Review of 'The Story Tellers' by Sue Heath

Review of 'The Story Tellers' by Sue Heath

Release date: August 1st, 2025

Publisher: One More Chapter

REVIEW

The Story Tellers by Sue Heath is a clever heart-warming novel of how ‘one story brought so many people together, righted so many wrongs and made so many people happier.’ It is about four people who enter a writing contest together at the library. Aspects of their lives are drawn upon as they each write a segment of the novella. The plot and characters change and expand as they each add their own contributions and it is fun to see how fiction begins to mirror past, future and present concerns. Quickly the story becomes a vehicle to express their emotions, work out scenarios and learn from the experiences.

This novel creatively shows the power of story-telling and how it can bring about change in people’s lives. For Hattie, Avril, Stuart and Will this happens. Strong friendships develop from their collaboration. They learn how to help each other over their personal hurdles, while creating a wonderful story together. And as the Mayor says in his assessment, it is ‘cleverly structured and beautifully written with all team members maintaining the same voice.’ Like a choir contributing separate parts to a unified whole as they blend their voices in harmony. You can hear the individual parts but they come together in unison with one purpose. The Mayor made some clever comments that they were not looking for a ‘story driven by one person.’ Rather they sought ‘something diverse, original, a demonstration of collaboration, and evidence that the writers were able to adapt depending on what other people wrote.’ And these four definitely did that. They each brought their individual voices to the story but wove their threads together to create a wonderful whole with a special plot and memorable characters.

There are many wise quotes in this novel about the value and significance of story-telling to society and individuals. And what it can lead to. ‘..the truth was seldom what you wanted or expected. And yet it could bring good in unexpected ways…’

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the four writers, their lives and how they connected, helped, supported and changed each other for the better. And, of course, a library is a perfect setting for this and to tell a story! It provides a brilliant base for a community to flourish with friendships, sharing and exchanging ideas on books, having coffee, finding refuge, seeking new purpose and order. And in this case, a chance to come together on a project that each one can contribute to and make a success.

I love how they each worked out their problems through telling their sections of the story. How they found answers through writing their plot scenarios. And from that received hope, healing, faith and courage to move forward with their own lives. Writing provided an avenue to act out their dilemmas and explore solutions but as a team. Thus opening the door to fresh ideas and new directions.

I really appreciate all the thought, care and love that went into this novel. The idea behind it is brilliant and it shows how special the writing community is and how important stories are to our civilisation. I was touched by the warmth in the characters, moved by their trials, excited by their victories and rejoiced at their discoveries. The story ends on a high note with lasting friendships, restored faith and healed hearts. I definitely recommend The Story Tellers for those who love books and see their value. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for a review copy.