Not So Long Ago is a collection of short stories set in a Sussex town in the 1960s. The interlocking themes are of chance meetings and changing lives and all stories cluster around one group of characters Here we read about Jos’s and Annette’s meeting at the swimming club, which ignites a long relationship. Melissa and Fred collide when she knocks him over while riding her bike and both stumble towards a relationship. Alfredo and Maria meet at school and stay together, despite arguments. Chris, artistic with wealthy parents, falls for Dora, but on seeing her in a pub is beaten up by her boyfriend. By the end, all the characters have progressed in life and in relationships. This new collection will appeal to readers who want stories that engage them, are prepared for sudden plot twists and enjoy a nostalgic 60s setting. Not So Long Ago offers readers the narrative intensity of the short story with the character development associated with a novel.

マイク・モランが描く1960年代のサセックスは、単なる懐古趣味の舞台ではありません。本作の魅力は、短編特有の鋭い切れ味と、長編のような緻密な人物造形が共鳴し合う構成にあります。偶然の出会いが火種となり、変容していく人々の営みは、運命という糸で織りなされた一篇のタペストリーのようです。 一見ありふれた群像劇を超え、読者の胸を打つのは「衝突」から始まる関係性の深淵です。不意のどんでん返しに翻弄されながら、時を経て成熟していく彼らの姿を追うとき、私たちは人生という愛おしい旅路の目撃者となります。ノスタルジーの中に普遍的な魂の軌跡を刻んだ、至高の連作集です。