📘 "A Song for Wildcats" by Caitlin Galway
I love finding new books I enjoy because of my Masto feed! This is an example of one. It's a short story collection that consists of five stories that are on the longer side.
The writing is very lyrical. At first I feared that it wasn't for me, but after giving myself some pages to learn to float along in the river that is this writing style, I was engrossed. I could easily picture every scene. Some of the similes were so unique yet fitting that I had to look up and let it sink in for a while, thinking: yes, that's exactly it, that's a perfect description.
Every story is about a completely different protagonist, in a different part of the world, in a different decade! How does an author have that much range in her writing? I think that's so impressive. I really enjoyed the variety in settings.
As much as these tales differ from each other, they also have overlap in themes. What sprang out to me the most was resilience after trauma, and learning to trust enough to form a bond with someone closely (whether that be a friend, a family member or a potential romantic partner). Opening a door that was rightfully closed to let someone in again. Accepting how incredibly difficult that can be, even just to trust yourself with that process.
If I had to pick a favorite, I'd go for the second story (called Heatstroke). I liked all of the stories though, even when the angst got to be a little too much for me personally, haha. I hope the author will bring out another collection in the future.
