Let Them Float: And Other Short Stories

by Katy Wimhurst, Alien Buddha (contributor)

In these short stories, Katy Wimhurst creates off-kilter worlds that illuminate our own. Apocalyptic rabbits invade a town. People overwhelmed by their lives float above an urban park. A woman turns transparent after a virus. The playful lens of magical realism is used to explore physical and mental illness and our fragile environment. Thought-provoking fiction with a good dose of whimsy.

112 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2023

Reviews

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 


Review for 'Let Them Float' by Katy Wimhurst. 


Read and reviewed for Katy Wimhurst, Alien Buddha Press and Zooloos Book Tours. 



Publication date 20th September 2023



This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last! 



This novel consists of 7 short stories and can be read story by story or devoured in one sitting which is what I did!!


I have never come across a book at all like this and it's uniqueness is definitely a huge bonus!! This book consists of 7 enchanting, unique, thought provoking, eclectic and definitely eccentric stories. One of the things I always enjoy about books of poems, short stories and compilations is that there is normally always something for everyone and even though you may not like some of the stories/poems there is normally several that you will enjoy and in this case I absolutely LOVED EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE!! The other bonus of books of short stories are that you can pick the book up throughout the day/s to pick and choose which story/stories you want to read that day or can read the whole book in one sitting. Each book is based on our world with real people but they all have a quirkiness, dystopian feel about them all at the same time. The majority of them also seem to have underlying messages in regards to some of the issues and illnesses that people tackle with on a daily basis such a mental health. I enjoyed each and every one of them for different reasons. My favourite of them all just had to be 'Duskers' though. This story talks about people in community fading and society ignoring them, treating them with disdain and generally as a dark side of society. However, as we read this story we understand that these 'duskers' are all just ordinary people who have the misfortune to all suffer with chronic and mental illnesses. However, because society can't see that anything is wrong with them they just attach a lazy label to them. This is sadly very true for today's modern world. I myself suffer with chronic pain but to look at me there is nothing wrong. However, on other days I cannot even move and I really connected with the duskers and seen many similarities into how I myself as well as others I know with chronic pain are treated and it really is quite sad that in a world that is so modern we are dismissed and even gaslit by doctors who are meant to be there to help. Anyway, I could talk about 'Duskers' all day but I don't want you to get too bored reading this so I will move on. My second favourite story has to be 'Let Them Float'. This story deals with a very similar concept but with people who end up floating above a park for one reason or another. These people have had alot of pressure, stress and more added to them in their realities of life but aren't getting the help they need so they break away from society by floating above them and going into a sort of limbo state where they go into themselves for a while. These people are judged just as much as the 'duskers' and even more so the 'Floaters' that have children who are deemed as bad parents. This is another story I can relate to because, as a parent myself and a mother of children with additional needs, you are made to feel like a bad person if you are struggling to cope and need a break. I was going to go into what I thought about the stories individually but I think I will have to wrap this up here due to the length of the review!!! Each of these fantastic stories will leave you thinking about them for a long time afterwards and shows the sad truth of how judgemental people can be. I have never come across a fictional book featuring chronic illness so I would like to thank Katy for including it in these stories and bringing awareness to others. The fact that Katy has either done her research or suffers with chronic illness herself absolutely shines through her words and she weaves the information into fantastical stories that are intriguing, mysterious and whimsical. Congratulations Katy on a fantastic book, for bringing awareness of chronic illnesses into the world in a fun way and for ensuring the details are factual. It is a pet hate of mine when authors don't research their topics and the book is then littered with errors that spoil the storyline unnecessarily. Katy's incredible writing talent absolutely shines through this book as she keeps the reader hooked with her absolutely fantastic imagination that I am very pleased she has chosen to share with her readers. Katy really is a truly entertaining and intelligent author with a great imagination and I'm looking forward to reading more books written by her!!! 


This has GOT to be one of favourite book of short stories of all times!!! Absolutely LOVED IT!!! Well done Katy on an absolutely amazing book!!! Welcome to my favourite author club and here is to your next GUARANTEED SUCCESS 🥂!!! 



