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Insular
"Remember now, the others and I were working people, working to get by, month to month. They keep their heads down and push through, and when they can, they dream. Their dreams are an escape. That wasn't possible with Julian stalking the aisles, his ever-grey pallor, his wasted figure serving as a reality check. That's what was scary.
When there were no dreams anymore."
Julian Kensi is about to start his first day in retail. What he doesn’t know is that to his supervisor, Peter Smith, he is just another pawn to be used in his rise to the top. That is until Julian begins to act strangely.
As Peter attempts to learn more, his ruthless methods cause events to take a macabre turn beyond control.
Insular is a short story about one man’s life-long fear and regret. It’s a story about obsession, the power of a person’s imagination, and the terrible consequences once this imagination has been unleashed. It is perfect for fans of Stephen King, Dean Kootnz, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Joe Hill, H.P Lovecraft and Shirley Jackson.
When there were no dreams anymore."
Julian Kensi is about to start his first day in retail. What he doesn’t know is that to his supervisor, Peter Smith, he is just another pawn to be used in his rise to the top. That is until Julian begins to act strangely.
As Peter attempts to learn more, his ruthless methods cause events to take a macabre turn beyond control.
Insular is a short story about one man’s life-long fear and regret. It’s a story about obsession, the power of a person’s imagination, and the terrible consequences once this imagination has been unleashed. It is perfect for fans of Stephen King, Dean Kootnz, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Joe Hill, H.P Lovecraft and Shirley Jackson.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2019
4 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Stewart
12 books178 followersJamie Stewart is a horror author and editor. His books include PRICE MANOR: THE HOUSE THAT BLEEDS, I HEAR THE CLATTERING OF THE KEYS (AND OTHER FEVERS DREAMS) and MR. JONES. He has co-edited such anthologies as WELCOME TO THE FUNHOUSE for BLOOD RITES HORROR and THE SACRAMENT, which is coming this October from DARK LIT PRESS. His short stories can be found in various anthologies, podcasts and Youtube channels.
Jamie lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and dogs, Poppy and Henry. He can be found on Instagram @jamie.stewart.33 where he reviews and promotes books.
Jamie lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and dogs, Poppy and Henry. He can be found on Instagram @jamie.stewart.33 where he reviews and promotes books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 6, 2019
I’m not the biggest fan of the horror genre, but it’s good to read something a little different now and again, and Jamie Stewart’s ‘Insular’ filled that slot nicely, and in addition, it was also a great example of how much enjoyment can be had from such a short story.
Peter Smith is a supervisor in the home delivery department of a supermarket. Julian Kensi is just another new employee to Peter, just someone else to train up as a picker, but there’s something really odd about him - he gets on with his job, in fact he ends up being the best picker in the entire company, but boy there’s something really strange about him, it’s not just his unnatural pallor, or even the eyes devoid of any emotion, nor even the manic grin that never seems to leave his face - no there’s much more to Julian than these strange traits, and Peter will spend the rest of his life suffering from finding out exactly what that is!
Unsettling from the start, this creepy little tale was a pleasure to read, but the next time I walk down the aisles of my local supermarket, I’ll be thinking about Julian - I just don’t want meet him!!
* My thanks to author Jamie Stewart for sending me a copy of Insular, I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Peter Smith is a supervisor in the home delivery department of a supermarket. Julian Kensi is just another new employee to Peter, just someone else to train up as a picker, but there’s something really odd about him - he gets on with his job, in fact he ends up being the best picker in the entire company, but boy there’s something really strange about him, it’s not just his unnatural pallor, or even the eyes devoid of any emotion, nor even the manic grin that never seems to leave his face - no there’s much more to Julian than these strange traits, and Peter will spend the rest of his life suffering from finding out exactly what that is!
Unsettling from the start, this creepy little tale was a pleasure to read, but the next time I walk down the aisles of my local supermarket, I’ll be thinking about Julian - I just don’t want meet him!!
* My thanks to author Jamie Stewart for sending me a copy of Insular, I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
March 10, 2019
Entertaining story that takes place mostly in a retail/grocery store. Supervisor Peter Earl Smith is training new employees. But there is a new guy named Julian Kensi that seems stranger than the rest. He ends up becoming the best in his job, but he is not all he seems to be.
