A thought provoking collection

Short stories are something I've been getting into more recently, and this collection of eleven stories from a single author is definitely thought provoking and hard hitting. The cover image suggests the reader is in for a challenging experience, with the red and black and almost gothic image connotating the atmosphere author Andrew Chatora is going for, and the use of the term 'gritty' on the cover underlines this. The title, Inside Harare Alcatraz and Other Short Stories, makes us want to read more and find out who this person is, and the location of the stories, exploring class and race in Britain and Zimbabwe, suggests Chatora is borrowing from his own life experiences when it comes to the plots and themes of the stories. With excellent prose, it is a collection that will leave the reader feeling a range of emotions by the end, and is far from an easy or cosy read, but more of a though provoking one that will make the reader think. A seller job from the author.