‘Ninety Tiny Windows’ by Paul Underwood

The year 2026 marks 20 years since I returned from foreign parts, choosing to live near ye Bonnie Banks. Glasgow University kindly gave me an M.Litt. in creative writing which led me to writing book reviews for the Clydesider.

I choose mostly, though not exclusively, to review local authors.. I approach each book in the same way. Are they well written with correct use of grammar? Is the spelling correct? I do make allowances for speech. Does it flow? Presentation? Most of all is it a book I could recommend?

The intriguing title ʻNinety Tiny Windowsʼ drew me immediately, wanting to know what lay behind those windows, one of which is used on the cover, simple yet effective, reflecting the contents. As an ardent fan of flash fiction, the secondary tile ʻA Collection of Flash and Micro Fictionʼ strengthened the desire to explore more. 

Flash or Micro. Whatʼs the difference do I hear? Will try a short answer.

There are ʻrulesʼ set by ʻthemʼ but there is much disagreement on definitions. Some claim flash fiction is a story less than 1,000 words. More is a story. But many short story competitions will not accept submissions less than 2,500 words. I did once enter an international competition with a story of less than 1,000 words and it came third.

Micro fiction is less than 500 or 300 depending on opinion.

What is agreed is a Flash Fiction or Micro Fiction isnʼt just a short piece of writing. It should contain all the components of a short story.

Good flash fictions are not easy to write but this author, Paul Underwood, has an obvious gift. He set himself a challenge, each day he would take a prompt and see where it led him - his inspiration as ʻtwere.

It is so pleasing to read the work of someone who has knowledge and command of the English language. I particularly like the originality of the authorʼs similes. The metaphor of ʻthe silence felt too loudʼ is but one example of how the author evokes a variety of emotions in the reader.

Each piece flows, touching on a variety of subjects, sometimes verging on the supernatural. There is often black humour, quirky at times but also subtle, with many ʻtwist in the taleʼ pieces.

The illustrations, black and white (with shades of grey), complement the writing well.

Paul invites you to step inside his windows. Please do, you wonʼt be disappointed. Dip into it or read chronologically. Just enjoy.

Paul will be talking about his book at the Greentree Remedies on Tuesday, March 31 at 11 a.m. Free entry and refreshments. As usual books will be available at a discounted price.

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