This was an eerie, quick, and easy read. Julian sure was creepy. I was curious to see what was going to happen. A haunting story I read in one sitting.
This was an eerie, quick, and easy read. Julian sure was creepy. I was curious to see what was going to happen. A haunting story I read in one sitting.
May 11, 2019
I have a hard time understanding many horror stories and I just need to get over wanting to understand and go with the story. Insular takes place in a big box store that has clerks stocking baskets with goods for home delivery. Speed and accuracy are the key and how each worker is judged. In this story the supervisor, Peter Smith, pushes the new employees Julian, as Peter trounces on his underlings feelings, on his climb to the top. What transpires is sad, confusing, and scary and now I can't drive by or go into a big box store without thinking about this story.
Thank you to the author for this Advanced Read Copy.
Thank you to the author for this Advanced Read Copy.
March 3, 2019
4.5
This is a short story told by Peter who works for a home delivery department of a retail company. The subject of this bizarre story is the reclusive and strange Julian, one of the new employees of the department. Being overlooked and ignored, soon his existence is forgotten by the other employees.
Through Peter’s eyes and his story we learn about Julian’s gradual transformation and find ourselves questioning our own choices in life and whether we have made the right ones.
Insular is a haunting, unique and intriguing story which delves deep into the mind and psychology as well as the supernatural.
I want to thank the author, Jamie Stewart for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a short story told by Peter who works for a home delivery department of a retail company. The subject of this bizarre story is the reclusive and strange Julian, one of the new employees of the department. Being overlooked and ignored, soon his existence is forgotten by the other employees.
Through Peter’s eyes and his story we learn about Julian’s gradual transformation and find ourselves questioning our own choices in life and whether we have made the right ones.
Insular is a haunting, unique and intriguing story which delves deep into the mind and psychology as well as the supernatural.
I want to thank the author, Jamie Stewart for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2019
This disturbing tale offers concrete proof that a good writer can conjure creepiness anywhere . . . even in the aisles of your local supermarket.
May 13, 2019
Now I am not a great horror fan, especially the more gory aspects, psychological, well that is a different matter.
This book (short story) happily falls into the latter category as well as being cleverly written. I also like the fact that there is almost a supernatural feel to part of the story.
It centres on a bunch of warehouse pickers who are joined by a new member of staff that appears to be a world class picker. It also looks at the way that people cope with the boring repetitive job, how people retreat into themselves to overcome the mindless boredom. And basically that is the crux of the story.
It is a great short story, in my opinion its quite unique and well worth reading, thanks Jamie.
This book (short story) happily falls into the latter category as well as being cleverly written. I also like the fact that there is almost a supernatural feel to part of the story.
It centres on a bunch of warehouse pickers who are joined by a new member of staff that appears to be a world class picker. It also looks at the way that people cope with the boring repetitive job, how people retreat into themselves to overcome the mindless boredom. And basically that is the crux of the story.
It is a great short story, in my opinion its quite unique and well worth reading, thanks Jamie.
March 19, 2019
This is a short story and a very quick read. I had read a friend's review earlier this afternoon and was so intrigued, I purchased it on my Kindle and read it immediately. I wasn't disappointed.
Jamie Stewart is a new author for me and I predict that Jamie will be writing many more books and will be very successful.
The first thing that I noticed in reading this story is that Jamie used words and descriptions in his sentences that were unique and made me laugh out loud.
Without commenting on plot, I will say that when it comes to horror, the creepiest books I've ever read, and I've read more horror than any other genre, the scariest thing of all is our own psychology. This is the theme of "Insular" and if this is the type of story that Jamie will be writing in the future, I'm a forever fan. Jamie Stewart scratched his nails on the psychological horror chalkboard and it sent a shiver up my spine.
Thank you Jamie Stewart for writing a story that will keep me thinking on it for a good long time.
I purchased this story with my own $cash$ and this is my honest review.
Jamie Stewart is a new author for me and I predict that Jamie will be writing many more books and will be very successful.
