Normal Rules Don't Apply
Stories
By: Kate Atkinson
A dazzling collection of eleven interconnected stories from the bestselling, award-winning author of Shrines of Gaiety and Life After Life, with everything that readers love about her novels--the inventiveness, the verbal felicity, the sharp observations on human nature, and the deeply satisfying emotional wallop. In this brilliant volume, nothing is quite as it seems. We meet a queen who makes a bargain she cannot keep; a secretary who watches over the life she has just left; a lost man who bets on a horse that may--or may not--have spoken to him. Everything that readers love about the novels of Kate Atkinson is here--the inventiveness, the verbal felicity, the sharp observations of human nature, and the deeply satisfying emotional wallop. Witty and wise, with subtle connections between the stories, Normal Rules Don't Apply is a startling and funny feast for the imagination, stories with the depth and bite to create their own fully-formed worlds.
AI Overview
Overview of "Normal Rules Don't Apply" by Kate Atkinson
"Normal Rules Don't Apply" is a collection of eleven interconnected short stories by Kate Atkinson, published in April 2024. The book is a return to the short story form for Atkinson, who is known for her literary mysteries and historical fiction.
### Key Themes
- Human Condition: The book explores various themes related to the human condition, including life choices, accountability, and the consequences of decisions.
- Love, Loss, and Motherhood: These themes are prominently featured throughout the collection, adding depth to the narratives.
- Interconnectedness: The stories are interconnected in subtle and unexpected ways, creating a richer understanding of the characters' lives.
- Whimsy and Humor: Atkinson balances absurdity with sharp social commentary, introducing talking animals and magical elements to create a surreal universe.
### Plot Summary
The collection opens with "The Void," an unsettling tale set in the near future about an aging farmer who receives an alarming phone call that hints at an apocalyptic event. This sets the tone for the rest of the stories, which are filled with whimsical characters and surreal adventures. The stories include:
- "Spellbound," which intertwines fairy tales and hard truths.
- "Blithe Spirit," where a deceased woman reflects on her life and the myths surrounding her demise.
- "Dogs in Jeopardy," featuring Franklin, a television producer navigating whimsical predicaments.
- "Classic Quest 17 – Crime and Punishment," which spirals into both hilarious and tragic events.
- "Puppies and Rainbows," introducing a troubled Hollywood star navigating romantic complications amid chaos.
Each story is designed to stand alone but also contributes to the overall narrative tapestry, with characters and themes recurring in unexpected ways.
### Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews for its inventive structure, unique characters, and masterful storytelling. Critics have praised Atkinson's ability to blend genres like fantasy, mystery, and speculative fiction, creating a diverse reading experience.
Reviews:
- Bookreporter.com: Described as "endlessly surprising and delightful," the book's title is aptly fitting. The collection is filled with Easter eggs that readers will discover upon multiple readings, making it a unique and fulfilling reading experience.
- Newbookrecommendation.com: Highlighted the book's exploration of themes, humor, and whimsy, noting that Atkinson's sharp observations show readers the multi-faceted nature of existence within these intricate lies.
- Goodreads: Praised for its interconnected stories, witty observations, and the way characters weave through the collection, creating a central point of intrigue. The book is described as a "dazzling collection" that conjures a multiverse of subtly connected worlds.
Overall, "Normal Rules Don't Apply" is a testament to Atkinson's creativity and narrative flexibility, offering a captivating journey through imagination that upends expectations while maintaining clarity amid chaos.