#sessionstories

[reading-the-fantastic]

Same Time, Another Planet | Gunnhild Øyehaug (2015)

Translated by Lydia Davis

This Norwegian short story takes its audience into a different world where life is the same, but isn’t at the same time. 

Read the story in full here. 

The image above is part of a series of sculptures by Bejing-based artists known as Unmask. 

[reading-the-fantastic]

Wolfland | Tanith Lee (1983) 

‘Little Red Riding Hood’ is a fairy tale that has been retold and re-imagined in various storytelling formats. It can be argued that in all these variations of the story, the element of violence against a young woman prevails. In Tanith Lee’s re-imagining of the tale, the gendered violence of the fairy tale is given a new spin. 

Click here to read the story in full. 

[reading-the-fantastic]

The Monkey's Paw (1902) | W.W. Jacobs

The final story on the theme of 'Uncanny Objects' takes us to Jacobs' classic tale of a sinister wish-granting object. What would one do in the face of being able to have whatever one's heart desired? Click here to read the story in full. 

[reading-the-fantastic]

Death Note (デスノート 2003-2006; Vol. 1, Chap. 1)

Written by Tsugumi Ohba

Illustrated by Takeshi Obata

The first story as part of our session on 'Uncanny Objects' puts a twist to the saying 'the pen is mightier than the sword'. We are introduced to the unsettling force that lies behind LIght Yagami's notebook and through the uncanny object the audience is forced to reconsider the morals that lie behind the acts of the protagonist and his detractors. Click here to read the first chapter of the series online (please note that since the original manga is in Japanese, you should read the story from right to left). 

The incredible illustration above is by Doomsplosion. 

[reading-the-fantastic]

The Mute Door | Dorothy Tse

In this surreal tale from Hong Kong writer Tse, an apartment block appears to be constantly changing, forcing its residents to take a suitcase with them every time they leave, just in case they can't find their way back to their apartment again... You can read the full story here.

You can also find out more about Tse here. She will be visiting Leeds in July, as part of the Writing Chinese project - so be sure to tune in for more announcements on this fantastic author!