The first thing that I noticed in reading this story is that Jamie used words and descriptions in his sentences that were unique and made me laugh out loud.
Without commenting on plot, I will say that when it comes to horror, the creepiest books I've ever read, and I've read more horror than any other genre, the scariest thing of all is our own psychology. This is the theme of "Insular" and if this is the type of story that Jamie will be writing in the future, I'm a forever fan. Jamie Stewart scratched his nails on the psychological horror chalkboard and it sent a shiver up my spine.
Thank you Jamie Stewart for writing a story that will keep me thinking on it for a good long time.
I purchased this story with my own $cash$ and this is my honest review.
May 12, 2019
This is currently free on kindle!
This was a really cool concept, its difficult rating short stories because you can't help but feel as though there is never enough story!
I did enjoy this, i just wish there was more :)
This was a really cool concept, its difficult rating short stories because you can't help but feel as though there is never enough story!
I did enjoy this, i just wish there was more :)
March 17, 2019
Julian Kensi. A young man one could pass on the street without even noticing. Keeps to himself. Quiet. Unremarkable. That's the right word. But there's one person who remembers his story, and chooses to write it down so many years later. Maybe he writes this so that another will take the time to see – to notice someone in life like Julian. Julian worked for Peter. Just a “picker” among many others in the large warehouse. Groceries and such go out in this world of online shopping. You never see the ones working behind the scene, but they're there, pretty much working alone, and hard. That's the way it is. To get through a day, a picker daydreams – let the mind wander to make time pass. But on a short-staffed day, the forgotten Julian is asked to “step up”. He is reticent, but he does. He just might have gone too far.
This short piece of work made me think for awhile, and I can always appreciate that. There were a few gaps, things I'd have liked to know more about. But I like the abstract feeling too. Worth the read.
This short piece of work made me think for awhile, and I can always appreciate that. There were a few gaps, things I'd have liked to know more about. But I like the abstract feeling too. Worth the read.
February 17, 2019
This story reminded me on a modern version of Bartleby the Scrivener. Peter, the main character, works as a picker for a retailer and tells the story of a mysterious newbie named Julian Kensi. Why is that fellow worker able to work that fast? What about his private life and his aims in life? Wonderful prose with some rhetoric questions to the reader and some eerie moments about Julian. Is he a kind of ghost in the machine? Many of us had job experiences like those described in this splendid story but few were haunted the way Peter was. Extremely well written modern story with eerie elements. I can highly recommend it to everyone! Jamie invited me to his event of the free story. I'm glad he did. Thank you!
May 25, 2019
I want to start this review by stating that I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes or affects my review.
This short story proves that you don’t need length to have great and unique content! It might be a short story but it sure packed one hell of a punch. I was completely intrigued from the start, I couldn’t wait to see where the author would bring us. This creepy and quite unsettling tale was an absolute pleasure to read and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
This short story proves that you don’t need length to have great and unique content! It might be a short story but it sure packed one hell of a punch. I was completely intrigued from the start, I couldn’t wait to see where the author would bring us. This creepy and quite unsettling tale was an absolute pleasure to read and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
March 8, 2019
3.5 Stars
Hmmmmm.......well, I've always known working in retail could make you feel like you're losing your mind; always competing to be the best, but Julian....he is one weird dude!
INSULAR takes the reader on a bizarre trip into the mind of an unsettling, strange character as he begins a new stressful job....but who is Julian really?
Short read with substance and a spirited edge.
Look forward to what Jamie Stewart dreams up next!
May 13, 2019
kept me navigating through imagination and reality in every page of it. It made me feel the obsession, the regret, and the trauma a person's non-existence can evoke. And as
writes: "It's the what-ifs that keep a man up at night, let me tell you." 
February 28, 2019
Insular is about a man, Julian, new at his retail job, who is quiet and keeps to himself while working diligently. Julian's work is almost done at supernatural (?) speeds.
Fascinating read! I loved how Insular kept me interested in Julian throughout the story. It really left me wanting more. Great story quick read recommend for everyone.
Fascinating read! I loved how Insular kept me interested in Julian throughout the story. It really left me wanting more. Great story quick read recommend for everyone.
