Independent publisher of long, short, and very short fiction
£4.99 – £10.99
WINNER OF THE 2022 REFLEX PRESS NOVELLA AWARD
Through a series of vignettes, the nameless female narrator of Quotidian revisits the rooms of her past to reconcile the malcontent she experiences as a mother, wife and homemaker. Unearthing repressed disappointments, desires, fears and expectations, she begins piecing together, in an intimate and honest narrative, her perceived ordinary, inconsequential life. In doing so, she becomes increasingly estranged from her spouse and her invisible friend, Miss C. When her life begins to spiral into free fall, the narrator, despite struggling to maintain normalcy, toys briefly with a sham flirtation before salvation arrives in the unlikely form of a homeless musician.
‘The rooms the woman narrator of Quotidian occupies are varied: menacing, lonely, melancholic, and sensuous. In stark, tender, concise, and beautiful prose, we witness an originally told, gripping self-excavation.’
—Nuala O’Connor, author of Nora: A Love Story of Nora Barnacle and James Joyce
‘Intriguing, textured and imaginative, with sentences as beautiful as strings of polished beads.’
—Martina Devlin, author of Edith: A Novel
‘An original, scrolling mosaic of a novel in which the beautiful and dangerous details of a lived life are carefully laid before the reader.’
—Mike McCormack, author of Solar Bones
Mary Wilkinson is a published writer of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. She has written for radio and is a Pushcart Prize nominee. She lives in Galway.
| Weight | 244 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 19.8 × 12.9 × 1.38 cm |
| Format | eBook, Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781914114144 |
| Publication date | 29 September 2023 |
| Pages | 190 |
Sean –
A fantastic read. The author’s unique writing style grabs your attention from the very start and keeps you turning the pages until the very end. A wonderful account of the highs and lows of the protagonist’s life, which keeps you hooked and feeling a mixture of joy, sorrow and reflection. Thoroughly entertaining.
W K Wilkinson –
Original, mesmerising, and poignant. Draws you in and leaves you breathless.
Katherine Mezzacappa –
I was enthralled by this book. Mary Wilkinson writes with the perception of a poet. I have never read anything quite like this – it is truly original, both in observation, structure (which you start by thinking must be as random as thought, until you realise that in fact it is very carefully plotted, in a way that creeps up on the reader) and even in layout. A very distinctive voice; I am different now for having read this.
Siobhán Fay –
It’s rare that you come across a truly ‘novel’ book these days, most fall on the same old tropes and clichés. What Mary Wilkinson has achieved with this novella is truly remarkable. She uses different forms to give a most vulnerable insight to a very whole life and inner world. Between the pace and musicality of the different forms and the frankness of the narrator’s exploration, this is really a perfect piece of literature that will stay with the reader long after they fold the last page.
Carol Dunne –
Quotidian is an engaging new book that belies its quirky title. There are many rooms in Mary Wilkinson’s house and she takes us on a engaging journey through all of them. Once inside we are immersed in the memories and emotions she associates with each of them, and in a seamless way. We are invited to share in each and every experience that helped shape this thrilling new voice in Irish writing. In doing so, we are prompted to look differently into the rooms in our own lives.
Adrian Taheny –
Quotidian is a captivating memoir that invites readers to explore the intimate chambers of the narrator’s life, from the childhood sanctuary to the labyrinth of adulthood. Each room revealing a unique component in their personal journey, offering a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the essence of self-discovery.
Nicole Gefrides (verified owner) –
Quotidian offers a captivating glimpse into vignette storytelling, chronicling the protagonist’s life from their early years. The writing is poignant and unfiltered, evoking raw emotions at every turn. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a memorable read.
Conor Montague (verified owner) –
Beautifully written and innovative novella. Every vignette is a joy in itself, every room a vivid reliving. Riveting from start to finish.