Blank Pages and Other Stories

MacLaverty locates the precise point where life bleeds into art, and art into life...like the best writers through the ages, he is confident and questioning, engaged and wise. -- Hilary Mantel This fine collection reaffirms MacLaverty's place among the greatest short story writers of his generation. * Observer * I can't think of another living writer whose attention to the small acts and seemingly inconsequential details of our lives unlocks so much emotional truth. -- Carys Davies Each new collection is its own rare gift - and one to be savoured. * Sunday Times * A stunning achievement. Bernard MacLaverty is undoubtedly one of the finest and most gifted writers at work today, and in terms of the short story he has no better -- Billy O'Callaghan Masterly -- Ian Rankin Short stories come in all shapes and sizes... There are the stories which are essentially tales... Others are atmospheric pieces... Bernard MacLaverty is a master of the second sort of story...I can't think of anyone who does it better... There is not a dud in this collection. Each story demands the reader's close attention. Each invites a second reading which in every case will deepen one's understanding...by shedding a sympathetic light on difficult moments in people's lives, he enriches our experience of each other. -- Allan Massie * Scotsman * Few write stories with such emotional clarity as this Booker-shortlisted son of Belfast. * i * MacLaverty's real skill lies in creating atmosphere, in presenting images that last in the mind more than incidental details of plot... these are stories that must be listened to carefully to catch their deafening boom. -- Zoe Apostolides * Financial Times * MacLaverty... is a matchless observer of human details both trivial...and significant. -- John Self * Guardian *