February 28, 2019
I got to ask you, what if you had an amazing name like Earl? What if you liked and took pride in your job? What if you worked with a new guy who gave you the creeps?
Unfortunately and unlucky for you, your mother didn't give you the blessing of calling you Earl, and you probably hate your job like the majority of the population. Although you probably do work with a creep, chances are his name isn't Julian.
On the other hand, today is your lucky day! Jamie Stewart has given you a tale with all of that! This story is an impressive fella named Earl who took great pride in his job. Pretty much the best on the block. You know, the type of guy who is the manager's pet! That's is until he has to train a new trainee. This new guy, well there's something wrong with him. What do you ask? Well, that will be giving away the story now, wouldn't it?
So without getting into the great plot of this story let me tell you what I liked and didn't like about it.
First off I liked it because it was a short read. I usually read novels that are a lot bigger. Make sense seeing that this is a short story. So reading this was a real treat for me. Second, the author did a great job of telling the story. There was a great intro that quickly got down to business.
The most remembered thing, for me at least, is how the description of the job brought back feelings of when I worked in retail. The thankless managers that fed you the lines to make you work more and the urge you always had to do better. It made me feel dirty, and not in a good way. That's what made the feeling so great. Mission accomplished by the author, intentionally or unintentionally. I also thought the creation of the characters were well done. Especially for the strange new employee. Him and his yellow teeth.
With that out of the way. Here's the bad. I didn't really find anything that stood out as being bad in the story. I did find a few words that I thought were spelling mistakes and it got me flipping out a bit. Realize was written as realise. After Mr. Google explained it, it all depends on your location. North America just spells things funny, and the author was correct based on location. My bad, his good.
Now to wrap this all up. I would suggest this story for the reader who wants a quick read that wants to have the feeling of “oh no”. I found the story pretty suspenseful considering the length of it. If I had to describe the stories style, I would say it would have to be the feeling of Stephen King telling you about the time when he worked in retail.
Unfortunately and unlucky for you, your mother didn't give you the blessing of calling you Earl, and you probably hate your job like the majority of the population. Although you probably do work with a creep, chances are his name isn't Julian.
On the other hand, today is your lucky day! Jamie Stewart has given you a tale with all of that! This story is an impressive fella named Earl who took great pride in his job. Pretty much the best on the block. You know, the type of guy who is the manager's pet! That's is until he has to train a new trainee. This new guy, well there's something wrong with him. What do you ask? Well, that will be giving away the story now, wouldn't it?
So without getting into the great plot of this story let me tell you what I liked and didn't like about it.
First off I liked it because it was a short read. I usually read novels that are a lot bigger. Make sense seeing that this is a short story. So reading this was a real treat for me. Second, the author did a great job of telling the story. There was a great intro that quickly got down to business.
The most remembered thing, for me at least, is how the description of the job brought back feelings of when I worked in retail. The thankless managers that fed you the lines to make you work more and the urge you always had to do better. It made me feel dirty, and not in a good way. That's what made the feeling so great. Mission accomplished by the author, intentionally or unintentionally. I also thought the creation of the characters were well done. Especially for the strange new employee. Him and his yellow teeth.
With that out of the way. Here's the bad. I didn't really find anything that stood out as being bad in the story. I did find a few words that I thought were spelling mistakes and it got me flipping out a bit. Realize was written as realise. After Mr. Google explained it, it all depends on your location. North America just spells things funny, and the author was correct based on location. My bad, his good.
Now to wrap this all up. I would suggest this story for the reader who wants a quick read that wants to have the feeling of “oh no”. I found the story pretty suspenseful considering the length of it. If I had to describe the stories style, I would say it would have to be the feeling of Stephen King telling you about the time when he worked in retail.
March 11, 2019
I'm actually surprised by this book as I got it for free on amazon and expected it to be meh. This book surprised me as it was actually well written and creative in it's story. I love the cover of the book. This book had me hooked from the very first page. The only problem I have with this book is that it's too short ;;
May 10, 2019
4.5. This short horror story was a quick fun read. It held my interest from the very beginning. I would recommend this to everyone. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author!
