The Book of Unicorns

Jackie French (author)

Angus & Robertson, Australia: 1997; 178pp

ISBN: 0207191158

Genres: adventure, fantasy, surreal

Issues: community, friendship, identity, perspective, place, values

Six short stories, linked by their exploration of the concept of the unicorn. As always, Jackie French takes the apparently familiar - the unicorn in all its beauty and purity - and challenges the reader's perceptions.

 'Warts' is the story of a frail grandmother losing her capacity to care for herself... until the arrival of a very unusual foal which may (or may not) be a unicorn. 'Amfylobbsis' explores the power of imagination, belief and need. 'Spots' is a science-fiction story that examines the uses of myth and belief. 'The Taming of the Beast' is a two page almost-dream, more a glimpse of a dream, where girl and unicorn are united. Finally, 'The Lady of the Unicorn' is a much longer story which explores the nature of friendship, leadership and power. The unicorn here is more of a symbol than a character - but a symbol that defines the functions and roles of other characters in a futuristic world.

Short stories can be unsatisfying things in many instances, with superficial characters and cramped plots. French's work, however, is carefully crafted and, like a skilled line drawing, conveys as much with what is unsaid as what is on the page. There is not a wasted word or phrase and, as with good poetry, the reader is left with the impression of having had a brief, insightful glimpse into another world. Intense, thought-provoking, haunting - all these and more; but most of all French captures the mystery and magic that surrounds this mythical beast.