Beneath the Bonfire

by Nickolas Butler
Beneath the Bonfire cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Short Story Collections
Technical
  • ID: 3841
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781447238201
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2015-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Beneath the Bonfire is a collection of ten short stories that explore the intricate lives of different individuals. Each narrative is a standalone journey, offering a glimpse into the human experience through varied perspectives and emotions. The stories are crafted to evoke a range of feelings, from empathy to curiosity, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy diverse and thought-provoking fiction. The collection is notable for its rich character development and the way it weaves together different themes, creating a tapestry of human experiences. Whether it's a tale of love, loss, or self-discovery, each story in Beneath the Bonfire promises to leave a lasting impression.

Reviews
Please Read It To Me · 2024-11-12
engaging 4.00

The reviewer praised Butler's storytelling as consistently surprising and engaging. They highlighted a variety of themes from bar hopping to eco-terrorism.

The reviewer found Nickolas Butler's storytelling to be consistently surprising and engaging, making the book hard to put down. The collection covers a wide range of themes, from a night of bar hopping gone wrong to eco-terrorism and even a winter scuba dive. Each story is unique and keeps the reader intrigued throughout. The reviewer appreciated the variety and depth of the stories, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    From a night of bar hopping gone wrong to eco-terrorism and a winter scuba dive, Butler's storytelling is consistently surprising and engaging.

    Butler's writing is sharp and insightful, capturing the essence of each character and their unique experiences.

    The stories in this collection are not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

A Life in Books · 2015-08-19
fine 4.50

The collection is praised as a fine addition for fans of Shotgun Lovesongs, with 'Apples' being a standout story.

The reviewer considers this collection a fine addition for fans of Nickolas Butler's debut novel, Shotgun Lovesongs. They particularly enjoyed the story 'Apples,' which stands out for its portrayal of a happily married couple. The reviewer appreciates the depth and variety of the stories, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy Butler's writing style. The collection is seen as a strong follow-up to his previous work.

Quick quotes

    It's as fine a collection as fans of Shotgun Lovesongs could hope for.

    If I had to pick a favourite it would be 'Apples' about a happily married couple.

    The stories are well-crafted and offer a glimpse into the lives of diverse characters.

Frost Magazine · 2015-08-13
engaging 4.00

The reviewer found the book hard to put down, with stories that are both happy and sad but always engaging.

The reviewer was captivated by the stories in Beneath the Bonfire, finding it hard to put the book down. The stories vary in tone, with some being happy and others sad, but all are engaging and leave a lasting impression. The reviewer appreciated the emotional depth and the way each story drew them in, making it a memorable reading experience. The collection is seen as a strong showcase of Butler's storytelling abilities.

Quick quotes

    I found it hard to put this book down, the stories drew me in and stayed in my mind.

    Some were happy and others sad, but all came with a slice of life that resonated deeply.

    The emotional range of the stories is impressive, making each one unique and engaging.

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