A Hole in the Pavement by Tahlia Newland


I’m so excited to be part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2012 — this is a challenge for READERS — and that’s me! Sure, I write, but I read a heck of a lot more than I write. I love reading πŸ™‚

I’m kicking off my review challenge with a short story. I think this is going to be the year of the short story for me. I’ve subscribed to Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine and The Griffith Review — both to arrive digitally, which is bliss. So simple, no straying postal deliveries, no trying to track down a copy at the shops.

But, on to the review…

“A Hole in the Pavement” by Tahlia Newland was originally published as part of her collection, “A Matter of Perception“. I’ll get back to you on a review of the collection as a whole because the quality of this story means I HAVE to read more πŸ™‚

What makes it so good? Well, the writing first. It has an easy, assured quality that makes it a pleasure to read. Then there is the fact that I ventured out of my comfortable reading rut to discover what “Magic Realism”, which is how Tahlia’s writing is described, feels like. It feels wonderful. Do you remember how much you loved Aesop’s Fables as a kid? “A Hole in the Pavement” gave me that same sense of a gifted storyteller guiding us through a fable, albeit in a contemporary setting — and with no talking animals.

Maybe “fable” is the wrong word. I’m looking for a descriptor for a story that delves into life and adds a touch of magic to illumine how to live it — with courage.

The characters, Norris and his goddess, are warm and appealing. They could so easily have been left as undeveloped stereotypes to advance the plot and story message. Instead, Norris charmed me.

Trying to write my first review for 2012 I realise that the magic of “A Hole in the Pavement” was the strength with which relationships were portrayed and developed, including the relationship a person has with themselves, the element of self-perception.

A delightful read, perfect for the lunch hour.


4 responses to “A Hole in the Pavement by Tahlia Newland”

  1. Great review! I too am going totally digital. I received a Nook Tablet for Christmas πŸ™‚

    This short story sounds delightful. Thanks so much for sharing it with us and good luck with your challenge. I will look for this book in the library..since you said its not readily available in eBook format.

    • Sounds like Santa was VERY nice to you πŸ™‚

      I've been envying reviewers — like you — for ages for making the commitment to share their enjoyment of what they've read. I've only been managing a couple of lines comment on Goodreads. Signing up for this reading challenge is really exciting. Not only reading out of my comfort zone, but forcing myself to find something sensible to say about it. And kicking off with such an awesome story was a good omen for the year πŸ™‚

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