“From ghosts to fathers, mysterious books, and horrific incidents, this captivating read enthralls you from the first story to the very last.”
― Jill Rey for Reader Views on June 10, 2024 ★★★★★
“Nothing Short of Odd” by Loredano Cafaro is a collection of sixteen short stories and flash fiction. These shorts dance around death, with themes promoting both the light and dark sides of the perspective death gives. While some stories are hard to read at times, the reminder they house is crucial.
For instance, Private Paradise was a stark reminder of the importance of family over work, we all think we will have one more day to give our wives that last kiss or hug our kids one more time, but eventually today becomes that day.
Another story I loved was The Fourth Tale, about a book with a funny title, full of an anthology of various tales. But the fourth tale seems to change, performing better than any horoscope could. Stories like this make the reader think, ensconce them in the character, and the page, and have them bracing for the shoe to drop, or in this case, the words to disappear. In just two to ten pages, author Loredano Cafaro is able to captivate as the skill within these stories, the depth and the themes remarkably attract you to his writing.
Cafaro lives among the rolling hills of Italy. First penning these reads in Italian, each story has been translated into English for wider enjoyment. Taking place in various locales of Italy, the translations are stirring, at times shaking readers to their core, and firmly reminding us of the importance of living life.
Short stories, flash fiction, and collections such as “Nothing Short of Odd” are such an easy way to enjoy reading, giving short bursts of all-encompassing stories, from start to finish lasting no more than a handful of pages, there is so much to appreciate. Coupled with Cafaro’s skill for immersive fiction, engrossing themes, and diverse vessels in which he does so, this is truly an amusing read.
Sitting with Loredano Cafaro’s “Nothing Short of Odd” and the sixteen stories within, reminds me to embrace life, enjoy the process, and know that no one outruns death. From ghosts to fathers, mysterious books, and horrific incidents, this captivating read enthralls you from the first story to the very last.
Read the review on Reader Views.
