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innerweststreetlibrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This collection is fantastic! It took a long time to read as I needed thinking time between each story. Some are very dark, others are very funny, still others are whimsical and quite peculiar.
I’ve seen it described as being magical realism but there’s some definite techno horror sci fi vibes as well, the team from Black Mirror could easily adapt a few of these and they’d fit right in. There’s also a strong voice throughout that is decidedly West Australian, Asian Australian, female, millennial, and maybe a bit queer, and it is very refreshing to have that perspective applied in this way. So much fun! Definitely worth seeking out!
I’ve seen it described as being magical realism but there’s some definite techno horror sci fi vibes as well, the team from Black Mirror could easily adapt a few of these and they’d fit right in. There’s also a strong voice throughout that is decidedly West Australian, Asian Australian, female, millennial, and maybe a bit queer, and it is very refreshing to have that perspective applied in this way. So much fun! Definitely worth seeking out!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Mental illness
Minor: Misogyny, Death, and Racism
emr158's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
michelle_reads_'s review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
evelix's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
elishaslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
nightlungs's review
5.0
No weak spots, just a stunning ensemble of excellent excellent weird short stories. The superior genre.
remusloopylupin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nina_reads_books's review
5.0
This collection was simply incredible. Tan’s writing is very clever, supremely creative and just a little bit weird! There were also many moments of humour.
The book includes 20 stories with ever more intriguing names such as “A Girl Is Sitting on a Unicorn in the Middle of a Shopping Centre”, “Mounting Sexual Tension Between Two Long-Time Friends; Tom Knows that Ant is a Spy but Ant Doesn’t”, “Ron Swanson’s Stencilled ‘Stache” and “You Put the U in Utopia (or, The last Neko Atsume Player in the World)”.
Many if not all of the stories are set in the future or imagine a very different world to our own but each present very relatable human emotions and responses.
In the story which gives the collection its name – “Smart Ovens for Lonely People” - the main character is assigned a talking oven after a suicide attempt. The oven tells her she doesn’t have to be sorry anymore. In “Page & Co. Genuine Scribe Era Stationary Pty Ltd.” stationary products are now rare and rarely used. A biro given to a homeless man has an unexpected effect.
I really enjoyed all the stories – they were poignant and clever in their weirdness. Elizabeth Tan is definitely a writer of talent and I’m keen to seek out her earlier work. If you like your writing a touch on the bizarre side I do recommend checking out Smart Ovens for Lonely People.
The book includes 20 stories with ever more intriguing names such as “A Girl Is Sitting on a Unicorn in the Middle of a Shopping Centre”, “Mounting Sexual Tension Between Two Long-Time Friends; Tom Knows that Ant is a Spy but Ant Doesn’t”, “Ron Swanson’s Stencilled ‘Stache” and “You Put the U in Utopia (or, The last Neko Atsume Player in the World)”.
Many if not all of the stories are set in the future or imagine a very different world to our own but each present very relatable human emotions and responses.
In the story which gives the collection its name – “Smart Ovens for Lonely People” - the main character is assigned a talking oven after a suicide attempt. The oven tells her she doesn’t have to be sorry anymore. In “Page & Co. Genuine Scribe Era Stationary Pty Ltd.” stationary products are now rare and rarely used. A biro given to a homeless man has an unexpected effect.
I really enjoyed all the stories – they were poignant and clever in their weirdness. Elizabeth Tan is definitely a writer of talent and I’m keen to seek out her earlier work. If you like your writing a touch on the bizarre side I do recommend checking out Smart Ovens for Lonely People.
molly43's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0