Exploring the Unusual: A Deep Dive into B C Bamber's Book of Tricks 2: The Doldrums
- Ben Bamber
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
B C Bamber’s Book of Tricks 2: The Doldrums offers a unique blend of storytelling that challenges readers with its mix of supernatural insight, political satire, and reflections on cause and effect. This collection of three short stories continues the tone set by its predecessor, Book of Tricks: Six Cruel and Unusual Short Stories, but carves its own path with fresh themes and sharp commentary. Each story stands alone yet shares a common thread of exploring unusual circumstances and human reactions to them.
This post will explore the three stories in The Doldrums, highlighting their themes, characters, and the ways Bamber uses narrative to provoke thought and entertain.
The Witch Sea: A Gift That Brings Burden and Warning
The first story, The Witch Sea, centers on a young boy born the seventh son of a seventh son, a classic folklore motif granting him the gift of second sight. Living in a remote frontier town in the West, the boy faces a harsh reality: his family is a source of terror, with criminal and unruly members disrupting the community. Despite this, the boy uses his gift to predict futures and warn neighbors of an impending disaster.
This story explores themes of isolation, family conflict, and the burden of knowledge. The boy’s ability to see the future is both a blessing and a curse. His warnings go unheeded, reflecting how people often ignore uncomfortable truths until it’s too late. The setting—a frontier town—adds to the tension, emphasizing the precariousness of life on the edge of civilization.
Bamber’s portrayal of the boy’s struggle is vivid and relatable. Readers can sense the frustration of someone trying to help but being dismissed. The story raises questions about fate and free will: if disaster is seen in advance, can it be prevented, or is it inevitable?
Fartland: Political Satire with a Sharp Edge
Fartland takes a sharp turn into political satire, set in England in 2037 after the breakup of the United Kingdom. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall have all left, leaving England isolated and clinging to its imperial past. The story imagines a puritanical government that bans farting, enforcing this rule with detection gas and home fart detectors.
This absurd premise serves as a metaphor for oppressive regimes and the extremes of social control. The ban on farting symbolizes the suppression of natural human behavior and personal freedom. Bamber uses humor and exaggeration to highlight the ridiculousness of authoritarianism and the lengths people will go to maintain control.
The story builds toward a public uprising, showing how repression can backfire and lead to resistance. It reflects real-world political tensions, inspired by Brexit and the divisions it caused. Through satire, Fartland encourages readers to think critically about freedom, government overreach, and the power of collective action.
Domino: The Ripple Effect of Small Actions
The final story, Domino, takes a more philosophical and poetic approach. The narrator refuses to be defined by conventional categories such as gender, species, or even life and death. Instead, the narrator identifies as a leaf falling from a tree, the straw that broke the camel’s back, the bridge too far, and ultimately, domino.
This story explores the idea that small actions or events can trigger significant consequences. The metaphor of dominoes falling illustrates how interconnected events shape outcomes beyond our immediate perception. The narrator’s ambiguous identity emphasizes the universality of cause and effect, transcending human labels.
Bamber’s writing here is lyrical and thought-provoking. The story invites readers to reflect on their own impact in the world, no matter how small it may seem. It also touches on themes of inevitability and change, suggesting that every action contributes to a larger pattern.
Why Book of Tricks 2 Stands Out
B C Bamber’s Book of Tricks 2: The Doldrums stands out for its ability to blend genres and tones while maintaining a cohesive voice. The stories range from supernatural thriller to biting satire to philosophical reflection, yet all share a focus on unusual situations and human responses.
Engaging characters: Each story features memorable characters who face unique challenges.
Strong themes: The collection tackles fate, freedom, and consequence with clarity and depth.
Sharp social commentary: Particularly in Fartland, Bamber uses humor to critique political realities.
Imaginative storytelling: The blend of folklore, dystopia, and metaphor keeps readers intrigued.
For readers who enjoy short stories that make them think and feel, The Doldrums offers a rewarding experience. It challenges assumptions and invites reflection on how small actions and overlooked warnings can shape our world.
Final Thoughts on The Doldrums
Book of Tricks 2: The Doldrums is a compelling collection that pushes boundaries and explores the unusual. Bamber’s stories remind us that the extraordinary often hides within the ordinary, and that paying attention to the small details can reveal much about human nature and society.
If you appreciate stories that combine sharp insight with creative storytelling, this book deserves a place on your reading list. It encourages readers to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper forces at play in our lives.
For more information or to purchase the book, visit Vagabond Unlimited.
Comments