Seven Empty Houses

A short story collection by the Argentinian-born author. There are seven strange tales here with vivid characters and writing as smooth as butter. In the opener, a woman sneaks into other people’s houses to rearrange things; then there’s the story of a search for two kids who have gone missing with their naked grandparents; and the disturbing tale of a young girl who is led away from a hospital by a stranger. Arguably the best story is Breath From The Depths – the longest in the collection – about an elderly woman suffering life-long grief and mental and physical decline, as she prepares for the inevitability of death. These tales are unusual, often unsettling, with undertones of menace throughout. Some of the endings feel a bit abrupt and unfinished, but it’s an original and unique collection.

7/10