Do You Remember the Barn Owl? by Barbara Lorna Hudson: #BookReview.

On By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Fiction, Literature, opinion, Reading, Review

This collection of short stories, which vary in length and style, reflects the skill and themes of interest to the author. It’s a diverse array, well-written and constructed, and includes some stories that have been previously published in various literary journals.

There is great variety here, with many subjects and themes explored, always with emotional awareness. Some are romantic, some social commentary, some verge on horror, others have twists to surprise the reader, and most contain at least an element of humour.
The author is an observer with a keen eye for human weaknesses and strengths, a commentator on the foibles and triumphs of humankind.


The opening story, The Pimple, is an amusing tale about a young lover due to meet a beauty via online dating, only to wake up with a prominent pimple on display. One can imagine the feelings involved, but the author creates an atmosphere full of anxiety in order to end the account on a note of humour. ‘The Easter Hamster’ provides a subversive warning of the dangers of promoting false beliefs to children and unfolds in a most engaging way. I could give similar short reviews of each of the stories contained, as I enjoyed each and every one of them, but it seems excessive to describe each of the 28 included. I simply urge you to read them for your own pleasure.

[Any review is a personal opinion. No reviewer can represent the view of anyone else. The best we can manage is an honest reaction to any given book.]

8 thoughts on “Do You Remember the Barn Owl? by Barbara Lorna Hudson: #BookReview.”

    1. Thanks, Lynette. The short story form is becoming more popular again, as people seem to have too little ‘free’ time to read longer works, mores the pity. It’s a demanding form for the writer, but one I’ve always enjoyed as both reader and writer. Some of the most memorable films have resulted from short stories, too.

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      1. Agreed; the short story is very demanding of the author and yes, some great movies have originated with them, as well.
        My retirement is coming up in three weeks, and I’m looking forward to the immersive experience of novels and other long reads. I actually didn’t have much time to read anything at all (other than for work), long or short. I’m glad to be leaving formal work behind now. Cheers.

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        1. Three weeks to go! Enjoy your retirement, Lynette. You’ve certainly earned that break. It’ll take a while to adjust, and you’ll soon wonder how you had time to go to work, if my experience is anything to go by. But you’ll be able to spend your time doing all those things you just never had time for. Enjoy it to the full!

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