| By | Maureen Cullen |
| Published By | |
| ISBN | 9781917011112 |
| Fiction Genre | Short Stories |
| Publication Date | 06/12/2025 |
| Price | 9.99 |
| Paperback Hyperlink | https://www.ringwoodpublishing.com/product/havoc-shore-by-maureen-cullen/ |
| Ebook Hyperlink | https://amzn.eu/d/aIg0sqP |
Synopsis
Spanning generations, Havoc Shore captures the voices of a shipbuilding town through its years of industry, struggle and change. From 1954 to the present day, these 21 interwoven stories follow families bound by place, hardship and resilience.
Authors Biography
Born and raised in West Dunbartonshire, Maureen Cullen has written these stories with a keen personal touch. This intimate perspective has attracted great critical acclaim to her debut novel, Kitten Heels.
Reviews
‘Havoc Shore is a beautiful collection of stories, rich in the telling, powerful in effect, abiding in the memory. One of the most interesting Scottish writers to appear in the past few years.’ Rob McInroy, author of Cuddies Strip, Barossa Street, Moot, and Burials.
‘Cullen has a natural gift for the short story. Each is concise, feeling neither rushed or drawn out- at around ten pages each, none outstay their welcome- and they have a feeling of place and community that rings true…’
Alastair Mabbott The Herald (Glasgow).
Maureen Cullen captures the reader from the first paragraph of every story. Each narrative has the perfect sentence structure, and powerful imagery. I love how the author isn’t afraid to touch on sensitive subjects such as domestic abuse, alcoholism and juvenile delinquency. Havoc Shore deserves to win this prize.
the characters in Havoc Shore were really believable. The subject matter in the stories are not often addressed and Maureen Cullen is not afraid to do that. I love the strong female characters. The setting is local to me, so this adds another dimension to the stories.
Such realistic descriptions and well observed conversations .
Maureen Cullen strikes me as one of the most interesting Scottish writers to appear in the past few years. Her first novel, Kitten Heels, is a poignant and eloquent evocation of 1960s working class life in Clydeside. That novel was adapted from a series of short stories and the short story is a form in which Cullen excels, as exemplified by her new collection, Havoc Shore.
Havoc Shore presents a series of loosely interconnected stories, mostly set in the fictional Clydeside community of Havoc Shore from the 1950s through to the 2010s. Characters appear and reappear, sometimes years later, in different contexts, with the cares of their subsequent lives etched on their features and the caprices of their natures more readily understandable. These stories present snapshots in time but, like the best short stories, the snapshots reveal much more than the scenario which provoked them.
Fabulously created short stories. Complex interconnected characters who draw the reader into their community. Maureen Cullen weaves cinematic dilemmas into a 1960s backdrop with style and compassion.
Loved all of the stories. Looking forward ro reading more from Maureen.
A wonderful series of short stories beautifully crafted and visually enchanting. Each has a mysterious denouement which keeps the reader contemplating long after reading.
An absolute pleasure to read these short stories!
I highly recommend, somewhat cosy yet so engaging and well written.
Fantastic set of stories, brilliant characters!
Havoc Shore is full of vibrant characters that practically come alive off the page, and has no end of beautifully crafted stories.
fantastic read. you get caught up with the characters, their hardships, struggles and resilience, sometimes funny, other times heartbreaking. leaving you wanting more.
Another fantastic read from Maureen. Loved the short stories . Strong characters , sensitive subjects. Can’t wait for Maureen’s next book!
I thoroughly enjoyed the rich tapestries of situation, character and plot in this skilfully written anthology. To quote Shakespeare’s Henry V, the stories ‘jump o’er times, /turning the accomplishment of many years/into an hour glass’ by circumstance, family ties and relationships. An intriguing and enthralling read.
As reach end of every story you want to move straight to next one.
The author captures the harsh realities of life in the West of Scotland, and expressed in the language of the time, bringing back vivid memories. A creative and well written page turner.
Havoc Shore is an amazing collection of stories, heart wrenching at times, very funny at others, all beautifully written. Maureen Cullen is a brilliant writer who has crafted the world of Havoc Shore with skill, insight and real creativity. An impressive and important read.
Maureen has lived in Scotland most of her life and l like the way she genuinely captured her stories short with wisdom. Her lines are well structured and brilliant.
A fantastic collection of stories that capture the soul of a community. Havoc Shore is heartwarming and deeply thoughtful- an absolute joy to read.
A great wee book about a great wee Town and its Beautiful shore The Havoc.
Vote for it. Deserves to win!
Great collection of short stories, as one finishes you are eager to read the next.
A magnificent assortment of short stories.
Sensitive and totally engrossing.
great book, local feel
Great Collection of short stories. Highly recommended.
It’s a pleasure to read the short stories put together by Maureen Cullen. She’s one of the best Scottish writers of our time.