Review: Graven Images by Paul Fleischman

Well, this one was a surprise. I’d completely forgotten I had this one. The only reason I did have it was because some months ago I had to mooch an extra book with one I was wanting for the sender to post it overseas, when it arrived it went straight back on bookmooch, on the shelves, and that, was that.

Then, over the weekend I was sorting out some more books to list, and ‘discovered’ this one again, thinking it’d work perfectly for the RIP IV challenges I decided to give it ago, and I’m pleased I did, because it was a delightful book.

Featuring just three short stories involving “graven images”, it’s a extremely quick but worthwhile read.

The Binnacle Boy: The only ‘survivor’ from a ship whose crew all died in mysterious circumstances in placed in the town square upon the ship’s return. What secrets will the townsfolk whisper in it’s ear?

Saint Crispin’s Follower: Is a more comical tale, following a young shoemaker’s apprentice, who interprets the movements of the broken weathervane on the roof of where he works, as guidance in love, from his patron saint.

The Man of Influence: A talented but desperate sculpture, receives a commission from a highly unlikely source, something about the job makes the sculptor uncomfortable. What dark secrets will the statue reveal?

A wonderful little find on the bookshelves.

[rating:3.5/5]