Overall a unique, enchanting and absolutely brilliant book of short stories that will have you intrigued, absolutely hooked and thinking about it long after you have put it down!!! 



112 pages


This book is just £9.97 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! 


Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 


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[Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comprises an engaging collection of short stories that promises to captivate readers from beginning to end.
Within the pages of this book unfold seven distinct tales, each possessing a unique narrative that keeps readers in suspense, particularly in the case of the first story—the eponymous title that sets the tone for the entire collection. Initially, it seemed to traverse diverse paths, but the author adeptly weaved them together into a cohesive narrative.
The stories vary in length, offering a dynamic reading experience with some being concise and others more extensive. The language employed is simple and easy to follow, ensuring accessibility for readers of all preferences.
As my first read of this author's work, I was thoroughly impressed by the fluidity with which each story unfolded. While the narration may appear straightforward, I sensed underlying layers that added depth to the narrative.
The characters in these stories are remarkably relatable, as are the situations they navigate. This relatability facilitated a profound connection with the characters, enhancing the impact of the narrative.
In the grip of the storytelling, I found myself finishing off the book in a single sitting. A 4/5 star for this as a compelling read, and this book left me eager to explore the other works by the author.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't realised that this was a collection of short stories, so was pleasantly surprised as I was reading.

I loved that each story presented us with a strange 'other' kind of world - but one that so closely represented our own, that it was difficult to not make comparisons.

Each one also held within it, a social comment on the world as it is today. Bringing focus to otherwise hidden issues such as mental health, chronic illness, loss and even bigotry.

We were treated to a diverse range of characters (especially in let them float) - and although not all entirely likable, they all played their own important roles within the storylines.

This was so well written though, as although dealing with some sensitive topics and maybe even topics that some will find uncomfortable to face - there was also a lot of humour to be found through the characters, personalities and commentary.

A really enjoyable, super quick read that I flew through in one sitting.

[Patrice Gotting - #prdgreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Thoughts; I’ll be honest, I’m not normally a fan of short story collections, purely because I like a book you can get lost in and completely immerse yourself in its pages..

that being said, these stories were a powerful yet almost lighthearted representation of life, it’s unpredictabilities and the fragility of a persons health, both mental and physical.

They really make you stop and think about the characters and everything they’re going through.

In some parts I wanted to laugh, but try it didn’t really feel appropriate for the story and I was left feeling confused at the emotions that were being stirred up which doesn’t happen often!

A fun, magical collection of stories that could almost feel real if you suspend your belief enough!

[Claire Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read these short stories as the blurb sounded fascinating. I really enjoyed the idea of the floaters and trying to figure out why they were there and I was glad this was the longer story to add more detail. All the stories had some good plots to get you thinking. A lot of the endings I felt were open to the reader’s interpretation and ideas. I read this all in one sitting and very much enjoyed it!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Them Float by Katy Wimhurst.
This is a collection of short stories. Each story is different. I read this in one sitting. It was different. 4*.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let them float by Katy Wimhurst is a collection of short stories.
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. There was enough variety to keep me interested and the stories were interesting.
Each story took me to a different place, and was thought provoking and whimsy. Katy's writing is beautiful and flows along easily, making the stories easy to follow. A great collection of stories that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more by the author.
💖 Thank you to the author, Katy Wimhurst and @zooloobooktours for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah Boyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh. my. god. i enjoyed these short stories so so much. the main story of this book is ‘let them float’ which i thought was brilliant, thought provoking and took a look into mental health. i really enjoyed how the story was structured and how it usedthree different POVs.
Out of the other short stories, my favourite story by far was “dusker”. Part of the reason I wanted to read this book was that the author also has M.E, but i was not expecting a short story that was going to hit that close to home! It’s really hard to explain to people what it’s like living with M.E, but this story felt personal. It explored so many of the feelings that I feel on a day to day basis, I will definitely be getting the people close to me to read that one.

[Luna E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book. In these quirky stories, Wimhurst holds a deft line between humour and something darker. The title story is told from three points of view, each character successfully having their own distinctive voice. That people float above park is absurd and amusing. The story explores the mental health/mid-life crisis of a couple of female characters and examines the ableist attitudes/bigotry of a few male characters, too. As someone with a close relative with severe long covid, I was really touched by the core idea in ‘Duskers’. People with severe chronic post viral illness sadly do become invisible to many, friends and family. My favourite pieces were Bubble and Disillusioned by Mermaids.

