Description

Book Synopsis

A Nobel laureate struggles to write a convincing suicide note; a hobo sings of hope in the darkest hours after the Grenfell disaster; in a strange post-death waiting room, Anna Karenina and Emma Bovary exchange confidences, and a scientist finally discovers the appalling truth about a boyhood friendship. Unpredictable, haunting, with a streak of black humour, this collection ranges across the world, from Petersburg to Guyana, Syria to London, Argentina to Edinburgh. Its diverse characters are caught up in wars or revolution, escaping the past or finally returning to confront it.



Trade Review

‘In this virtuoso performance, Pauline Melville shows us a world in upheaval, and reminds us that that’s where we live.’


A collection of 14 brilliant, diverse and utterly intriguing short stories, laced through with dark humour.

* The Herald *

Darkly funny, these stories are political and bold, refusing to shy away from dictators, occupations or revolutions.

* Mslexia *

Terrific read beautifully written.


AMAZING.


I enjoyed this short story collection, though can't put my finger on exactly why. Well worth a read.


Fresh and totally absorbing... The perfect read for yet another globally turbulent summer.

* Ancient to Future *

A compelling and unique short story collection.

* readers_retreat *

The Master of Chaos and Other Fables

    Product form

    £13.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £14.99 – you save £1.50 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Mon 29 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by Pauline Melville

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Master of Chaos and Other Fables by Pauline Melville

      Publisher: Sandstone Press Ltd
      Publication Date: 01/07/2021
      ISBN13: 9781913207540, 978-1913207540
      ISBN10: 1913207544

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A Nobel laureate struggles to write a convincing suicide note; a hobo sings of hope in the darkest hours after the Grenfell disaster; in a strange post-death waiting room, Anna Karenina and Emma Bovary exchange confidences, and a scientist finally discovers the appalling truth about a boyhood friendship. Unpredictable, haunting, with a streak of black humour, this collection ranges across the world, from Petersburg to Guyana, Syria to London, Argentina to Edinburgh. Its diverse characters are caught up in wars or revolution, escaping the past or finally returning to confront it.



      Trade Review

      ‘In this virtuoso performance, Pauline Melville shows us a world in upheaval, and reminds us that that’s where we live.’


      A collection of 14 brilliant, diverse and utterly intriguing short stories, laced through with dark humour.

      * The Herald *

      Darkly funny, these stories are political and bold, refusing to shy away from dictators, occupations or revolutions.

      * Mslexia *

      Terrific read beautifully written.


      AMAZING.


      I enjoyed this short story collection, though can't put my finger on exactly why. Well worth a read.


      Fresh and totally absorbing... The perfect read for yet another globally turbulent summer.

      * Ancient to Future *

      A compelling and unique short story collection.

      * readers_retreat *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account