Undone:
There is an eerie glow in coming undone. It is a raw, honest, vulnerable state, and no one is exempt. No matter what falling apart looks like to you – a tear, words you cannot take back, instant gratification through substance or some type of emotional release – we are all connected in that we all come undone. We have seen someone else fall to pieces, whether directly or indirectly.
Undone is a collection of short stories, essays, monologues and excerpts from novels, both released and soon-to-be released. This book was written to establish a connection between those who are oblivious, those who are numb, those who are searching desperately for a reason to come away from that lonely ledge.
“I can hardly remember my wife storming back inside the bedroom, attacking me with her small fists, or threatening to call the police. And just as I had raised the razor strop, I felt cold steel at the back of my head. My wife spoke in a low steady voice: ‘No more.’
I knew she would never pull the trigger, and part of me dared her to do it. I wanted to wrap my hands around her neck and beg her to do it – to put me out of my misery. Instead, I dropped my fist. I released both of my daughters’ arms, which suddenly seemed so tiny in my hands. A monster – I am a monster.”
Most authors are so busy trying to cram the story together that they forget the details. Ramsey is a master of painting the scene and making the characters step right off the page. I have already purchased Ms. Ramsey’s novel “Just Beneath the Surface” and will be starting it soon.
I also am eagerly awaiting the release of “Just Beneath the Surface II’. I am and always will be a fan of R.H. Ramsey’s work, and I’m sure you will be too.”
My Mother’s Shadow, from Olive’s point of view, was amazing, probably my favorite. I enjoyed Reggie’s half of the story as well. The excerpt of Where Were You, and the short stories Oxytocin and Two Green Chairs, were all exemplary pieces. The collection is a really excellent representation of Ms. Ramsey’s writing and her gift for delving into broken human psyches and portraying their words and actions so masterfully.
I loved this book and I’m hoping she will turn a few of these stories into full-length novels, because Undone left me wanting more.
Great job, R.H!!
The works in this collection cover a multitude of emotions: fear, anger, pain, loneliness, and regret. Each story in Undone captivates as the suffering of the main character is slowly peeled away, leading to the stunning conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed the monologues of Kendall and Spencer—the main characters of Just Beneath the Surface I—and being in their heads since I’ve already read their story. In addition, I absolutely loved the excerpts from the upcoming release Where Were You. I can’t wait to see how these characters lives will intersect and what the ramifications will be. I will definitely read this story when it is released. Although I really enjoyed all of these short stories, “Two Green Chairs” is my favorite because of the twist at the end that I didn’t see coming at all.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with memorable and engrossing characters, you will definitely enjoy Undone and all of RH Ramsey other works.
I received an eBook copy of the book for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
“My Mother’s Shadow” tells the reader symbolically that bringing these issues to light opens them to the world and gives the reader hope in the poignant oppressiveness of the issue.
Ramsey’s stories are hard to read. They are raw, meaningful and intended to make a reader think and they accomplish that goal in spades. Hug your children tight and pick up Undone: Excerpts, short stories and other musings if you’re not sure Ramsey’s writing is for you and fall for her clean style and leave a bit of your soul behind.
One bright sketch in this dark collection is SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL, in which the protagonist runs to “him” with apparent reciprocated love. I interpreted the object of this interest as the process of writing itself; that is, writing these harrowing tales as an act of redemption and positive in outcome.
