My debut collection of short stories, Witches Sail in Eggshells, was published by Reflex Press in June 2019. In May 2020 it was awarded Best Short Story Collection in the 2020 Saboteur Awards.
Witches Sail in Eggshells explores the themes of love, loss, the little ways we let each other down, and how we can find each other again. Among the collection are a number of prize-winning stories, and one which was chosen for inclusion in the prestigious anthology, Best British Short Stories 2018. The publisher describes the collection as “perceptive, intriguing, and beautifully told”.
The beautiful cover image was taken by my amazing friend and talented photographer, Laura Pashby (aka @circleofpines).
The book is available online via Reflex Press, and from bookshops local to Stroud (ISBN 978-1916-111509).
Reviews:
Bookbound Blog “To write accomplished short stories you need to be a true wordsmith, to be able to make each word and phrase count, to be able to paint a picture with few brush strokes and build a character and a plot in paragraphs not pages. Chloe Turner, has achieved this and more. Her short stories reflect a depth and maturity of writing which excited and enthralled me. Each individual story drew me in and held me for just the right about of time under it’s spell.”
Bookish Chat: “I adored this collection and know that it will take pride of place on my bookshelf. I am extremely excited to read more of Chloe Turner’s work.”
The Short Story/TSS Publishing: “There are similar themes running through many of these stories – nature, especially, features strongly, but so too do danger and menace, humour, and melancholy; many stories have a good helping of stoicism which shines a gentle and up-beat light on a human condition which Chloe Turner captures so well. Insightful, resonant, and emotionally touching in different ways, this collection of stories is well worth a read.”
Linda’s Book Bag “I was unable to put down this remarkable book”
The Bobsphere “It’s been a while since I’ve read short stories which affected me so much. Never have I laughed, shivered and gawped so much. With Witches Sail in Eggshells Chloe Turner has made me look at short stories in a different way.”
A Life in Books: “I was initially attracted to Chloe Turner’s debut collection by its cover. Such a lovely pared back image and once you’ve read what’s inside, you’ll find it’s entirely relevant, too. Witches Sail in Eggshells comprises seventeen short pieces – some just a couple of pages, others stretching over ten – all as smartly turned out as that jacket.”
Never Imitate – Jackie Law “The prose is taut and often exquisite. Each story carries unassuming weight and depth. I have been taking my time over each tale as I wished to savour the experience. Writing this consistently good is rare”
Ali Bacon “Despite knowing this author’s work already I was blown away by the quality of the writing- colourful and atmospheric, lyrical and yet precise. Each story is a gem of a different hue – some multi-faceted others daringly simple. A great collection and hopefully a sign of things to come.”
From Belgium With Book Love: “I wanted to read the whole book in one go, which I almost never experience with short story collections, and at the same time I wanted to pace myself, to savour it, make it last. “
Amanda McLeod Writes: “Chloe Turner has brought together a mesmerising, complex and deliciously unsettling collection of tightly woven tales, driven by a diverse cast. At once vibrant and disquieting, these stories have a nuance and complexity that pulls the reader back again and again, revealing new details and meanings with each read. This impressive collection will keep your attention from start to finish.”
Chloe Turner 