about the writer
Alexander Raphael
Half-Mexican, half-Welsh and growing up in London, Alex Raphael was surrounded by different influences and interests. But it was always books that spoke to him most and had the greatest impact.
He started writing when at college, where his love of reading evolved into a desire to write, in particular focusing on poetry and short stories. Studying English and American Literature at university meant he took a break from writing, as well as giving him the chance to see more of Mexico on his travels. He concentrated on his journalistic career while working on different writing projects, but his favourite genre of literature has always been short stories as they are what first inspired him to write.
That’s why his first book was The Summer of Madness, a romantic short story that tells of a guy who goes out to try to win his ex-girlfriend back. Will you be rooting for Kurt and his big public gesture or is it more complicated than that and you don’t want her to date him again? Either way you’ll get to know a memorable set of characters along for the ride.
His second book Illusions, Delusions reflects Raphael’s love of alternative short stories from the writers of his childhood and challenges the idea of the narrative. Will your favourite be the story in the form of a questionnaire, a poem or a set of jokes, among the seven very different styles?
Alexander Raphael’s third book is Always Never, Rarely Sometimes, featuring original premises and distinctive characters with his trademark imagination, humour and memorable dialogue. Among others, meet a sinister magician with an array of pranks, a long-suffering husband finally becoming more decisive and a group of young guys intrigued by a pretty woman on another table.
Alexander Raphael’s latest offering is The Gameshow, about six disgraced celebrities who are unaware of just how much trouble they are in, having signed up for the most provocative of television shows. His satirical debut novel is a look at the constant decision-making needed by stars to remain popular and relevant, and just how desperate they can become when the wrong decisions are made.
Published February 2019
The Summer of Madness
In the summer of love, or rather of madness, a whole set of stories are emerging. But there is one that has got everyone talking. When Kurt decides to win back his ex-girlfriend with the help of a literary classic, he sets off a string of events that will build to a dramatic finale.
“None of it was working. And he was running out of ideas. And that’s where most people would have given up, if not far, far, sooner. But our man was nothing if not persistent. And so he decided to go for it, with one last idea. Something romantic but dramatic, poetic but effective. And that’s probably where he got the idea from.”
“This is a terrific, romantic short story. It’s something you could download and read on your lunchbreak or even tea you speed-readers out there. It’s well-written, flows beautifully and is peppered with some lovely comedic touches.”
Claire
Amazon/Goodreads
“For such a short story the author manages to portray his characters in a way which makes it easy to empathise with them. The story is short but sweet, engaging and has a great finale. If you’re looking for something to escape into but haven’t got enough time to read a novel this is ideal at just 27 pages long.”
Elaine
Goodreads
“…consider the freshness of the idea, the clever execution, fluid writing style, and interesting characters… Because this has all of those, betraying an underlying talent for the modern-day fairy tale that makes for a simply delightful read.”
Beetleypete
Amazon
“Raphael tells a story to captivate and spark a keen curiosity in the reader. I found the story thoroughly enjoyable, enticing, and I loved the reference to one of Nietzsche’s powerful quotes. An absolute must read, and a beautifully surprising and unpredictable turn of events unfold.”
Pam
Amazon
“It’s a clever, wry and satirical take on the traditional romance story and packed full of smart literary references. The author’s style brings you into the heart of the action and really sets the scene.”
Neel
Amazon
“The Summer of Madness” was my first book by this author. First thing I did upon finishing: Bought his next book. I loved this story. At times funny, thrilling, and even bittersweet, it kept me turning pages. The language was gorgeous. And we all know a character like the lead, so we can relate to his state of mind and the way he grasps onto hope while trying to win his girl back. How his efforts affect an entire town is a storyline in itself.”
Georgie Girl
Amazon
Published September 2019
Illusions, Delusions
Just what is a short story? Through the prism of seven vastly different and fantastically imaginative forms, Alexander Raphael showcases the opportunities the genre offers. Inspired by writers such as John Updike, James Thurber and Franz Kafka, here are his first set of stories in a wonderfully minimalist yet thought-provoking style.
“It was the most spectacular sight. The sky was filled with all kinds of kaleidoscopic colours. Red and white and orange and gold and silver and purple and brown and green and blue with every shade in-between. There were diamonds and emeralds, rubies and sapphires and clouds and planets and comets that moved around at the speed of light in all directions.”
“Great collection! These stories are clever, humorous, thought-provoking, twisted, and delightful! I will not label the stories as only happy or sad, dark or light… I’d say they are as they are – each one outstanding on its own, but as a collection – they are stunning! If you love short stories or need a break from long reads – this book is a must.”
