Scan barcode
bebidocrimes's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I am very much not a short story collection person, but this one actually got me to finish, enjoy it, AND keep the book. My favorites were the first one 'Unstitched' and the title story will leave me in suspense for the rest of my life. I liked seeing the common motifs float throughout, even if their meanings/symbolism/implications evolved. Trying to decide if the comments about most people's (very common) appearances are an author issue or very intended to build the world of each story, definitely gave me the ick. But it's light horror so I'll let it slide. Except that last story 'Notes From a Spider', he definitely had some issues going on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual content, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Sexism, Death, and Misogyny
Moderate: Self harm, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
katie_greenwinginmymouth's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
This short story collection really made me question what I want out of a macabre story and what it means to use dark and disturbing imagery. I definitely believe it has a place when used well, something about this collection didn’t sit right for me though. Too often the grossness and horror of the stories was tied up with the character’s poverty, disfigurement or fatness. Also, I really hate to say this, but I got a little bit bored. I found the imagery a repetitive across stories and soon noticed that every story started with a list, a very self consciously odd and incongruous combination of objects that felt a bit contrived. By the time I was most of the way through the book and this list thing was really getting to me, what did I come across but a WHOLE STORY that was literally just a list. The lives of the characters are very gendered and heteronormative, women move straight from childhood to marriage and remain slightly naive and childlike for their whole life. They seem resigned to abuse and whatever bizarre rules they have to follow. However somehow this didn’t feel like it was anchored enough to be making any sort of comment on similar things in our own world, the stories feel more like they look backwards to the dark origins of fairytales but without, for example, the strong feminist slant of Angela Carter.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Sexism, Ableism, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
lola_milk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy and Sexual assault
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
More...