Something Else Entirely is a volume that collects together the illustrated short stories of author Donna Lee Davis, as well as collected poems and a novella. For readers familiar with Davis’s previous work, the novella Dust and Shadow forms the sequel and companion to her full-length novel Matter of Discretion, whilst there are also individual, stand-alone short stories and a few of what the author terms ‘prayer poems’ for readers to consider. One non-fiction essay accompanies the fiction works, and there is additional material included for book clubs who may wish to study the works together. What results is a comprehensive picture of the author and her wide variety of work to date.

As an anthology work, this volume of extensive and varied prose and poetry really speaks to breadth of talent that author Donna Lee Davis possesses. Whilst it is somewhat disparate in the reading experience because the works are so different, it’s clear to see that the narration and construction of language are always on point. The stories themselves vary on theme and ideas discussed, taking us through the full gamut of human emotion, so there is always something to launch into whatever your mood. What really centers the work is the realism that Davis brings to each of her characters, who are exceedingly well developed throughout and drive each story home with committed dialogue and realistic presentation of thought and speech. Overall, Something Else Entirely provides an excellent introduction to author Donna Lee Davis and her many talents.

Something Else Entirely: Collected Works by Donna Lee Davis is a collection of short stories that teach you a lesson about life and how taking one step at a time can make a whole world of difference. The book contains short stories and a few poems, all of which center around the lives of characters as they figure out what living is all about. The opening story, Something Else Entirely, is just as the name reflects. The story Ghost Story is something that will give you a lot to think about and shake you to the core. However, my absolute favorite in this collection is called Where the Heart Is. The familial bonds of the siblings and their father, the father trying to do his best for his children and trying to find a bond that will draw them together, had me reading on. Dust and Shadow is a sequel to a previous novel by the author and fans will appreciate an insight into the lives of the characters after it.

I enjoyed how wholesome and entertaining each story was. I was also amazed at how emotionally comprehensive and sound the characters were. Each story is a slice of life, one that transports you into the lives of the characters for just a moment so you can appreciate each story on a personal level. The poems had a depth to them, they may be small but they pack a punch of intensity that left me breathless. I read them several times to decipher more meanings from them and understand them more. I loved the narrative style; it was ambiguous yet so clear in its meaning that I just devoured each story!