Review by Samuel Waragu -- A Second, Less Capable Head

[Waragu Samuel]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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I have never visited a prison, a jail or a similar institution but having read A Second, Less Capable, Head and Other Rogue Stories, I am now knowledgeable on these matters. A Second, Less Capable, Head and Other Rogue Stories, is an anthology of nineteen short stories by James Hanna published by the Sand Hill Press in 2017. Although the presentation of these stories is fictional, circumstances as witnessed first-hand by the author’s more than two decades career in the criminal justice departments inspired their creation.


In writing an introduction to these stories, John M. Gist, says; “I am of the school that writing should speak for itself. Readers do not require commentators to interpret stories for them.” I cannot agree more. A reader can differentiate between well-written books from poorly written ones. After interacting with the nineteen stories, I dare to say that James Hanna has produced a masterpiece. The themes are great and relevant to this age and time.


The first story, A Second Less Capable Head, which is also the title of the book, explores some possibilities in the fields of science and medicine – man growing another head. The story is so much satirical. We learn that Alf, a less capable auxiliary head, is growing next to the real head of Virgil Ploughright. As you read more, a reader discovers that there are many similar heads across America. The excuses that the government gives for the thriving of these heads and consequently for the need to preserve them leave so many questions than answers.


Reading the other stories, you encounter all manner of societal vices in plenty. These vices include domestic violence, rape, murder, insults and sexual perversions. Other issues that are prevalent include: media and media ethics, religion and role of religion, governance, the role of women in society, justice system and emptiness of life.


The story ‘Another Will Take Your Place’ interested me most. The author played with words in an interesting manner. The story was irresistible.


There are two setbacks in this book. The first one is about the erotic scenes and conversations, which are described vividly in some of the stories such as ‘Honey Bunny’ limiting the book to adults only. The second one concerns the ending of some stories, which is so abrupt. In the story ‘Exposed’, readers are left speculating what might have happened to Olie. When Virgil Ploughright’s real head is chopped off instead of Alf – the impostor head, the author chooses to keep quiet and end the story without any warning. This is unjust.


The grammatical errors were very few and did not affect the greatness of these stories. I am rating this book 4 out of 4 stars for the prowess exhibited in exposing societal vices.

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A Second, Less Capable Head
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Like Samuel Waragu's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Dael Reader]

I loved the stories in this book for their unexpected twists and dark humor. I think your review is spot on.

[Waragu Samuel]

I loved the stories in this book for their unexpected twists and dark humor. I think your review is spot on.

Dael, you are most welcome and thanks for your compliment. The stories are worth reading.

[Ekta Kumari]

Insightful review. Interesting book. I like that there is mention of so many societal vices in the stories. I think the author has tried to mystify the ending of some stories to make it fascinating for the reader. Your review has piqued my interest for this book.

[Waragu Samuel]

Insightful review. Interesting book. I like that there is mention of so many societal vices in the stories. I think the author has tried to mystify the ending of some stories to make it fascinating for the reader. Your review has piqued my interest for this book.

Thanks a lot. I am glad that in one way or another, your interest in this anthology has increased. Thanks and welcome.

[Book Lover 35]

Interesting book. I am curious about the stories. As long as most of them have a good ending. Thank you for the review!