Devotions by Lucy Caldwell review – short stories that are frightening, passionate and comforting too
Lucy Caldwell's short story collection *Devotions* explores themes of family, memory, duty, and artistic life through sharply observed, emotionally resonant narratives. The stories navigate moments of personal crisis, transformation, and quiet resilience, often blurring the line between comfort and unease. Set against backdrops ranging from inherited homes to professional stages, the characters grapple with the weight of the past while seeking agency in their futures.
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Capturing the moment … Lucy Caldwell. Photograph: Neil HainsworthView image in fullscreenCapturing the moment … Lucy Caldwell. Photograph: Neil HainsworthBook of the dayShort storiesReviewDevotions by Lucy Caldwell review – short stories that are frightening, passionate and comforting tooThe Northern Irish writer explores music and family, memory and duty in this stunning collection of sharply observed talesM John HarrisonWed 29 Apr 2026 02.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe stories in Northern Irish writer Lucy Caldwell’s fourth collection are often devoted to family life, or a professional life in the arts: or both. They’re almost always about memory and how to manage it.
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