Stations

Short Stories Inspired by the Overground Line

Cherry Potts editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Arachne Press

Published:29th Nov '12

Should be back in stock very soon

Stations cover

This collection of short stories explores life along the London Overground, with each tale inspired by a different station. Stations offers a unique perspective.

In Stations, readers are invited on a unique journey through the East and South London section of the London Overground Line. This collection features twenty-four short stories, each inspired by a different station, ranging from New Cross to Highbury & Islington. The narratives delve into the vibrant, often quirky lives of the characters who inhabit these neighborhoods, revealing the rich tapestry of experiences that exist just outside the train windows. From a retired Victorian police inspector solving train-related mysteries to a surreal encounter with tigers in a South London suburb, the stories are as diverse as the stations themselves.

Each tale captures the essence of its respective location, blending humor, horror, and heartfelt moments. The characters are a reflection of the eclectic mix found in these areas, showcasing everything from collectors of poets at Shadwell to individuals facing life-altering choices in Canonbury. The stories not only entertain but also provoke thought about the lives we lead and the connections we make, all while riding the Overground.

With its sideways glance at life alongside the rails, Stations invites readers to explore the unexpected and often overlooked aspects of everyday existence. The collection is a testament to the power of storytelling, as it weaves together the threads of community, identity, and the shared human experience along this iconic railway line.

‘Stations’ is certainly an eclectic group of stories, but I enjoyed every one – well-written and engaging stuff. I imagine that it would be ideal for dipping in and out of while you’re passing the time between Kensal Rise and Clapham Junction…

* Londoneer *

…Caroline Hardman’s ‘Bloody Marys and a bowl of Pho’ (Hoxton) is a modern-day, urban take on the vampire narratives so current at the moment. It is well-written and funny. ‘Platform Zero’ (Haggerston) by Michael Trimmer also offers a quirky version of another, familiar theme – that of the parallel universe. ‘The Beetle’ by Ellie Stewart (Wapping) is also well-paced and moving in its portrayal of a broken relationship. Peter Morgan’s ‘Mr Forest Hill Station’ (Forest Hill) also stands out due to its tender depiction of the bond between strangers, meeting occasionally in the big city.

* Sabota

ISBN: 9781909208018

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 14mm

Weight: unknown

192 pages