[Paula Learmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of short stories. These stories are a mixture of magical and ones that we can relate to. I found 'Duskers' was so close to what a lot of people go through everyday, with chronic illness and trying to find someone that can understand just what it is like. I have chronic illness and like Helena in the book was gaslighted by the doctors. I also enjoyed 'Disillusioned by Mermaids', It was nice for a book to have stories about chronic illness as it's something that isn't spoken about as much as it should be, thank you for that.
There is a book that you can pick up and down. There is something for everyone.

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @zooBTours and Katy Wimhurst for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Let Them Float is a collection of short stories. Each story is enchanting, and they all stand out. I found Let them float to be enjoyable and a light read that will take you away from your world. The stories are written well, and Katy Wimhurst has great imagination skills that you can visualize in your head. Brilliant read and each story leaves you thinking which I love it when writer does that. A great read 5 stars.

[Zara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this book of short stories and after finishing it, I can’t say the tales were enjoyable a such because that would maybe be the wrong word to use…but…they really got me thinking about things, the last story especially got to me with the two pov’s. I personally felt that all the stories had a large mental health aspect and meaning to them, making them really interesting to read.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick disclaimer before I commence my review of Let Them Float: I know Katy Wimhurst a little, as we’re members of the same local writing group! That said, I wouldn’t have signed up to blog about her new book if I thought I’d struggle to review it for any reason.

I really enjoyed Katy’s previous short story collection, Snapshots of the Apocalypse, a couple of years ago, and Let Them Float is equally engaging and imaginative.

The seven stories, varying in length from two to 67 pages, are infused with the author’s trademark offbeat ideas, brilliant descriptions, and witty observations.

While many of the pieces in Let Them Float share its predecessor’s end-of-days vibe, I’d describe this book’s overarching theme as ‘dealing with the unexpected’.

Encounters range from the outlandish (floating people; extreme rabbit overpopulation; an unusual-looking bubble; Jesus turning up to help with the gardening; uncouth, down-at-heel mermaids) to the more prosaic, and their attendant absurdities (developing a chronic illness; caring for a relative with dementia).

The characters in each story respond in interesting, recognisable ways. These often elicit laughs, but also convey more weighty messages about human behaviour.

In the title story, for example, characters react to the phenomenon of people floating above trees in the park with, variously, anger and wanting to forcibly restore normality; curiosity and wonder; and sympathy and even a desire to join the “floaters” up there.

Different versions of these responses can be found throughout the book, and put me in mind of how some people saw covid as an opportunity for permanent, meaningful change (working from home, staying local, mutual aid, and online events opening up possibilities for wellbeing, sustainability, and equality of access), while others just wanted to get back to how things had been before as soon as possible, and unfortunately seem to have won.

The principal story also speaks to relateable feelings of discontentment and disappointment. It focuses on three women – Isla, Nadine, and Sheila – whose lives haven’t turned out as they hoped.

Each can see the appeal of going into neutral as a “floater”, at least for a bit, ahead of a period of renewal. The parallels with mental illness (particularly dissociation and disengagement) and recovery totally chimed with me.

In Duskers, meanwhile, the author shares her own experience of chronic illness in a creative and highly effective way. People affected by a post-viral syndrome become visibly transparent, yet they still can’t seem to get doctors and loved ones to understand that there really is something wrong, and it’s not just a case of “pushing through”.

There are also messages about grief for the lives you had and were envisioning; getting to know, adapting to, and accepting your new limitations; and finding community and solidarity.

Let Them Float is enjoyable, thought-provoking, and saturated with meaning.

[The Book Elf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing collection of short stories that, in some cases, has you looking at aspects of life in a different way. The Main story, Let Them Float , is a moving story about suddenly finding the ability to escape the reality that the characters find themselves in, by floating in another existence.

I found this a very powerful and thought provoking read. How many of us have found ourselves, at times, wishing we could just escape from it all into our own private world.

