Book Review – Ox-Tales Four Book Fundraiser

Short Stories by Famous Authors to Raise Money for Charity

Sep 27, 2009

Thirty leading fiction writers have contributed original short stories and excerpts to this four book collection to raise money for the work of Oxfam.

With stories loosely based on the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, the Ox-Tales books published in September 2009 by Profile Books promote key areas of the work of Oxfam in developing countries.

Ox-Tales Collection Authors

The writers featured in the Ox-Tales collection include British- and Irish-based bestselling authors across a variety of genres. From Ian Rankin’s entertaining 200 word rural story to Mark Haddon’s haunting tale of an abandoned Princess of Athens, the stories offer a range of styles, locations, settings and outcomes.

Rose Tremain’s The Jester of Astapovo tells the story of Tolstoy’s final days from the perspective of the station master of Astapovo railway station while Marti Leimbach’s story Boys in Cars will pull at the heartstrings of mothers, especially those with children affected by autism.

Authors include John Le Carre, Marina Lewycka, Nicholas Shakespeare, William Boyd, Alexander McCall Smith, Helen Fielding, Xiaolu Guo, Hanif Kureishi, Victoria Hislop, Michael Morpurgo and DBC Pierre.

Poetry by Vikram Seth

Each book begins with an original poem by Vikram Seth, the author of the novels The Golden Gate (1986), A Suitable Boy (1993) and An Equal Music (1999) as well as books of poetry, travel, fable and memoir.

The four poems used to introduce each collection are part of a seven poem sequence called Seven Elements. The poems incorporate the elements in the European, Indian and Chinese traditions.

In addition to the poems Air, Earth, Fire and Water used in the books, the sequence also features Wood, Metal and Space. Set to music by composer Alex Roth, Seven Elements were performed at the 2009 Salisbury, Chelsea and Lichfield festivals.

How Does Oxfam Help Developing Countries?

While undoubtedly a wonderful way for readers to sample the work of talented writers, the Ox-Tales series offers benefits beyond the promotion of good literature. All 30 authors have contributed their stories free of charge with the aim to raise money for Oxfam and awareness of the work of the charity in developing countries.

The four elements defining each volume each represent an aspect of the work of Oxfam:

Each book features an introduction outlining the purpose of the series and concludes with an afterword detailing the projects specific to that particular element. These range from better farming practices and the fight for tougher arms control to raising awareness of the need for better management of the environment and providing water-pumps in remote villages.

Help Others by Reading

The four Ox-Tales titles would be an ideal gift for any booklover. Filled with quality writing, they are sure to contain something to appeal to most reading tastes.

It is rare for an opportunity to present itself for individuals to both indulge themselves and make the world a better place for others. Purchasing Ox-Tales titles offers readers the chance to do just that – to indulge their passion for good literature while contributing financially to the work of Oxfam throughout the world.

The copyright of the article Book Review – Ox-Tales Four Book Fundraiser in British/UK Fiction is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Book Review – Ox-Tales Four Book Fundraiser in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.