Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Sarah Hegarty’s “Magpie: And Other Stories” is a mesmerizing collection that transports readers across time and geography, weaving together tales as diverse as they are profound. This anthology is a masterful exploration of human experiences and emotions.

Each setting is meticulously crafted, providing a rich backdrop that enhances the narrative’s emotional depth. Hegarty’s ability to capture the essence of these places adds a layer of authenticity and immersion that is captivating.

Hegarty introduces us to a cast of compelling characters, each grappling with their own unique challenges and dilemmas. Their stories are interwoven with themes of loss, resilience, and the search for meaning, making each tale resonate on a personal level.

The overarching theme of “Magpie” is the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. Hegarty’s writing is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the nuances of her characters’ inner lives with sensitivity and insight. The stories are imbued with a sense of hope and redemption, even in the darkest of circumstances. Hegarty’s narrative style is fluid and evocative, drawing readers into the heart of each story and leaving a lasting impression.

Hegarty’s exploration of these themes makes the collection relevant to a wide audience. The stories prompt readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition.

“Magpie: And Other Stories” is a beautifully crafted collection that showcases Sarah Hegarty’s talent for storytelling. Each story is a gem, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

Highly recommended to anyone who appreciates thoughtful, well-written fiction that resonates on an emotional level.

Magpie by Sarah Hegarty is a collection of short stories that highlight the lives of many people and how they are surviving their current situation. I believe that most readers would find at least one story within this collection that they really enjoy and may even be able to relate to some of the characters. The stories span many continents - Europe, Africa and Asia - and explores the cultures in each location. The fantasy readers need not to shy away from this book - they may also find enjoyment in at least one of the entries.

My personal favorite story within Magpie is "Green Fingers" which explores topics of greed and superstition.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

This book is a variety of short stories that really make the reader think about choices and relationships and reflect on how those affect their lives. Each story takes you to a different location that may be a remote area or country. Through tales of decision and reflection, you get to know the characters and relate to their choices and consequences in a way that makes each tail riveting and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed my thought processes as I was forced to think about their choices and my own as well in each character’s unique situations. I was given an arc copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the story and would recommend to others who enjoy short stories as well.

This is a captivating collection of short stories. There is definitely diversity in terms of perspectives and plots. Every story is unique in its own way. For example, the story "Your Own Tropical Hideaway" has the feel of a mythological retelling as it reaches its end, while the first one in the collection is rooted in a reality (although a not so frequent, everyday scenario).
Although the stories are not interconnected, there are some themes that occur in the majority of them, such as dysfunctional relationships, family dynamics, and social issues (meaning the impact of totalitarian regimes and the relation between individual and totalitarian societies).
One element that I really liked was the use of anaphoric words instead of using proper names from the get-go. I think that it creates a sense of mystery and anticipation in some cases. It sort of closes a distance between the reader and the characters as if the reader knew the characters on a personal level, but it can also create a huge gap between them.
I would like to add that my favorite story was the last one. I would describe the atmosphere as oppressive and perhaps a bit grotesque (basically right up my alley :)) I think that the magpie has been used as a symbol of liberation. Just as the magpie in itself transgresses the limitation of its encasement (meaning the certain connotations attributed to this specific bird) through this story, our main character transgresses the boundaries of reality and breaks away from her human (female) condition through her metamorphosis.

Anyone who enjoys reading short stories is in for a real treat with this fabulous new collection by Sarah Hegarty. I know many writers who say it is much more difficult to come up with a good short story than it is to complete a full length novel. I think I understand why.
Here, the author has a magnificent variety of themes and tones and styles, and a wonderful sense of time and place. Despite the obvious limitations of very low word counts the characters are all well-rounded and fully developed.
I like the way Sarah has left her readers with lots to ponder. She seems to have a real knack for an ambiguous ending! These are clever, original, engaging stories from a writer with huge talent.

Wow, this is an impressive debut collection! Excellent short stories. I'll be looking out for more of their work.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC