Scan barcode
ridgewaygirl's review against another edition
5.0
This is a collection edited by Joyce Carol Oates and it shows. The collection is distinctly noir-tinged and the pieces focus largely on domestic situations or ones with a striking power imbalance. Oates has also assembled an impressive roster of authors here, from Edwidge Dandicat to Aimee Bender; there's no lack of talent on display.
There's an enormous variety to the pieces here. Most stories fit well into the crime genre, from Valerie Martin's Il Griffon, a classic noir about a young married woman living in an old apartment building in Rome; to Lisa Lim's bleak and unsettling illustrated domestic drama, The Hunger. There are also some pieces that sit outside traditional genre parameters, but fit beautifully with the themes of the collection, from Bernice McFadden's sharp-edged satire, OBF, Inc., to six poems by Margaret Atwood, to a creepily atmospheric story about a museum, An Early Specimen by Elizabeth McCracken.
This is a solid and well-conceived collection. Not a single author sent in a mediocre offering. But considering who was editing this collection, is that any surprise?
There's an enormous variety to the pieces here. Most stories fit well into the crime genre, from Valerie Martin's Il Griffon, a classic noir about a young married woman living in an old apartment building in Rome; to Lisa Lim's bleak and unsettling illustrated domestic drama, The Hunger. There are also some pieces that sit outside traditional genre parameters, but fit beautifully with the themes of the collection, from Bernice McFadden's sharp-edged satire, OBF, Inc., to six poems by Margaret Atwood, to a creepily atmospheric story about a museum, An Early Specimen by Elizabeth McCracken.
This is a solid and well-conceived collection. Not a single author sent in a mediocre offering. But considering who was editing this collection, is that any surprise?
kathrinpassig's review
4.0
Leider widerlegt diese Sammlung sofort meine Behauptung von gestern: Die Geschichten sind offenbar extra für den Band geschrieben worden und trotzdem fast alle sehr gut.
prerazmisljavanje's review against another edition
2.0
Ništa s ništa. "OBF" ću jedinu pamtiti po dobru. Kao koncept, nažalost, ne kao priču.
millywatmough's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
camboron's review against another edition
3.0
Uneven collection but a quick read and worth it for the throughline of themes and some great standouts
jenniferpalmblad's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hogwarts_forever's review against another edition
3.0
This was a lot more disturbing than I expected! The noir genre is new to me, but I grew to really love it. There are some great stories in here, as well as some divine poetry by Margaret Atwood. Not for the faint of heart, but am glad I read it.
susannes_pagesofcrime's review against another edition
2.0
I have to say I am disappointed in this collection, I don't think it has been marketed correctly.
Billed as a collection of Noir stories by women it is more a selection of tales of abuse. Just being dark, does not make the stories Noir in my opinion.
Billed as a collection of Noir stories by women it is more a selection of tales of abuse. Just being dark, does not make the stories Noir in my opinion.