Review of Deadman and Other Tales of the Irreal

[Emily_Jen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Deadman and Other Tales of the Irreal" by Daniel Tierney.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Deadman and Other Tales of the Irreal by Daniel Tierney is a collection of short stories. In the first story, an assassin called Anderson completes his latest hit and leaves no trace of his presence. He then boards a bus back home to his wife and dog. What would he find on the bus? What would he find in his apartment? How would he react to his findings? In the last story, Jessie’s shadow makes contact with him. After a while, Jessie begins to understand that his shadow is becoming fleshed out. What would happen to Jessie if his shadow completes its firming and looks exactly like him? Read this novel to find answers to the previous questions and more that would arise from other stories in between.

“What just happened?” is the question that would linger in your mind long after you finish reading each story. I like how the author told different stories that would make the reader’s mind run wild. For example, when I read a story called An Imperial Decree, I began to imagine what would happen if people were asked a yes/no question, with their responses determining their fates. Also, I like how the author reveals a lot of information at the beginning of each story to get readers familiar with the theme and setting early on.

My favorite story in the novel is called Nightmare Nurse. Several themes were explored in the story, but I appreciated how the author showed how terrible events in our childhood could lead to mental problems in the future. Another story I enjoyed was Shadow Play. I kept on asking myself, “what if my shadow can take a form of its own and do so at my own expense?” Tierney, in my opinion, has written a book that may seem like fiction but contains the full texture of reality. As a result, I have come to understand what “irreality” means.

Additionally, I liked how the author didn’t shy away from ending some of the stories on a negative note, where readers may feel sad in learning about the demise of certain characters. It was also pleasing to see how the author did an excellent job with his choice of narrative style. He employed mainly a third-person narrative and switched to the first-person perspective when it was necessary. As a result, I was able to appreciate each story.

This book has some negative aspects, though. I found over ten errors in the text, which tells me that the publication isn’t professionally edited. However, there’s nothing else to dislike apart from the book’s editing. I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. The one-star deduction is a result of the poor editing. I didn’t rate this edition any less because I enjoyed it. The text contains major profane words, so sensitive readers should skip this book. That said, the novel is recommended to people who are interested in reading “irrealistic” stories. People who like abstract stories would also enjoy this one. Happy reading!

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Deadman and Other Tales of the Irreal
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[nwankwo chibuchi]

A collection of short stories will most definitely appeal to lovers of short stories. I love comprehensive stories so I’ll have to pass on this one.

[Elijah0007]

This is an enlightening review. I enjoy reading novels that make me think of different scenarios and how I would react in each case. I'm not sure having different short stories would be as intriguing, but I don't think it'll be boring either.

[Patty Allread]

Tierney, in my opinion, has written a book that may seem like fiction but contains the full texture of reality. As a result, I have come to understand what “irreality” means.

I love the way you put that--"the full texture of reality," and, you answered my question on what "irreality" was supposed to mean. This author sounds like a very skilled and creative writer. I would read the book despite the profanity. I hope he gets his book more thoroughly edited.

[Amy Luman]

I normally do not like short stories. They simply don’t give the reader enough time to become involved. Your review of this convinced me that I’d become interested in these.

[Aisha Yakub]

Sounds like a great read. Thank you for the feedback.

[Mmaduabuchi Eze]

I like the book's discourse about the mentally damaging effects of certain unpleasant childhood events. This is a call to a more conscious parenting.

[Ceeco2002]

I'm going to have to read this book to find out more about these short stories separately. Nice review!

[Mabosi paul brian]

Such a book with short stories greatly highlights on the main points in the book. Also, this book makes me remember certain sinarios ever happened in my life. I have to read it. Great review.

[Tendy567]

I loved how you kept your summary mysterious. I would love to see what Anderson finds on the bus. Great review!