April 12, 2019
Think 'large warehouse', 'a workforce of misfits' and an 'upwardly mobile supervisor'. The picking work is stressful because target-driven, but the mind is in neutral, set free to dream. Enter Julian - an unassuming man who achieves the ultimate in warehouse efficiency and frees his mind to enter... 'The Twilight Zone'...
This short story drew me in from the beginning. The underlying concept felt clever, original and ultimately believable in true Stephen King / Twilight Zone fashion. The cavernous warehouse setting lends itself well to a creepy tale such as this and I would be very surprised if the author had not worked in a similar setting and formed this story whilst his mind was left wandering.
There are a few spelling and punctuation anomalies that interrupted the reading flow a little. These would have dissipated if the tale had been read aloud to me. I say this because I could 'hear' the storyteller throughout in my mind's ear, which I loved.
All in all, I enjoyed this story very much - it covered a lot of ground in just 35 pages. It's quirky and memorable (like good short stories should be) and it brought a smile to my lips.
Keep writing Jamie. I'll be along for the ride!
This short story drew me in from the beginning. The underlying concept felt clever, original and ultimately believable in true Stephen King / Twilight Zone fashion. The cavernous warehouse setting lends itself well to a creepy tale such as this and I would be very surprised if the author had not worked in a similar setting and formed this story whilst his mind was left wandering.
There are a few spelling and punctuation anomalies that interrupted the reading flow a little. These would have dissipated if the tale had been read aloud to me. I say this because I could 'hear' the storyteller throughout in my mind's ear, which I loved.
All in all, I enjoyed this story very much - it covered a lot of ground in just 35 pages. It's quirky and memorable (like good short stories should be) and it brought a smile to my lips.
Keep writing Jamie. I'll be along for the ride!
February 26, 2019
This was a short but good story. It kept you engaged and wanting more. I usually don't read books of this genre but it was a pleasant surprise. I really did enjoy it. Makes you really think if something like this was true and what would do and how would you feel after this type of experience. Do you really know the people you work with? You don't really know people. I'm glad that I was able to experience it.
March 4, 2019
Thanks Jamie for inviting me to read this short story Insular and leaving a review! For me I thought this was a good little creepy story that left me wanting more! I want to know more about Julian and what is going on in his alternate streets and world is he alone there creeping around or are there others.... looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
May 3, 2019
I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story. I liked how it developed, I liked the characters, I liked how descriptive it was. A big thing for me when I’m reading is the descriptions. I like to be able to picture things as if I was watching a movie and not have to go back and forth rereading paragraphs to get a feel for what’s going on and this book was not lacking there. I liked it so much that I read the author’s other story right after.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.
February 27, 2019
Insular
By Jamie Stewart
Genre - Fiction
Category - Horror/Short Story
Pages - 33
Publication Date - January 26, 2019
Format - Digital
Reviewed by William C. Bitner (https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...)
Rating - 📙📙📙📙📙
If you are looking for a quick, bizarre and a little bit out there kind of short story you will not be disappointed with Insular by Jamie Stewart. A quite unique and witty character driven short story, this will have you shaking you head and left wondering what the hell did I just read (in all the right ways). Not so much horror in the typical sense, or what you may be used to. There is no blood and gore, or demons or angels. It more about a transformation and how we react to it when we discover things aren’t what we thought they were. Very interesting read and one of the more original short stories I read in some time. I look forward to hearing more from this author in the future.
Synopsis (from the back cover): ‘Remember now, the others and I were working people, working to get by, month to month. They keep their heads down and push through, and when they can, they dream.
Their dreams are an escape. That wasn't possible with Julian stalking the aisles, his ever-grey pallor, his wasted figure serving as a reality check. That's what was scary.
When there were no dreams anymore.’
Julian Kensi is about to start his first day in retail.
What he doesn’t know is that to his supervisor, Peter Smith, he is just another pawn to be used in his rise to the top. That is until Julian begins to act strangely.
As Peter attempts to learn more, his ruthless methods cause events to take a macabre turn beyond control.
About the author: Jamie Stewart started writing stories at the age of nine inspired by R.L Stein's Goosebumps series and old horror movies that he was far too young to watch in hindsight.
