REVIEWS FOR GREATER CITY SHADOWS
This is the place for reviews, features and thoughts relating to my short story collection, Greater City Shadows.
‘Think Nick Hornby at his best, yes; but also masters of the short story form such as Alice Munro.’
Will Yeoman, Writing WA
‘The short story is the form where he truly excels. I am fully prepared for Steed’s words to rip me apart.’
The AU Review
‘Steed’s skill is undeniable, and the collection is a worthy achievement...a hopeful, smart collection.’
Arts Hub
‘Tender and heart-rending, this collection will appeal to readers who enjoyed Wayne Marshall’s Shirl.’
Books+Publishing
‘Laurie Steed has crafted short stories which are as poignant and emotionally moving as they are insightful.’
Queensland Reviewers Collective
‘Each story conveys a deeply humane reverence for the aching ordinariness of human life and love. The stories range in tone from gentle to powerful, always maintaining a breathtaking vulnerability.’
Cheryl Akle, The Australian
‘Tender and heart-rending, this collection will appeal to readers who enjoyed Wayne Marshall’s Shirl.’
Books+Publishing
‘Laurie Steed has crafted short stories which are as poignant and emotionally moving as they are insightful.’
Queensland Reviewers Collective
‘Each story conveys a deeply humane reverence for the aching ordinariness of human life and love. The stories range in tone from gentle to powerful, always maintaining a breathtaking vulnerability.’
Cheryl Akle, The Australian
‘A beautiful collection of stories showcasing the small but magnificent ways people can find connection. The prose is dynamic and playful, and these imperfect characters are missed each time you move on to a new tale.’
Judges’ Comments, 2022 Dorothy Hewett Award for an Unpublished Manuscript
'Evocative and engaging, Greater City Shadows shows how the short story form, in the hands of a skilful writer, can offer profound insights into people's inner and outer lives.'
Susan Midalia
'Timely, tender and true, Greater City Shadows is a superb collection of stories.'
Ryan O'Neill
’What a generous, smart collection…Steed’s stories are funny, surprising, and full of heart.’
Laura Elvery
‘Moments that make you pause and think…make you feel, moments you can relate to, I see a little of this writer’s soul in every short story and I like it.’
Carol Seeley, Reading, Writing and Riesling
Greater City Shadows
Greater City Shadows is my debut short story collection, the winner of the 2021 Henry Handel Richardson Flagship Fellowship for Short Story Writing, and was shortlisted for the 2022 Dorothy Hewett Award for an unpublished manuscript.
The Hewett Award Judges described Greater City Shadows as, ‘A beautiful collection of stories showcasing the small but magnificent ways people can find connections, set amongst one of the most isolated cities in the world. The prose is dynamic and playful, and these imperfect characters are missed each time you move on to a new tale.’