Oddities

Oddities is an aptly named collection of eleven weird and quirky short stories that fall under the speculative fiction umbrella as they mash up and/or move broadly between horror, sci-fiction, and fantasy.

However, this description is rather too simplistic, frankly, Oddities, is a mixed bag of downright surrealism.

There is a seam of subtle cynical humor through most tales, some are fairly similar in theme and a couple carry motifs from others. All, however, are unique, clever, and certainly unorthodox.

The first, Forward, is completely different from any that follow, it’s an interesting, esoterical, and subjective piece with several meanings.

Author is nicely set up, the twist is early yet unexpected. It’s a simple premise but one with endless possibilities. Thurdy explores it enough to provoke uneasy thoughts and a rising sense of panicky helplessness.

Apocalyptic Home meanders a touch, but Thurdy’s prose is lovely; poetic and elegant which contrasts intriguingly with the subject matter. Further, it’s another story where a strange, possibly sinister apparition appears or is central to the narrative.

At first glance, Method, in common with Review, later in the novel, appears to be fantastically tongue-in-cheek. Thurdy takes the premise of a method actor and runs with it. However, as the story unfolds, the light sprinkling of parody gives way to a deeper, more uncomfortable commentary. Similarly, Review, whose entertaining spoofy beginning turns into a visceral, sensory horror show.

Thurdy is adept at switching voice and tone while providing a sharp edge of unpredictability to most of his narratives as they gather speed. A number of the stories are radically different in style without sounding contrived or forced. The longer Aliens especially showcases this. It’s compelling and I felt it was one of the strongest.

Farmer is probably my favorite. Thurdy’s strong sense of a natural, individual voice hooks the reader from the beginning. It’s chatty, intimate, and suitably rustic which renders the conclusion even more bizarre than it already is.

Impact is neatly amusing and Wish is a wacky slice of disquieting fun that certainly foregrounds Thurdy’s extreme imagination and departure from realism.

In the middle of the collection, Thurdy gifts the reader a well-written and accomplished poem, Storm, which gives thoughtful pause amongst the surreal mayhem. The last story, Immortality, written from the point of view of a fifteen-year-old female vampire, works well and carries tentative threads of connection back to Aliens.

Oddities takes the reader and hurtles them into a mind-boggling vortex of dark delights. I am beyond curious and a little fearful to see what this innovative and unconventional writer produces next. Well worth a look.