Book Review: Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson

Rating: 4.5⭐

Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson is a remarkable collection of loosely connected short stories featuring a cast of interesting characters (enchanted and otherwise) combining elements of speculative fiction, surrealism, mystery, fantasy and folklore, humor, drama and much more. These stories revolve around themes ranging from dystopian, evolution and conservation of our planet and its resources, the human condition and life choices , accountability and consequences, family and motherhood, among others.

The collection begins with a story of an apocalyptic event that selectively affects humans and other living species (Void). A vicar’s daughter’s questions about and fairy tale about lost fairy queens and princesses might lead to some surprising revelations (Spellbound). A deceased woman reflects over her life , marriage and her previous assumptions of the afterlife much more while trying to recall how she met her end in Blithe Spirit. A middle-aged divorcee lamenting over missed chances and the growing distance with her adult children as she struggles to find a sense of purpose finds herself in an unexpected situation in Shine, Pamela! Shine! . The fate of a young girl’s toys hangs in the balance as the owner’s family experiences much upheaval in their lives in Existential: Marginalization. In Puppies and Rainbows, we meet a Hollywood movie star whose new romance with a high-profile individual might not be the solution to all her problems. An advertising professional’s divine responsibilities prove to be much more stressful than her day job in Gene-sis. More than one story revolves around Frank (Dogs in Jeopardy, The Indiscreet Charm: of the Bourgeoisie, Classic Quest 17 - Crime and Punishment) , a television producer, as he navigates his early struggles, career highs, his love life and some encounters with some very interesting characters, to say the least. Several threads from other stories intersect in the final story , What-If.

Witty and humorous, fantastical and chilling yet wise and thought-provoking, author Kate Atkinson’s sharp writing and masterful storytelling render this an immensely enjoyable read.

Given the nature of the overlap in the stories and the recurring characters whose arcs are stretched over more than one story, I am not rating each of the stories separately as I usually do. However, I will mention that my favorites in the collection were The Void, Spellbound, Classic Quest 17 - Crime and Punishment and What-If.

Finally, I love that cover!

Many thanks to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.