While the scars of the pandemic haven’t fully manifest themselves yet, there are examples such as Isolation which really hit to the core of feelings many experienced during the height of its grip on the world.
Edited by Dan Coxon, this collection of 20 stories are richly diverse whilst also describing a form of isolation.
As with all anthologies, it is a mixed bag, with some stories more gripping than others but as with all literature, the perspective is entirely the readers.
Highlights include the chilling story The Snow Child from Alison Lightwood plus Mark Morris’ Friends for Life, which sees a lonely man who recently lost his mother get more than her bargained for in a social group.
Chikodili Emelumadu’s How We Are, is a fresh and diverse story which explores a different culture with some horrific elements.
Jaunt from Ken Liu really does prey on the anxiety’s of the pandemic and is dripping with social commentary.
Owl Goingback’s Full Blood, like How We Are is a richly engrossing tale from Native American folklore, which is aching to be adapted in a full book itself.
Isolation finishes strong with Tim Lebbon’s Across the Bridge, which again showcases him as one of the best new horror writers around today.
There really is something in here for everyone, just prepared in parts for subjects that will really hit a nerve.
Isolation, edited by Dan Coxon is available now from Titan Books.
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