Stories That Will Capture Your Heart

The focus of this blog is Leonbergers but sometimes I post about books that are not about Leonbergers but that I want to promote. Well, I read another book that I loved, so this is another one of those. I am reviewing and promoting a wonderful collection of short stories and poems called The Storyteller Speaks: Powerful Stories to Win Your Heart by Annika Perry. I bought the paperback version.

The front cover is in blue and white and features a woman blowing on a dandelion. In the background there are stars on a dark blue sky.
Front cover of The Storyteller Speaks by Annika Perry. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback.

Amazon’s description of the book

It only takes one event to change a life. What is that action, decision, occurrence? Whose life is affected? Changed forever? In this eclectic mix of 21 short stories, flash fiction and poetry the pendulum swings between first love and murder, from soul-destroying grief to reconciliation. The tales veer from the sweet satisfaction of revenge to new beginnings, from heart-breaking miscarriages of justice to heart-warming Christmas misadventure. One common thread binds them all; the belief that there is no such thing as an ordinary life; they’re all extraordinary. Open your hearts and minds as The Storyteller Speaks.

Below is my review of The Storyteller Speaks by Annika Perry Click Here To See My Review On Amazon.

Captivating Stories for the Soul

This is a collection of 21 beautifully written stories as well as a few poems. Some of the stories depict the struggles and disappointments in life, some of them are tragic and sad, and some of them are uplifting and fun, but all of them are captivating stories centered on the unexpected in people’s lives. The author’s ability to portray emotions without using superlatives is remarkable. I could feel for and sympathize with the characters with ease. A few skillfully descriptive words were all that was needed. The author’s background is Swedish and since my background is Swedish many aspects of the stories felt familiar to me.

Many of the stories, perhaps all of them, are based on real events, sometimes taken from the author’s own life. I think the story that stayed with me the most was A Green Cage. It was about a woman who was wrong-fully convicted of murdering her children. The story depicted her emotions both very harrowingly and realistically just by stating the facts about what she felt. Another story that stayed with me was Sofia, a story about a tragedy occurring at the zoo. It depicted the dire consequences of thoughtless teenage antics as well as love and bravery going overboard. People do stupid things that can turn a fun day into death. The first story, Biding her Time, is a beautiful love story, which I believe was about the love story of her grandfather and grandmother. The last story, “The Loss of a Patriarch”, is a beautiful tribute to her late grandfather.

It is a very enjoyable and unforgettable collection of stories that is masterfully written. I loved reading it and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in reading short stories.

The back cover is in blue and white and features the backside of the head of the woman blowing on a dandelion. Again, with stars on a dark blue background in the background.
Back cover of The Storyteller Speaks by Annika Perry. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the kindle version.

About the Author

Photo of Annika Perry author of The Storyteller Speaks.

Annika Perry is a full-time writer, blogger and book reviewer. She was born in Gothenburg, Sweden and raised near Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Annika received her BA Honours Degree in German Language and Literature from the University of Leeds.

Her initial employment was as a journalist followed by many years as an agent in the timber trade. She was awarded first prize in Writing Magazine’s Short Story Competition in 2014 and also shortlisted in an Ink Tears Short Fiction Contest. “The Storyteller Speaks”, a collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry, was her debut book. “Oskar’s Quest”, a beautifully illustrated and enchanting children’s story, is her second published book. Annika Perry lives with her family in a small village in North Essex, England.

Connect with Annika via:

Author Website / Blog:

Twitter:

Goodreads:

Linkedin:

Unknown's avatar

Author: thomasstigwikman

My name is Thomas Wikman. I am a software/robotics engineer with a background in physics. I am currently retired. I took early retirement. I am a dog lover, and especially a Leonberger lover, a home brewer, craft beer enthusiast, I’m learning French, and I am an avid reader. I live in Dallas, Texas, but I am originally from Sweden. I am married to Claudia, and we have three children. I have two blogs. The first feature the crazy adventures of our Leonberger Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle as well as information on Leonbergers. The second blog, superfactful, feature information and facts I think are very interesting. With this blog I would like to create a list of facts that are accepted as true among the experts of the field and yet disputed amongst the public or highly surprising. These facts are special and in lieu of a better word I call them super-facts.

