Devon writer releases a carefully crafted selection of short stories about rites of passage

East Devon writer Bruce Harris has released a carefully crafted selection of short stories which cover upbringing, relationships, sexuality and other rites of passage .

The title story, Fallen Eagles, is a Hamlet-inspired story about a Scottish boy who loses his idolised mountaineer father in an accident and blames his uncle to such an extent that he contemplates murder. Other stories take us to the French Revolution, the First World War and to more contemporary situations such as coming out, shaking off the parental yoke and exploring old and new love. 

Each story explores the diversity of young people’s experience as they emerge into adulthood and the wide-ranging themes are both contemporary and relatable to the modern reader. 

Fallen Eagles has been produced to raise funds for Huntington’s Disease Youth Organisation (HDYO), a charity close to the hearts of Bruce and his partner, following his civil partner’s diagnosis with Huntington’s Disease in 2016. In her foreword to the book, the Chief Executive of the HDYO, Catherine Martin, says: 

“The theme of Fallen Eagles aligns directly with young people impacted by Huntington’s Disease. Their journey with disease takes them through many twists and turns but their decision to go through genetic pre-diagnostic testing for Huntington’s disease is one of the biggest and scariest points in their lives. A young person at risk of Huntington’s disease has to wait until they turn 18 before they can legally decide to test for Huntington’s disease, this is their rite of passage.”

Bruce Harris is a retired secondary school teacher and an educational researcher. His research has been published in The Independent, the Times Educational Supplement and the Guardian. Bruce has been writing poems, short stories and novels since 2004 and his creative work has been recognised through a variety of prizes and awards. He lives in East Devon with his partner. 

“There is strength and warmth, toughness and kindness in these stories, making up a collection that is spirited and uplifting.” – Alison Moore, author of Booker Prize short-listed novel, The Lighthouse (Review for Odds Against) 

Publication Date: 28th January 2021

ISBN: 9781913551391

Price: £8.99