Total

Perhaps better known as a filmmaker, Rebecca Miller adapted both her first short story collection, Personal Velocity, and her equally enjoyable novel, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, for the screen. Comprising seven stories her second collection, Total explores similar themes to Personal Velocity, and does it just as strikingly.

From the opening story in which Daphne's mother-in-law sends her pregnant daughter-in-law help but Nat becomes a little too fond of this appealing family with dramatic results to the closing piece which cleverly contrasts two neighbouring families, this collection explores motherhood, love, ageing and sexuality. All but one are written from the perspective of women, several at crucial junctures in their lives. Miller's characters are compelling, sometimes a little eccentric, their worlds drawn in vivid colours. There’s a pleasing sly wit running through many of the stories which are peppered with striking, occasionally provocative images and sometimes end a little disconcertingly leaving the reader with much to think about. Altogether an enjoyable collection, written with filmmaker’s eye.

This collection of stories and essays were beautifully written. Some captured my attention more than others but I really enjoyed 'Total'. Rebecca Miller is an excellent write and this collection proves that.

I really enjoyed this collection of 7 short stories, mostly about women and their relationships with men and within their families. It’s such good writing that it drew me into the stories and kept my interest often without fully explaining everything, there’s things left unsaid which makes them stick in my mind. My favourites(hard to choose actually) included the first story ‘Mrs Covet’ about a mother pregnant with her third child and not coping maintaining her household and organised housekeeper, Nat arrives to put things in order; and ‘Receipts’ with references to Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying, about a working woman’s relationship with her boyfriend and colleagues. An interesting read.