Let Them Float is the longest story in the collection and the rest of the book is made up of very short stories and I particularly liked Gardening with the Messiah , a story that has you reflecting on life after you have lost someone and how it is sometimes the small and seemingly insignificant aspects that you miss, such as just sitting in companionable silence with someone rather than just being on your own.

For me though, I found the last story Gone with the Gypsies the most poignant and moving short read. Those six pages, part told by Alan and part told by his mum, who is suffering from Alzheimer's , are some of the most powerful six pages I have ever read. It is so cleverly written and your thoughts will continue long after you read the last sentence4.

"Yes , I forget so very much these days...even the lines....that take you there....that go.......elsewhere......."

[BooksandBacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prepare to have your perspective on life changed by this intriguing collection of short stories. The Main story, Let Them Float, explores the concept of escaping reality through floating in another existence. This read was deeply impactful and thought provoking. Sometimes, we wish we could escape into our own private world.

I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories. Magical realism and social commentary are intertwined in the stories, creating a strong impact.

Prepare to be captivated by these incredible stories that expose the harsh truth of people's judgmental nature. I've never read a fictional book that addresses chronic illness, so I would like to express my gratitude to Katy for including it in these stories and bringing awareness to others. Katy's extensive research or personal experience with chronic illness is evident in her words, which she seamlessly incorporates into captivating and enchanting stories.

Many thanks to @SylphSea & @RandomTTours for a spot on the tour.

[Rachel Decorative Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection of short stories. The joint themes of magical realism and social commentary runs through the stories and is a powerful combination.
I particularly liked ‘Let them Float’ and ‘Duskers’, both tackle illness both mental and physical. Duskers was particularly resonant to me because I’m a wheelchair user with a chronic illness.
Chronic illness is not a subject often used in fiction, and it adds to the narrative that Wimhurst herself has a chronic illness.
All of these issues are handled deftly, using humour and a the author’s vivid imagination to bring the stories to life.
Overall theirs is a great variety of stories, well worth a read !

[Makenzy Learmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this being a book of short stories it appealed to me, as it fitted into my lifestyle perfect. I read this book over a few days. I found it an easy read with a variety of stories that would interest most people. There was a few that I found I could relate to, especially 'Duskers', being a carer I see how people react to others with chronic illnesses, they do seem to look through them and act different towards them and I found the author showed this in this story. I also enjoyed 'Gone with the Gypsies', it will relate to a lot of people. I will be looking out for more books by Katy Wimhurst

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a brilliant and unique collection of pieces. I found each one of them very intriguing. There was a wide variety of stories, but there was one thing for sure- each one really made you think. I really liked just how much the stories gave you a moment to stop and pause, and really think about what was happening, why and just how it was going to unfold.
There was a good deal of detail, which was really opened up the stories to make them more interesting and you connected with them more.
Overall, o found the flow and the pace good for such short reads and the level of detail for the length was good as well.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is compelling. All the stories are clever, insightful, whimsical (and all very different, which is exciting in itself) but the title tale, Let Them Float, is inspired. No spoilers - but who hasn't wished they could just take time out, escape the world, float free...An immersive read. Highly recommended.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely rich, quirky collection of short stories, a real gem. I would say it will particularly appeal if you love magical realism. However it’s recognisably a comment on OUR world too , with all its painful and joyful complexity. Emotionally, is very down to earth, and beautifully observed. It spans all kinds of subjects such as bigotry, loss, wonder, the isolation of chronic illness and emotional disconnection. All within a framework of warmth, understanding and gentle humour. I also enjoyed the dialogue and gentle unstated way that the characters interact, from such as in the charming and heartwarming ‘Gardening with the Messiah’, to the extremely down to earth mermaids in ‘Disillusioned by Mermaids’. The social commentary is particularly direct in ‘Let them Float’ and ‘Duskers’, the author explores themes of alienation, judgment and ‘otherness’. Exploring ableism is particularly timely, especially for those of us who have been chronically ill for many years, so a personal heartfelt thank you for that. I think you will love this if you are a human being with a big heart and a playful soul.