Contemporary – The Chapter Catcher

True Freedom

Thomas Pownall was shown into the Great Chamber, where Lieutenant Governor Hutchinson sat enthroned in a floral-pattern walnut chair. ‘Governor Pownall,’ drawled Hutchinson, with little enthusiasm. He had heard the horses as they drove up to the house, guessing from their number that it must be Pownall. How vain to visit in the gubernatorial phaeton

Butterflies

By Samanta Schweblin

“You’ll see, my girl is wearing such a pretty dress today,” Calderón says to Gorriti. “It looks so nice on her with those brown eyes she has—its color, you know. And those little feet . . .” They’re standing with the other parents, waiting anxiously for their children to be let out. Calderón is talking;

Orpheus

By Stephen Fry

The Power to Soothe the Savage Beast Orpheus was the Mozart of the ancient world. He was more than that. Orpheus was the Cole Porter, the Shakespeare, the Lennon and McCartney, the Adele, Prince, Luciano Pavarotti, Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar of the ancient world, the acknowledged sweet-singing master of words and music. During his

Larchfield

‘It’s not a life that suits everyone,’ says Mrs Perkins. ‘Helensburgh is a small place, and young boys a long way from home are hard work. Well, this is what Mr Perkins tells me, anyway.’ She takes a long breath and twirls the strands of hair which have worked loose from her bun. ‘And you,

A Thousand Ships

By Natalie Haynes

1 Calliope Sing, Muse, he says, and the edge in his voice makes it clear that this is not a request. If I were minded to accede to his wish, I might say that he sharpens his tone on my name, like a warrior drawing his dagger across a whetstone, preparing for the morning’s battle.