places and familiar faces on TV, in a work of fiction.

Part of the pleasure of reading local writers comes from a similar sense of recognition. But the experience is deeper, too.

It is described by George Lamming in his introduction to "An Isle So Long Unknown'', a new short story collection from the Bermuda Writers' Collective.

He writes: "The function of a national literature is to return the society to itself; to illuminate for public scrutiny those intimate areas of thought and feeling which habit and the fear of powerful conventions have forced us to conceal''.

The new book is most enjoyable and rewarding when it shows us things we recognise from life, but feel we have not really appreciated or understood before. Or that we have suppressed.

This is not achieved through a wealth of local detail, or by heavy use of self-consciously "literary'' description. It comes from an ear for real language, a skill in subtly suggesting mood and emotion, and an ability to create three-dimensional characters.

Many of these 13 stories have these qualities, and they help make this book something of which the collective -- and the Island -- should be proud.

Not all of the stories are directly about Bermuda. Some are about the experience of people in Canada, Europe, and the West Indies.

But they all help us understand the people who live in Bermuda, including ourselves.

Local writing would not be true to life in Bermuda if it did not give race due prominence. So it is refreshing to see the writers tackle the subject so openly and directly, often frankly admitting its complexities.

The collection ranges from satire -- a series of "letters to the editor'' -- to tales of seafaring, school life and self-discovery.

The voice of black people comes through strongly, as does the female experience (nine of the writers are women). Ex-pats get a look-in too.

Some stories tell of relationships in trouble, or defining moments in childhood. There are accounts of culture clashes, emotional homecomings and struggles for identity.

The settings include a village in New Brunswick, a Bermuda hotel kitchen, a house in France, a local nursing home, a brutal institution for handicapped people and schools here and in Jamaica.

Six of the authors are teachers, but a wide range of occupations and backgrounds is represented. Some of the stories come from novices, others from established writers.

A great deal of inspiration, imagination and sheer hard work has gone into this book. It is an achievement not least because the short story is such a difficult literary feat to pull off successfully.

It is a most appropriate memorial to Margaret Carter, the disabled human rights campaigner who died in 1992, and to whom the book is dedicated. One of her intensely-felt works is included in the collection.

So put down your John Grisham and pick up this homegrown set of fictional insights. You might recognise yourself.

"An Isle So Long Unknown'', published by the Bermuda Writers' Collective, is $15. It is available from bookstores all over the Island or from the collective at 34 Long Ridge Pass, Devonshire DV01. -- John Millard APPROPRIATE TRIBUTE -- "An Isle So Long Unknown'' is dedicated to human rights campaigner the late Margaret Carter who died in 1992. The book is a new short story collection by the Bermuda Writers'Collective.