2006-05-20 · in Books · 107 words

Some recent email reminded me that I'd had this collection of Russell's short stories on my incoming bookshelf for a while. I'd already read a few of the stories elsewhere, but those I hadn't already encountered are of equally high quality: Russell has an equally deft touch when writing really silly comedy ("Allamagoosa", "Study In Still Life", and especially "Into Your Tent I'll Creep") and moving speculative fiction ("I Am Nothing", "Dear Devil" and "Late Night Final" being my favourites here). I'm curious as to whether Terry Pratchett has read "Hobbyist", since it bears some striking similarities to bits of "The Last Continent". Highly recommended.