The subjects are varied, with no single theme or arc to tie them together. "Engaro" is a mind-bending story concerning a secret known to everyone but yourself. "The Gift" details an obsessive search for a hidden land, and put me in mind of the Rolling Stones lyric 'You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you get what you need.' "The New Rays" is a disturbing tale, contemplating the horror of incurable diseases. "Settling The World" is set after God, in his six-limbed glory, is found on the dark side of the Moon. Strangely, most of these stories are centred firmly in a place that is almost familiar reality, but with one foot over the line that some would deem psychosis. Harrison's characters endure and contend with issues that we all find unsettling. Sometimes I found this uplifting, informative and engaging, while on other occasions I was left feeling slightly depressed. Overall, the surgical precision of Harrison's work cuts deeper than most writers dare to go.

Things That Never Happen deserves it plaudits, but on balance it failed to work for me at a personal level. Perhaps it was the hint of pomposity, the repetition, or the fact that some of the questions posed had no real answer. Alternately, the failing could be all mine. Criticising someone whose finely honed ability with language is clearly head and shoulders above the majority of writers, makes me feel slightly awkward. However, I think it a fair observation to say that others will also find themselves not equipped to squeeze the full potential from Harrison's work. Any author of fiction, no matter how expert, has a certain duty to entertain. So while I acknowledge the brilliance of these stories, I must also report that some of them tipped over into areas that made me eye my stack of books yet to be read. Harrison is almost unparalleled as an observer of the human condition, and if that's what lights your candle, then Things That Never Happen will be a source of joy. If, on the other hand, you prefer science fiction to focus your mind's eye on matters literally out of this world and its troubles, this book might not be quite what you're looking for.