Review by meadhbh -- A Second, Less Capable Head

meadhbh · Post by **meadhbh** » 04 Jul 2018, 00:32

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Second, Less Capable Head" by James Hanna.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

A Second, Less Capable, Head is a short story collection by James Hanna that contains 19 tales, ranging from bizarre to grotesque. They cover a wide variety of subject matter, with many employing elements of magic realism. For me, the common thread was how each story made me think, made me slightly uncomfortable, and lingered with me long after I put the book down.

Hanna draws extensively on his experience as a prison counsellor and probation officer, as well as time spent in Australia, to populate his stories with a host of odd and often dangerous characters. A number of characters are probation officers themselves, and we witness the various unsavoury people they interact with. Although not always explicitly stated, many of the characters suffer from mental illnesses or psychoses, and Hanna expertly captures the way they view the world. There is often also a layer of social commentary, such as in the hilarious ‘Fruits,’ where a woman learns horrifying things about a man she met online but decides to marry him anyway.

What really appeals to me about Hanna’s writing is how he deals with serious topics in such an engaging way. The collection is never boring or heavy, and this is largely due to his straightforward writing style. Everything is relayed in a very matter-of-fact way that makes occurrences like the titular second head sprouting from someone’s neck seem entirely mundane. He also manages to portray characters’ reasoning as entirely logical, even in situations where you know it’s not really. You really get the feeling that he understands the minds of the characters he writes.

My personal favourite story is ‘The Guest,’ which tells the story of an alien race of tiny women, and a family that has decided to adopt one of them. I loved the odd habits and preferences of the little woman, as well as seeing the relationship develop between her and the family. It also has a very fun, silly ending which I liked a lot. ‘Honey Bunny’ does also get an honourable mention, as I think it’s told from a really fascinating point of view. All the stories are unique in their own way, however, and there isn’t a single one I didn’t enjoy.

I would give this book 4 out of 4 stars. I love short stories, especially those with a twist and this collection ticks that box perfectly. I would especially recommend it for anyone who is a fan of Roald Dahl’s short story collections. This book is definitely not for children, as some of the descriptions and themes are quite adult.

******
A Second, Less Capable Head
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like meadhbh's review? Post a comment saying so!

Bonnie Shelby · Post by **Bonnie Shelby** » 05 Jul 2018, 09:15

Awesome review. Sounds like a fascinating and unique book. The way you described has left my interest piqued - I may have to check it out!

JR Mercier · Post by **JR Mercier** » 05 Jul 2018, 10:39

Oooh this book. I NEED to read it. I've read a few reviews on this book and the writer's writing style sounds so unique. Loved your review!

meadhbh · Post by **meadhbh** » 05 Jul 2018, 19:55

JR Mercier wrote: ↑05 Jul 2018, 10:39 Oooh this book. I NEED to read it. I've read a few reviews on this book and the writer's writing style sounds so unique. Loved your review!

He definitely does have a very unique style. I read the first story and a half when it was book of the day and I was hooked, so I jumped at a chance to review it.

Helen_Combe · Post by **Helen_Combe** » 05 Jul 2018, 21:26

Great review. I read one of the stories in the Amazon sample and loved it. I’m glad the rest of the book was as good.

Dael Reader · Post by **Dael Reader** » 06 Jul 2018, 19:41

I read and reviewed this one a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling! I think the title story and {i]Exposed{/i] were my favorites. Nice review.