Now in its thirteenth issue, The Mechanics’ Institute Review is proud to present the daring, distinctive voices of Birkbeck’s creative writers.The 24 pieces in this volume include novel extracts from acclaimed alumni Elizabeth Fremantle and Nadim Safdar, with new flash fiction from award-winner Kit de Waal.Discover the secrets of an enchanted jug, a Japanese rock and a trapped toad. Encounter a disillusioned DJ, a teenage arsonist, a young bride in Cairo, a patriotic Muscovite. From pill-popping in suburbia to interstellar Death packages, these pages offer insightful and unexpected imaginings of emotion and experience.In his introduction, Toby Litt explores what it means to meet a writer. Accept his invitation, open this book and enjoy the company of literature’s freshest talent.