"Dreams" is a short story published in Storm Glass, a collection of virtuous short stories and the first publication by Jane Urquhart. It was originally published in 1987 and later in 2000 by Emblem Editions. Since then, the collection has seen six editions published. In this collection of fiction, Urquhart searches and reveals facts about the universe through space and time.
The stories are beautifully alliterated, bringing exquisite meaning and value to the most obscure of objects in the character's lives. This paired with the drawings by Tony Urquhart makes for a thrilling read.
The collection is deeply descriptive as Urquhart attempts to be as subtle as possible. She’s always maintaining a level of detailing that doesn’t miss out on anything, however small or insignificant they may be to the larger narrative.
A lot of similar aspects are repeated in the stories, as they do not delve much into the development of characters. From the beginning to the end, the reader is unable to make a lasting connection to the characters. This feels intentional for some reason as there isn’t much diversity to go on paired with the over detachment.
A lot of readers found this book to be forgettable at best. No single story or character stood out long enough to have a long-lasting impact on the reader after putting down the book. This being her first outing, the collection contains a lot of misdirection’s that you’d normally find in a debut work. However, it showcases Urquhart’s devotion to seeking a higher understanding through her melancholic exploration that contemplates and soothes the reader.
