The stories range from very short (just a few pages) to about a handful. Each story is separate, meaning the characters do not inter-connect at all, which I loved. It was a breath of fresh air with each new story and I was able to put the book down when I needed to. (I'm known to stay up way past my bedtime to get to a stopping point in a book.)
I loved the story of Kiala, whom's aunt passes away and she has to take over the job of getting meat for her village. She has to slice off hunks of octopus tentacle and she doesn't have the training. With the help of a young cannibal, she tries to find her way.
I also enjoyed the story of the Carbon Copies! I had to laugh when I read this, but Parke touches on some real scientific and political issues in this short story. What if you woke up one morning and there was two of you? Crazy good stuff!
There are many other stories in this collection and I enjoyed every one of them. Each story is a tale of it's own with it's own characters, situation and goals. Graham has down a remarkable job and I know this is one book I can go back and read over and over and probably find something new. If you haven't read his work, I highly urge you to pick it up. Not only this delightful tome, but No Hope For Gomez! as well.
*Disclosure: I received a copy of Untime Spent in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are expressly my own.
Wendy
Thanks for a great review. I'm happy you enjoyed it!
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