The stories in this slim volume are well-written and evocative -- but they left me with an empty feeling. The sadness that pervades all of them was one that was -- at least in my mind -- never resolved. Each of these tales gives the reader an aptly drawn portrait of someone in emotional turmoil and pain, at a turning point in their life, or looking back at a particularly traumatic episode -- but none of them really offer and resolution or conclusion. Gunn's descripitive powers are strong -- she accomplishes a lot in this regard with a minimum of words. As a result, most of the stories brought to mind rough sketches by an artist -- with the reader left to imagine the fuller details.

I was left in most cases wondering what would happen to the characters from this point onward -- and for affecting me that deeply I gave the book four stars. I'm curious to check out one of her novels.

As is apparent through her first two novels, Kirsty Gunn is a beautiful manipulater of the narrative line. Her first novel, _Rain_, utilized beautiful narration, decription, and voice. Her second novel, _The Keepsake_, was mesmerizing in the use of theme and deep mood. Now, in this collection of short stories, Gunn has truly established herself as an important voice in contemporary fiction. The stories are set in the place of Gunn's childhood; like the early 20th century master of the short story Katherine Mansfield, Gunn hails from New Zealand. Without summarizing individual stories, it is safe to review this book by saying that it genuinely affects the reader; one cannot read this book without feeling strangely moved. Gunn's narrative technique and subtle use of theme are those of a master.

Under a hundred pages, but full of emotion and at times beautiful writing. You get a strong feeling for each of the characters and though certain events are fairly obviously foreshadowed, the time when the truth comes out is still quite powerful. Near the end I was actually uncomfortable with what was happening, cringing at what was happening, it isn't very often that I feel anything for characters in a book, but Gunn's writing brings them out and makes it easy it identify with the them, and no more so than in the more difficult moments. A good book, well worth the 3-5 hours it may take to read.

THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ. IT'S THE KIND OF BOOK THAT PULLS YOU INTO A WHOLE OTHER WORLD WHERE YOU FORGET YOUR LIFE WHILE YOU ARE READING. THE WRITING IS SIMPLY AMAZING. I READ THIS BOOK ALL IN ONE SITTING. WHEN I FINISHED IT I SAT THERE HOLDING THE BOOK NOT WANTING TO COME BACK TO REALITY.

I read this book in one sitting, and have re-read it several times. Ms Gunn has such control over the novella form that successive re-readings become more enjoyable. Her narrator is almost perfectly realized

Kirsty Gunn's Featherstone is a beautiful and evocative novel that is to be read more for the writing than the story itself. There are some wonderful novels that don't have much of a plot in there and Featherstone is one of them. If you like plot-filled novels, perhaps this one is not for you. If, however, you derive pleasure from pure, wonderful writing, give Featherstone a try. The novel opens as Sonny, an elderly gentleman from the town of Featherstone, is out gardening and believes he sees his niece Francie before him for a brief moment. Francie left town years ago, in search of greener pastures, more exciting times. Over the course of the weekend, the rumor of Francie spreads through the town and ultimately has an effect on people who never knew her. The writing here is just beautiful. There is a passage where Gunn describes the town as daybreak hits that is one of the better pieces of evocative writing I've read in a while. Featherstone is an enjoyable novel, a little short on plotting, but quite strong on writing. Enjoy.

I bought this book blindly after completely enjoying "Rain". Ms. Gunn's removed, "just the facts" writing style in this book works to pull you in somewhat, but it's all just smoke and mirrors, a game to get you to almost believe that "this" is okay.

Yes, children often revisit the sins of their parents, but do we have to go this far?

I'm almost not sure what to make of this novel. It is, ostensibly, about a young girl's journey to adulthood under the influence of a mother who only partially exists in the real world. Her father is absent, although she hears much about him, and some of it may be true. The girl's narration shifts from her present to her mother's past until they seem to become one, the implication being that she is travelling down the same road as her mother once did.

Gunn's prose is beautiful, almost verging on poetry. While this style struck a perfect balance in her previous masterpiece, RAIN, it's well out of control here. She is deliberately vague throughout, and it's detrimental to the storytelling. She also tends to belabor scenes endlessly. When you read fifty pages, you should feel that the story has progressed in some fashion.

By the time the book reached its shocking, violent climax, I felt lost. Perhaps I didn't grasp what was truly happening -- like a dream, it feels only just out of reach.

I agree completely with the previous reviewer that stated that they were not sure they "enjoyed" this book. However, it was extremely well-written in an enchanting, dream-like style. It lulls you in and then bangs you over the head with it's subject matter of abuse, confinement, imprisonment, rape, torture and drug-use. Not comfortable subject matter, but is life always comfortable and happy? I don't think any author today is as powerful as Kirsty Gunn to make such an ugly and horribly macabre story so compelling and interesting. Isn't that what good authors do? They seduce you by excellent writing to visit another world, completely different and unique and yes, horrible to fathom.

I preferred Rain, Gunn's first novel. Rain was also a painful, but well-written read about an uncomfortable subject matter. I find her writing poetic and beautiful and yes, carthritic. An amzazing talent and two truly hypnotic novels: The Keepsake and Rain. Don't miss either novel from this extraordianaryly talented young muse.