Author: Tessa Hadley

A set of unsettling short stories from Tessa Hadley.

Publisher page: Bad Dreams and Other Stories – Tessa Hadley

The Present: Four siblings, plus children, partners and plus ones, meet in the former family home-cum-holiday home for a summer holiday and to decide what to do with the house.

The Past: Their mother returns to her parents, bringing her three children with her in an attempt to leave her husband.

Nothing happens, and everything happens.

 

Publisher page: The Past – Tessa Hadley

Two girls meet two older guys and form two couples. When we first meet Christine and Alex, Lydia and Zachary they are in their 50s, four friends forming two long married couples.

Over the course of seven chapters we are given glimpses into their earlier lives, returning to the present day to watch as those friendships and marriages end.

I’m reminded of Anita Brookner‘s London novels.

Publisher page: Late in the Day – Tessa Hadley

Two sides of an affair; two sets of families and friends.

I didn’t enjoy the first story-side – perhaps I wasn’t meant to find Paul a likeable character (which I didn’t). For me, Cora was more interesting, and sympathetic.

Publisher’s page: The London Train – Tessa Hadley

Stella’s life from infatuated teen, gym slip mum, commune resident, mistress then wife of wealthy older business man.

Sounds like a chick lit cliché but doesn’t read like one.

My first try of Tessa Hadley; not my last.

Publisher page: Clever Girl – Tessa Hadley