Sarah Brown (9) (1963–)

Very uneven anthology from a broad range of british writers. Published for the National Council for One Parent Families with a foreword by J. K. Rowlings, it tries to encompass both magis and children/ one parent families. The editors have been unable to decide whether the theme of the anthology should be magic or one parent families. Consequently the collection lack coherency and stories that might stand well on their own becom minor irritations because they don't belong.A few of the stories stand out, but many are mediocre, and has little todo with the themes of the anthology. The introductory story by Sue Townsend sets the tone by being neither one thing not the other, It is a very weak story whose relevancy for this particular anthology is non-existing, as is O'Farrells and Roberts.
The most outstanding story in the collection - which deals both with being part of a single parent family from the point of view of the child, is a magical story and is told in a lyrical magical language - is by Meera Syal; Now You See Her, Now You Don't. But also My Daughter, the Fox and The Fortune-Teller are able to combine th etwo themes in stories that are both relevant and touching in their depiction of respectively a mother having given birth to a fox, and having to let her go as she grows up - poignant and emotional - and the birthday celebration effords of single mothers - wry and funny.
Anyone looking for an anthology of magical stories with children would do better to look for The Fairy Reel and The Green Man edited by Terri Windling.
This collection has totally discouraged me from reading anything by Emma Donaghue (whose books I've been meainig to read) and made sure that I would pick up something by Meera Syal.… (meer)