The Fat Artist And Other Stories

Benjamin Hale Benjamin Hale is back following a successful debut, The Evolution Of Bruno Littlemore – a book that told the story of a chimpanzee who learns to speak English and develops a romantic relationship with a woman.

This time, Hale has written a selection of short stories, but the surreal element that featured in his first novel remains a key theme. From an artist who nearly eats himself to death to the woman who accidentally feeds her baby hallucinogenics during a flight, these are stories about people amid, or on the brink of, panic.

Despite being a slightly unsettling collection,they’re fascinating tales that cover a huge range of characters, who will linger in your mind long after you’ve put down the book. 8/10