Table 52 - Extended: A Collection of Short Stories is an expansive literary journey that spans the full spectrum of human experience-from biting humor and eccentric heroism to profound introspection and surreal meditations on life and death. Each story in this eclectic anthology is a portal into a world uniquely its own, yet all are united by their vivid imagery, unconventional characters, and narrative audacity.
In "Bob Save The King!" you'll meet an unlikely hero whose spontaneous act of bravery and comic misadventure during a royal procession transforms an ordinary day into an unforgettable spectacle. Bob's escapade is both hilarious and touching, as his determination to protect the dignity of the monarchy clashes with the absurdities of modern security protocols.
Shift gears with "A Non-Traditional Requiem for My Death," a haunting, introspective tale narrated by a spectral observer at his own funeral. Here, the boundaries between life and afterlife blur as the narrator reflects on a legacy defined by corporate ambition, unfulfilled dreams, and the ironies of a world obsessed with material success. This story challenges the reader to rethink what it means to truly live-and to leave a mark on the world.
Travel back in time with "Summer School 1968," where a teacher's sojourn in Poland during a politically charged summer unfolds amidst cultural clashes and hidden personal dramas. As the narrative interweaves classroom dynamics with the palpable tension of student demonstrations and everyday resistance, it captures the bittersweet intersections of education, identity, and the struggle for self-expression in a restrictive environment.
Other stories in this collection traverse diverse genres and settings, from the offbeat and quirky to the existential and fantastical. Whether it's exploring the absurdity of modern life, celebrating unsung acts of valor, or probing deep emotional truths through poetic prose, Table 52 - Extended offers a rich and multi-layered reading experience. The stories resonate with anyone who has ever found beauty in imperfection or meaning in the unpredictable twists of fate.
With its inventive narrative style and a remarkable array of voices, Table 52 - Extended is a testament to the power of short fiction to capture life's complex tapestry. Each story invites you to pause, reflect, and perhaps see the world a little differently-a world where the extraordinary hides in the mundane and every unexpected moment is a story waiting to be told.
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Judith
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Zoe
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Deborah Reeves
Deborah left home at sixteen. She has had a variety of jobs - waitress, fashion designer, artist's model, teacher. She has lived and worked in Africa, Asia and Europe. Deborah has written stories in her head for many years and recently on paper. She loves being part of Table 52 Writers and all things creative. She was runner up in the Hillcroft Centenary Creative Writing Competition 2020.
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Frank Offer
Frank works as a consultant in London to help local authorities improve outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people, building on over twenty five years of experience. Frank enjoys stories with a transformational twist that bring hope in unexpected ways. This book brings to fruition a long held ambition to be a writer and he encourages all readers who hold such ambitions to take the first step even if the destination is not yet clear...
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Celia Gray
Born abroad, Celia has travelled and worked extensively in the US and Europe before making a home in England. After a career in teaching languages, notably French, and caring for family, she has now reverted to her childhood dream of storytelling. An interest that lay dormant for many years.
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Sinem Erenturk
Sinem began her career as a young journalist in Turkey's only English newspaper at the time, then moved to pharma where she worked for 15 years. Her life changed dramatically after becoming a mum to twin boys and moving to London with her family. That's when she decided to focus more on her writing. Luckily she wasn't the only one pursuing a half-finished desire. When she's not writing, she's either singing or playing tag with her boys.
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