Since then his short horror story, Insular, peaked at Number 1 on Amazon's Best Seller's List in less than a week.
His favourite authors include Stephen King, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Joe Hill, J.K Rowling, Shirley Jackson, Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett to name a few.
Other work by Jamie Stewart: Mr. Jones (Limited Availability)
By Jamie Stewart
Genre - Fiction
Category - Horror/Short Story
Pages - 33
Publication Date - January 26, 2019
Format - Digital
Reviewed by William C. Bitner (https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...)
Rating - 📙📙📙📙📙
If you are looking for a quick, bizarre and a little bit out there kind of short story you will not be disappointed with Insular by Jamie Stewart. A quite unique and witty character driven short story, this will have you shaking you head and left wondering what the hell did I just read (in all the right ways). Not so much horror in the typical sense, or what you may be used to. There is no blood and gore, or demons or angels. It more about a transformation and how we react to it when we discover things aren’t what we thought they were. Very interesting read and one of the more original short stories I read in some time. I look forward to hearing more from this author in the future.
Synopsis (from the back cover): ‘Remember now, the others and I were working people, working to get by, month to month. They keep their heads down and push through, and when they can, they dream.
Their dreams are an escape. That wasn't possible with Julian stalking the aisles, his ever-grey pallor, his wasted figure serving as a reality check. That's what was scary.
When there were no dreams anymore.’
Julian Kensi is about to start his first day in retail.
What he doesn’t know is that to his supervisor, Peter Smith, he is just another pawn to be used in his rise to the top. That is until Julian begins to act strangely.
As Peter attempts to learn more, his ruthless methods cause events to take a macabre turn beyond control.
About the author: Jamie Stewart started writing stories at the age of nine inspired by R.L Stein's Goosebumps series and old horror movies that he was far too young to watch in hindsight.
Since then his short horror story, Insular, peaked at Number 1 on Amazon's Best Seller's List in less than a week.
His favourite authors include Stephen King, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Joe Hill, J.K Rowling, Shirley Jackson, Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett to name a few.
Other work by Jamie Stewart: Mr. Jones (Limited Availability)
March 14, 2019
This was a Entertaining short Story, i love short stories, they are my thrive, once in a while i have to read a new one from someone new, this time was insular, a yung 22 year old works on a super market as a supervisor when he meets Julian Kensi quiet strange boy with a peculiar look, after meeting him his live will never be the same and the story of his experience with Julian with leave a scar in his life to tell, entertaining, not amazing but ok, a little bit of horror, although listed as horror i doesn't quite cut it for me, but not bad after all.
March 4, 2019
This is a very good short story, one which, from the very beginning fills you with a sense of... not dread, exactly, but disquietude. Something is going on with Julian, you know that, you know it from the first pages as Peter begins his narration.
And yet, when it happens, you still will be surprised. And the ending... oh, the ending leaves us with more questions than real answers.
An excellent, very atmospheric short story. If you love horror, you'll love this one.
And yet, when it happens, you still will be surprised. And the ending... oh, the ending leaves us with more questions than real answers.
An excellent, very atmospheric short story. If you love horror, you'll love this one.
March 5, 2019
Amazing short story! I read it this evening and didn't stop until I finished. It was so good. Excellent descriptions, well written, and great flow. My only problem was it was so good I didn't want it to end. First time I read this author and would highly recommend.
March 1, 2019
The author sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review
The problem with this short story was that it was too short ! I wanted to read more about Julian and Peter !
Even though it's only 35 pages I didn't see the end coming and I loved it completely. Actually this gave me some kind of Stranger Things vibe, which I found awesome, considering I love creepy mysterious stuff ! It is also a good way to see life and depression through the eyes of someone else and I thought that was beautiful.
The problem with this short story was that it was too short ! I wanted to read more about Julian and Peter !
Even though it's only 35 pages I didn't see the end coming and I loved it completely. Actually this gave me some kind of Stranger Things vibe, which I found awesome, considering I love creepy mysterious stuff ! It is also a good way to see life and depression through the eyes of someone else and I thought that was beautiful.
May 19, 2019
Thank you Jamie for the free copy of Insular.
