The Sum of Us is a surprisingly imaginative anthology that explores the nature of the care giving relationship in a variety of genres. They are stories that defy our expectations, preconceived notions, and ideas by challenging us to re-imagine these relationships.
Summary
It’s hard to give a summary of an anthology, but within are stories featuring:
Children giving care. Dogs and cats giving care. Sidekicks, military, monks, ghosts, robots. Even aliens. Care given by lovers, family, professionals. Caregivers who can no longer give. Caregivers who make the decision not to give, and the costs and the consequences that follow. Bound to us by invisible bonds, but with lives, dreams, and passions of their own.
Review
I knew I was going to love this collection from the introduction. This anthology is about caregivers and those who need care. It is about this tension of unsung heroes and recognizing our own vulnerability. The collection is touching because these authors, most who are personally motivated, and it allows us to probe the relationship between caregivers and those who are given care. It is a fascinating relationship that is reflected in brilliant colors of different types of stories in this collection.
We witness their sacrifices, love, devotion, and helplessness. It is about this moment of admitting you need help and the relationship between them. There were some old and new favorite authors that were introduced to me in this collection. The entire collection is raw, touching, and extremely powerful. They are stories that push boundaries and are crafted with care and imagination.
You can pick up The Sum of Us on Amazon(US), your local indie, and Goodreads.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
Discussion
Have you ever thought about this relationship before?
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Great review! I added it to my Goodreads. I enjoy finding wonderful, thought-provoking anthologies to read.