61 thoughts on “Stories That Will Capture Your Heart”

    2. Jacqui, thank you so much – that means a lot to me! I’ve always been writing and don’t seem able to stop! 😀 Thomas’s review is wonderful, so in-depth and thoughtful- such a great surprise!

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    2. Denise, I’m overjoyed with Thomas’s lovely review and in many ways I think reviewing a short story book is more tricky than novels! He’s a superlative and insightful reviewer! I’m so happy this has intrigued you and added it to your list. Enjoy if you have a chance to read it. Many thanks.

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  4. Wow! Thomas, what a lovely surprise to see your wonderful review of my book here. I love your insight into the stories and I’m touched by your words regarding my writing. Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to review! 🙏 😃

    I’m currently in Northern Scotland at a big family wedding but back next week and will reblog then.

    Tusen tack igen.

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    1. Thank you so much Annika. I am just about done having Covid and I was reading your book while resting in bed and it was a great pleasure. I loved the beautiful stories and they took my mind of my isolation. It made the ordeal so much easier. Have a wonderful time in northern Scotland (I’ve never been to Scotland).

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    2. Robbie, it was a wonderful surprise to read Thomas’s amazing and insightful review and I feel honoured that The Storyteller Speaks is featured here! You were indeed among the first the review it and over the moon you loved the book! Thank you so much!

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    2. Dawn, absolutely! 😀 I had to remind myself that Thomas was writing about my book!! 😀 His reviews are always superb and I am deeply touched about his in-depth and incisive thoughts about The Storyteller Speaks!

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    2. Pooja, I agree, Thomas is a terrific book reviewer and I’m delighted and honoured with his wonderful thoughts about my book here! So glad you’re keeping The Storyteller Speaks in mind – thank you so much! 🙏😀

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    2. Patricia, first, bless you for your lovely words about the stories on my blog! 😊 I’ve always been writing and it is a joy to share them both on my blog and in books too!

      I love your description of Thomas’s review here as alluring – he has a gift for writing and it means so much how he has reached into the heart and essence of the tales within The Storyteller Speaks.

      I’m thrilled that you are tempted to pick up a copy of my book. Enjoy if it you have a chance to read it!

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  9. Thomas, it is with great pleasure I read your review of Annika’s book “ The Storyteller Speaks”.
    I love the clarity and involvement in your writing and feel you give wings to the stories again. I have read the book myself and my feelings are very close to yours.
    like you I highly recommend it to all readers.
    By the way , I am Swedish too and live in England. I thought you must have Swedish heritage with a name like Wikman.
    Miriam

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    1. Thank you so much Miriam for your kind words. Yes Annika wrote a great book. Like you guess I am from Sweden. I am from Örnsköldsvik but I live in Dallas, Texas. I speak Swedish, my native language, if you prefer that. Pleased to meet you.

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      1. I come from Göteborgs skärgård which is very beautiful. As is Örnsköldsvik which I visited a few times. Stunning area.

        it would be fun to use Swedish too but it would cut us if from all other friends here both in Texas and England. 😊. Ha det så gott.

        Miriamq

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    2. I certainly would like to visit Göteborgs skärgård. I’ve heard so much about it but I rarely made it that far south while I still lived in Sweden. My childhood’s best friend lives in Gothenburg but I’ve never visited him since he moved there. You are right about using Swedish.

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    3. Miriam, in everything you write I feel your poetry and that same is here in your beautiful comment! Thomas has indeed given myself and my book such a boost, or as your describe so beautifully here: ‘you give wings to the stories again.’ Just so and I am deeply grateful.

      It is spine-tingling when a reader/reviewer reaches into the heart of a book; Thomas exceptional review does just that as did your review too, Miriam, which I think was one of the very first. Many thanks for all your support over the years! ❤️

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    2. Debby, I know that feeling of ‘drowning’ Kindles but so happy The Storyteller Speaks is making its way upwards! I so hope you enjoy it when / if you have a chance to read it, my friend. Hugs xx 💕

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  13. Keep up the good work Thomas. It must be quite rewarding to write these reviews and turn a few people onto an author whose work you love. I’m sure you are soon going to build up quite the library of reviews over the coming years.

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    2. Thomas’s reviews are fantastic and I am honoured with his thoughtful and detailed review of my book here. Thank you so much for adding The Storyteller Speaks to your TBR and enjoy if you have a chance to read it! Cheers, Annika

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