Laburnum For My Head

Laburnum For My Head by Temsula Ao is a captivating anthology that unfolds a tapestry of tales, where the extraordinary unfurls amidst the ordinary. Within the serene confines of a tranquil town, a laburnum tree adorned with buttery yellow blossoms stands sentinel over the new cemetery, marking the spot where Lentina rests eternally. Each May, as nature blooms, this humble tree becomes a conduit for transcendent experiences. Imchanok, a valiant hunter haunted by the ghost of his prey, finds redemption by offering a tuft of his hair as a prayer for forgiveness. Pokenmong, a clever servant boy, skillfully deceives unsuspecting villagers, selling them an imaginary airfield. A letter discovered on the lifeless body of an insurgent blurs the boundaries between him and an innocent villager, both grappling with the harsh realities of survival. A woman’s harrowing secret comes full circle, profoundly shaping the lives of her daughter and granddaughter, as well as her own. An illiterate village woman’s innocent query unsettles an army officer, compelling him to release her husband from captivity. A young girl is left with a haunting legacy after losing her lover in the pursuit of freedom. And a lowly caterpillar discovers the wings of transformation.

Spanning from mythical realms to contemporary settings, Laburnum For My Head is an enchanting collection of short stories that traverses the vast spectrum of human emotions. These tales, imbued with heart-rending poignancy, sparkling wit, and profound irony, offer an insightful exploration of the human condition. Temsula Ao, with her masterful storytelling, presents an intimate understanding of our shared experiences, rendering each narrative a captivating tapestry of life’s joys and sorrows.