Leigh Swinbourne’s third collection of short stories, The Lost Child & Other Stories, is enthralling.
The stories delve into the depths of human experiences and emotions, exploring themes such as life and death, mental health, love, and drugs. They also focus on the consequences of being too heavily invested in another person’s life.
Swinbourne’s writing style is eloquent and evocative, showcasing his command of language and ability to craft vivid imagery. Every story is meticulously crafted and perfectly balances plot and pacing, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
The dialogue is also well-written, enhancing the authenticity of the interactions between the characters, who all have their own unique motivations, strengths, and weaknesses.
Additionally, Swinbourne adds depth and meaning to each story by seamlessly weaving in symbolism.
The Lost Child & Other Stories will resonate with readers who appreciate well-crafted short fiction. While most of the stories evoke a sense of melancholy, they all serve as poignant reflections on the human condition.
Callum J. Jones studied English, History, and Journalism at the University of Tasmania. He has written fiction and non-fiction for Tasmanian Times since 2018, and can be traced by the smell of fresh coffee.
Follow him on Twitter (@Callum_Jones_10) and Facebook (@callum.j.jones.creative).
