Kate Atkinson is one of my all time favourite authors and will buy everything she writes. Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity of reading Normal Rules Don't Apply prior to its publication date. This is not the first Atkinson short story collection that I have read and although, not normally a fan, these were very cleverly & creatively tied together - 11 interconnected stories with some more puzzling than others and with some more fun than others, but for me, they worked well. I particularly enjoyed the stories that were linked by Franklin; he is such a likeable character, another one that Atkinson has acutely observed. A really enjoyable, witty, wise & delightful set of stories. Thank you.

I don't usually like short stories - I find that they draw you in and then drop you just as you start the care about the characters. But this wonderful collection of 11 short stories by Kate Atkinson is partially interconnected, so there's a thread keeping you emotionally involved throughout. The stories are quirky, magical, and entertaining, and although I wanted some of them to go on for longer, they're each a little treat to enjoy. Kate Atkinson seems to have converted me to short stories! With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

*I received a free preview copy of this book from NetGalley* I love Kate Atkinson’s writing so this quirky collection of short stories was a good way to tide me over until her next novel. These interlinked short stories have her trademark wit and many are set in Yorkshire. She takes a dark look at fairy tales, families and society, with several interesting twists - including talking animals, betrayals, and an apocalyptic event. Her characters range from a recently deceased woman, a child’s toys to a woman with the power to create the world anew (more difficult than one might think). The main recurring character, Franklin, receives a racing tip from a surprising source as he reminisces about his difficult childhood and goes on to meet his new girlfriend’s family. I enjoyed these intelligent, original stories that often left me questioning what I’d just read.

Normal Rules Don't Apply is a book of short stories, some of which are very cleverly linked together. It's quirky and fun and very easy to read. Highly recommend you give it a try. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this delightful book.

I generally like long historical novels. This time I thought I would read this series of short stories, but unfortunately found them confusing and not to be very interesting.