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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
I was drawn into each and every story but left disappointed by the end (aside from Proving Up and the silkworm story). The endings to most of the stories seemed like the author chose a random spot to end the story and hit 'submit'. maybe I'm missing some bigger picture within all of them but I just feel confused
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Some of these stories really rocked my world and will stick with me for a long time. Russel is a hilarious writer and really superb at capturing a character’s voice.
Dnf @ 22%
Realized after 2 stories that her writing style was just not for me. The base idea may be interesting but the execution of it felt frustrating, meandering, and confusing. Even if I am intrigued by the story premise, I cannot force myself to read the authors works. I’d maybe listen to a friend summarize them for me.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I liked this book, some stories better than others...most of the time I loved about half of the story (either the beginning or the end) but I can't really isolate a story that I truly loved in its entirety. Of all the stories, "Proving Up/ The Hox River Window" sticks with me the most.
Some of the short stories were hit or miss. I really enjoyed the first story about the titular lemon grove vampires.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Several of these stories left me wanting more. Several of them were very strange. But all were very different. It's hard to believe they came out of the same brain, and even though I may not have loved every story, I am impressed by Russel's writing skills and ability to write from so many diverse points of view.
I'm not a big reader of short stories but have decided to listen to some collections on my commute since I've really cut back on listening to novels due to the high number of podcasts I listen to now. I haven't listened to a novel audiobook in a few months! Karen Russell is a much ballyhooed writer [I didn't read SWAMPLANDIA] who is definitely talented but my issue that I usually have when reading short stories are either they are over and I want more, or I don't find one that interesting and want to move to the next one. This one is just the same in that regard--some I really enjoyed, some I didn't. At least, if it is one I don't like all that much, I know that it will soon be over and the next story will begin. I am going to check out SWAMPLANDIA though after reading this as I think I might like Russell in novel form rather than short story just because I like novels more.
A wonderful collection of strange, beautiful stories. My favorite by far was Reeling for the Empire, a fantastic take on labor, colonialism, genders and embodiment with some fun rifts on Kafka. My least favorite was The New Veterans, which is rather predictable and too long.