The Price of Cookies by Finnian Burnett
Calling The Price of Cookies by Finnian Burnett a novella-in-flash suggests that the work is a quick read, whether taken in single flash pieces or all in a single sitting. I’d argue that this collection of interconnected stories is best experienced upon a second or third reading.
The individual pieces deal with an individual private dramas, but collectively they build the story of a community. I found the structure interesting, the way one piece briefly introduces the character who will become a central character in the next piece, creating a domino-effect of narratives where the business of the whole novella is greater than the sum of its parts.
The writing style is crisp and spare, providing an essential balance to the complexity of the network of characters.
This review is based on an advance reading copy from Off Topic Publishing. The Price of Cookies is scheduled for release in March of 2024.
Lynette Adams 