Learning How To Drown

"Cat Hellisen is one of the most accomplished writers of African SFF. This fine collection gathers the best so far of her wondrous fictions."

- Geoff Ryman, author of The Child Garden
Cat Hellisen has the ability to conjure a sense of 'otherness' that most writers can only envy, casting grounded characters driven by passions and ambitions we all recognise in situations that take a step away from the

reality we know. Her stories have already featured in such venues as Fantasy & Science Fiction and Tor.com, and she is the winner of the Short Story Day Africa Prize.
Learning How to Drown represents her best work to date, gathering together seventeen fabulous stories, two of which appear for the first time and all of which showcase why Cat Hellisen is being tipped as an author to watch.
"Cat Hellisen is a writer of wonderful and allusive stories; rich, engaging and often unsettling. Be prepared to be both submersed - and transformed - by the gripping magic within!"

- Nick Wood, author of Azanian Bridges
"I loved this stunning collection of stories, every tale limned with beauty and steeped in a darkling strangeness that is absolutely unique. The bookshelves of any reader interested in the modern short story should proudly display a copy of Learning How To Drown front and centre."

- Neil Williamson, author of The Moon King
Contents:

Introduction

The Girls Who Go Below

Waking

The Subtle Thief

Jack of Spades, Reversed

Mother, Crone, Maiden

This Reflection of Me

Counter Curse

Mouse Teeth

A Sun Bright Prison

Serein

Dreaming Monsters

Golden Wing, Silver Eye

I'm Only Going Over

The Face of Jarry

The Worme Bridge

This is How We Burn

A Green Silk Dress and a Wedding-Death

About the Author