Normal Rules Don't Apply

Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson is a collection of eleven interconnected short stories that blend the surreal with the everyday. The stories explore themes of fate, coincidence, and human nature, often featuring characters whose lives take unexpected turns due to bizarre circumstances.

Atkinson infuses the collection with her signature wit, sharp observations, and a touch of the uncanny. The stories range from darkly humorous to deeply poignant, often bending reality in ways that challenge the characters’ perceptions of their own lives. Some recurring motifs, such as an impending apocalypse and shifting destinies, tie the stories together, creating a sense of cohesion despite their varied narratives.

With her masterful storytelling, Atkinson crafts a world where normal rules truly don’t apply—where gods meddle in human affairs, fortunes change in an instant, and the boundary between fiction and reality blurs. The result is an engaging, thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the final page.