I will always have a special shelf in my heart for Horror, Thrills and Scares. Insular not only fits on that shelf but has a uniqueness all it's own. The story had a real eerie feel from the very beginning and carries throughout the story an apprehension that is palatable. The narrator (one of the books characters) does a wonderful job of telling the story without revealing any notions of what is too come (nice writing Jamie). I really don't want to get into the story as it is a short and I don't want to give anything away. The "protagonist" (for lack of a better word, but also an unfair word to describe him) in so many ways reminds me of the characters in Phil Collins' "Paradise" or The Beatles "Eleanor Rigby"and as such I found it hard not to feel bad for him. A great read on several levels and well worth a read to anyone who hasn't read it.
I will always have a special shelf in my heart for Horror, Thrills and Scares. Insular not only fits on that shelf but has a uniqueness all it's own. The story had a real eerie feel from the very beginning and carries throughout the story an apprehension that is palatable. The narrator (one of the books characters) does a wonderful job of telling the story without revealing any notions of what is too come (nice writing Jamie). I really don't want to get into the story as it is a short and I don't want to give anything away. The "protagonist" (for lack of a better word, but also an unfair word to describe him) in so many ways reminds me of the characters in Phil Collins' "Paradise" or The Beatles "Eleanor Rigby"and as such I found it hard not to feel bad for him. A great read on several levels and well worth a read to anyone who hasn't read it.
May 6, 2019
I very rarely read short stories but this was free on the kindle store so thought I’d give it a go. I also find it hard to review short stories but this was interesting - I read it in one sitting and I wish there was more to it.
March 15, 2019
Not really sure what to make of this. A short read that takes place in a supermarket over the course of a few months but being re-told by the narrator / protagonist some 40 or so years later. Apparently this falls under the horror genre but I'm not sure if that's really a true match for what unfolded in this tale.. I enjoyed following the story as it unfolded and to discover the true oddities of Julian but I would hesitate to recommend this book.
Without giving too much away I'll list my grievances below and try to avoid spoilers if possible.
When Julian first arrives at the supermarket after being hired, Peter comments that he found Julian odd. The manager then reveals Julian's backstory.. But I don't see what relevance that had on the story. It didn't feature again, didn't help to really explain Julian's lack of emotions, or contribute to his ultimate endpoint in this story.
What happened to Tina? After her incident in aisle ten with Julian she decides to go on sick leave and that's the last we hear from her.. Some closure would have been good.. She was clearly traumatised from that moment but we don't know what happened to her? Was she able to deal with what she witnessed or was her grasp on reality fractured beyond repair?
Peter mentions that the interactions with his parents were limited to infrequent awkward phone calls and implied that they didn't really have much of a relationship, but then at the end they're almost overwhelmed at the site of him? Did reality change after the incident or something?
I get this was a short story, but I still feel like it needed more to complete the story..
Without giving too much away I'll list my grievances below and try to avoid spoilers if possible.
When Julian first arrives at the supermarket after being hired, Peter comments that he found Julian odd. The manager then reveals Julian's backstory.. But I don't see what relevance that had on the story. It didn't feature again, didn't help to really explain Julian's lack of emotions, or contribute to his ultimate endpoint in this story.
What happened to Tina? After her incident in aisle ten with Julian she decides to go on sick leave and that's the last we hear from her.. Some closure would have been good.. She was clearly traumatised from that moment but we don't know what happened to her? Was she able to deal with what she witnessed or was her grasp on reality fractured beyond repair?
Peter mentions that the interactions with his parents were limited to infrequent awkward phone calls and implied that they didn't really have much of a relationship, but then at the end they're almost overwhelmed at the site of him? Did reality change after the incident or something?
I get this was a short story, but I still feel like it needed more to complete the story..
January 30, 2019
This was a very interesting short story. I used to read a lot of Dean Koontz when I was in high school, and this story reminded me of, 'Strange Highways.' My sub-conscious seems to remember more than my conscious mind does, because it was the sub that recalled Koontz's short stories while I was reading 'Insular' ... indeed, the brain has many a 'strange highways' that takes many twists and turns, much like this short story does!
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