Truth or Dare: and Other Stories (Paperback)
Nadia Kabir Barb (author)Published: 26/07/2023
'Right now, someone else's life was in his hands. He couldn't say whether it was a few seconds or minutes that they both stood staring at each other, but he had never been so scared in his life.'
In Truth or Dare we follow, spell-bound, as chance encounters bring violent pasts roaring into the present; we wait on tenterhooks as a woman sits by her husband's hospital bed as both their lives hang in the balance; we watch anxiously as a homeless man begs a woman with her life and career stretching ahead of her not to jump to her death.
By turns comedic, heart-wrenching and moving, these stories paint powerful pictures of pain, love and empathy, and celebrate the power we have over one another. From the rain-soaked waterways of London to the bustling streets of Dhaka, Truth or Dare is a stunning collection that spans two continents and sees the best and worst in both.
Publisher: Renard Press Ltd
ISBN: 9781804470589
Number of pages: 208
Dimensions: 129 x 198 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'A powerful and riveting collection that will have you turning the pages until you've devoured every last word… to be cherished and savoured.' - Awais Khan, author of No Honour
'These stories draw you in, hold you, speak to you, tell you secrets, and show you worlds, and then let you go at just that point when you can't stop thinking about them. Each one is a journey, each story a gem. Short fiction has a new torchbearer in Nadia Kabir Barb and this remarkable debut is just the beginning, I hope.' - Nadeem Zaman, author of The Inheritors
'Nadia Kabir Barb writes with compassion and imagination about her characters, who are varied and richly drawn. She keeps the reader close to the stories, allowing us to experience their anguish, fears and joys on an intimate level.' - Sharbari Z. Ahmed, author of Dust Under Her Feet
'Effortlessly switching between London and Dhaka, Nadia Kabir Barb's humanity shines through in this tender and diverse collection.' - Bee Rowlatt, author of One Woman Crime Wave
'The writer's wonderfully crafted language and commendable flair make the characters' emotions, their dreams, their fears, their disappointments, etc., recognisable and easy to empathise with. The plots are refreshingly different. The soul-stirring narrations as one engaging story follows another makes Truth or Dare a very worthwhile read. As we finish reading each story, we feel that we understand a little more about human nature, even though we experience a sense of loss at the same time.' - The Asian Age
'Sharply observed and vivid in detail, Nadia Kabir Barb's stories lay bare the poignant, the powerful, the traumatic moments on which our lives turn. These delicate, penetrating vignettes are glimpses that encapsulate a greater whole. Hers is a memorable short fiction debut.' - Steven J. Fowler, author of The Guide to Being Bear Aware
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“Must read.”
I would recommend this book as I could not put it down, it’s got so many lovely stories, thought provoking with a poignant and cheerful aspect. Each stories transport you to different places and settings.
“A must read, can’t put it down from start to finish”
Truth or Dare is a captivating and thought-provoking book that left me spellbound from beginning to end. The author takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions through a series of chance encounters, where violent pasts... More
“Wonderful collection of short stories”
Eighteen short stories written by Nadia Kabir Barb - each one different and all beautifully written. You are transported to two different parts of the world, London and Dhaka, meeting different characters facing... More
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