The Roach Family and Other Stories

In this new collection of short fiction, the characters in The Roach Family and Other Stories share one thing in common: they strive to fit in. A malingering mother pays an agonizing visit to her daughter and ex-husband, his boyfriend, and a tank of hissing roaches. A previously voiceless child discovers he can communicate. A first-time mom experiences self-doubt and finger-pointing after leaving her infant behind at a support group meeting. Organizers of a writers' festival determine that food allergies do matter. A grieving woman uses unconventional means to appease her sorrow. With flashes of dark humour and the juicy details she's known for, Cindy Matthews captures an assortment of flawed characters that will linger long after the stories have been consumed. The Roach Family and Other Stories features richly drawn characters at odds with the conventions of society who seek unique and surprising ways to take charge of destiny.