Last Fling

Synopsis

This is the first short story collection from an acclaimed novelist with a wide and loyal readership. Many of the stories have won prizes, been published or broadcast; some are new, written especially for the collection.

Several feature artists, and are set in the past in a rural England; others are contemporary: stories set in London or Europe, of love glimpsed, lost, or longed for. 'In Bratislava' is the brief encounter between a lonely businessman and young student in the aftermath of communism. Two or three look at illness and mortality: in 'Last Fling', the title story, a dying woman places a lonely hearts ad.

All these stories are written with Sue Gee's insight, precision and delicacy of style and tone. Her last novel, Reading in Bed (2007) was a Daily Mail Book Club Selection; her next will be published in 2012. Poignant and haunting, immensely readable, Last Fling is the perfect book between the two.

Praise for Previous Work

‘Sue Gee writes subtly and deftly, observing with a wry and sympathetic eye … This is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding read.’ —The Independent

‘About The Mysteries of Glass:

one of the most moving and beautifully written stories that I can remember.’ —Readers Books of the Year, Guardian

‘About Reading in Bed:

as seductively readable as its title suggests ... draws the reader in with its skilful portrayal of real-life situations’ —The Times

‘A beautifully observed tale, written with boundless compassion and humour.’ —Woman and Home magazine

‘Written with the delicate fluency of a storyteller utterly at ease with her craft.’ —Times Literary Supplement

‘Profound and lyrical, it’s full of light and darkness and the most marvellous description.’ —Shena Mackay, Observer