal as reproduction itself." -- Joanna Kolber * Dundee University Review of the Arts * Engrossing, thought-provoking, moving and disturbing are all words to describe these stories, but they are also a thoroughly good read, well imagined and beautifully told." -- Atkinson Pryce Books * Book of the Moment *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Glasgow
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Saraband
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-908643-57-5 (9781908643575)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jean Rafferty is an acclaimed award-winning journalist who has written on topics ranging from gritty human interest stories about prostitution, to celebrity interviews and humour pieces. Jean has written two non-fiction books about sport, and her first novel, 'Myra, Beyond Saddleworth' (2012), has been shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize. Jean is Chair of the Scottish PEN's Writers in Prison Committee.