Victoria
Amazon/Goodreads
“I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories. Each one is very unique and presents new and different ideas. Some are fantastical, while others mirror daily life or explore the perspective of a person at the end of their life. To my surprise, I particularly enjoyed the story ‘Death = New Life’, written as a poem. It describes how a lonely man’s selfless act is rewarded with a chance encounter. I do not usually favour poetry over prose, but the style and message of this story resonated with me.”
Kathrin
Amazon
“Cleverly titled, Illusions, Delusions takes readers on a whirlwind journey through seven stories that all deal with the mind, imagination, and creativity in some way. Raphael really plays with genre and different storytelling techniques in this collection. It’s amazing to explore just how different each story is from the next, and yet they all work wonderfully as a cohesive exploration of, well, illusions and delusions.”
Nora
Amazon/Goodreads
“Within Twilight is my favourite story. Beautiful writing with enchanted tale of human nature. The story voiced the author’s appreciation of art and nature with a touch of fantasy. It’s kind of a story you don’t want it to end and feel sad when it happened… I would recommend this book for the cleverness of the stories and his unique writing style. The book has everything to suit your reading preferences.”
Hope
Goodreads
“Each of these stories is completely different in style from one another, showcasing the author’s broad range in writing and imagination. Additionally, each tale will incite you to think deeply, look beyond the surface of the story and ask yourself the questions subtly raised within the narrative. What would you do? How would you answer? I enjoyed these unique and clever tales immensely!”
MJ
Amazon
“Illusions, Delusions” is a great little collection of short stories. There is something for everyone, even a poem. While poetry is never my first choice for serious reading, this one’s poignancy and sweetness made it my favorite piece in the assortment. If you like puns, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the story that’s written as a conversation between two friends. Earlier stories showcase the author’s skill with description and maintaining suspense. Wonderful collection.”
Georgie Girl
Amazon
Published February 2020
Always Never, Rarely Sometimes
An extract from Always Never, Rarely Sometimes
To find out what happens in this story and the rest:
“With a story-telling style (and hints of magic) reminiscent of Ray Bradbury, and populated by darkly flat-affect characters straight out of Patricia Highsmith, this set of short stories is interesting, unusual and intriguingly compelling.”
Terri
Amazon/Goodreads
“Seven short stories, of people very different from each other, in different places in their lives. Seven short stories to realize as a reader that we never know what happens behind the curtains, or just allowing us to be part of a short period in someone’s life. Stories that will surprise you, make you smile, give you hope…”
Tiziana
Amazon/Goodreads
“Not only do you come across numerous different characters within the various stories but the author shows his range but writing many varied genres. The books moves effortlessly between stories of hope to murder mysteries.”
Caroline
Goodreads
“The characters and their motives are well-developed so the reader can quickly empathise with them and where they’re coming from and genuinely cares what happens to them. The writer knows how to keep the reader’s attention and there are some clever twists within the plots, although the writer does not rely on this alone to keep the reader entertained.”
Ronan
Amazon
“Raphael’s ability to take seemingly normal scenarios and twist them into interesting examinations of human nature is refreshing and the bite sized chunks of fiction are easy enough to read but stay with you long after you’re done. “
Vera
Amazon/Goodreads
“Raphael’s eclectic endeavor is in equal parts humorous and quirky, suspense-filled and heartwarming, philosophical and disturbing – every story striking a chord and lingering long after it has been read. The beauty of the writing lies in how he gets the reader involved in the story, having you decide for yourself what each story means for you.”
Renata
Goodreads
Published June 2025
The Gameshow
In a waiting room hidden high away from everyone, six disgraced celebrities are desperate to recover their heavily tainted reputations. An incredibly controversial new gameshow is offering them a route back to the big time, along with a $7.2 million jackpot. But with no consolation prizes and serious consequences every time someone loses out, will signing up prove their salvation or their downfall?
“Now we come to why you’re here. I know you’ve all had a rough time of things the last couple of years. Let’s face it, you’ve all made some outrageously bad decisions recently. And despite having the most expensive PR teams, you’ve not been able to fix it. The public has decided they don’t like you anymore. And once the public decides you’re a joke, you’re a disgrace, you’re an embarrassment, then you’re finished. The thing about being a celebrity is there’s no shortage of people willing to take your place with a new backstory, a new look, a new set of skills to win people over.
I’m here to offer you a final chance. The opportunity to not just get back to where you were before, but to head from the back of the line straight to the VIP section. From nothing to everything. Discarded trash to jewels in the crown. Yousix can be so famous those same celebs ignoring your calls will be begging you to come and hang out with them. And to be seen out with you. All the shows, vlogs and podcasts that don’t care about you will be offering you everything, and I mean everything, to get you on their show. So let me explain more about what you’ve all signed up for.”