This was a fresh collection of short stories that hones in on the everyday lives of Black women (primarily) in Florida and, often, the way they are viewed by society. The protagonist of each story essentially have to reckon with a traumatic event that occurred at some point in their life (or is dealing with at the moment), and Moniz explores this unflinchingly though also with some grace. She dives into uncomfortable territory when it comes to the topics she covers: infidelity, sexual assault, pregnancy/miscarriage, among others. For the most part, I wouldn’t say that these stories are gruesome, but none of them are particularly easy to digest either as she peels away the layers of these women to reveal something deeply complex.

I found the title of this collection particularly interesting and, very cleverly, Moniz interprets at least one of those three words in some fashion within each story. I think “blood” jumped out at me the most, but that might be because this was more visceral than the others, especially in the final story (which was probably my favorite). Relatedly, Moniz is an excellent writer and really has a way with words to draw a reaction out of you. I think despite feeling lukewarm about some of these stories, I was taken to all of them because of her writing.

Content Warnings

redsshelves's review against another edition

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challenging inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

hilaryreadsbooks's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Moniz opens this stunning collection of short stories with two girls carrying the weight of the world. Kiera and Ava share a common heaviness, an emptiness, as they come into womanhood—a sense of knowing that they can and should be taking more space in this world. Kiera, Ava, and all of Moniz's other characters felt real, alive, pulsing—Moniz gives these characters the space and words they deserve. I felt the deep shame Fred felt in "The Loss of Heaven" as he finally began to come to terms with his failings; I felt the resentment Margot openly displayed for her mother's perceived weakness in "The Hearts of our Enemies"; I felt the descent into depression as Rayna tries to cope with her miscarriage in "Feast."

Moniz's writing is vibrant and poetic, precise with detail and imagery. Her characters are complex, imperfect, and so, so human. In just a couple of pages, each of her stories pulled me in, made me really...feel as I grappled with feelings of unease: many of these characters' insecurities were ones I related to.

Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CP0kVORLUcL/

Content Warnings

bookscoffeehayley's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense 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

5.0

CW: miscarriage, death of a child, suicide, suicidal thoughts, death of a parent, sexual assault, child abuse

After I finished ‘The Office of Historical Corrections’ (and loved it) I asked the internet what other short story recommendations they had. Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz was the most recommended collection so I immediately put a hold into my local library.

This is a fairly short collection, 11 stories coming in at just under 200 pages. But while this is shorter, it took me a bit to read. I wanted to stay with these stories. I couldn’t read them back to back. I had to pause after each story and sit with it.

These stories focus on an array of topics including familial relationships and traumas, identity, infidelity, miscarriage, healing, love. These stories end leaving you wanting more but in the best way possible.

I can’t recommend this short story collection enough. I tandem read this with the audiobook and also would recommend the audio version! I’m excited to see what Dantiel W. Moniz releases next!

Content Warnings

bridgettb's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

bookmaddie's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a strong short story collection that explores motherhood, girlhood, grief and family. I think Moniz does a great job capturing Florida and its essence, even if these stories could sometimes take place anywhere. I also appreciated the breadth in these stories—while they follow mostly women, the plots and characters we follow are so unique and interesting. I always looked forward to what the next story would hold. My favorite stories were Necessary Bodies, Tongues, and The Heads of Our Enemies. Can't wait for more from Moniz!!

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