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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Infidelity, Physical abuse
Ghoul.
Mother’s Day.
The Mom of Bold Action.
Love Letter
Mother’s Day.
The Mom of Bold Action.
Love Letter
It pains me to say this about one of the most formidable short story authors of our time, but these stories felt so stale. Very reminiscent of earlier collections, and not in a positive way.
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was excited for this as I enjoyed Tenth of December and Pastoralia. I like the themes Saunders explores and appreciate his ability to experiment and successfully take on a variety of voices and perspectives. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. However, I was a bit disappointed that this collection seemed more reminiscent of past work than it was original. "Liberation Day" held a similar premise to "The Semplica Girl Diaries" while "Ghoul" mirrored "Pastoralia." We see repeated use of people used as fixtures in homes or as entertainment in theme parks, experimenting with the minds of society's discards, a manipulative use of work, and monitoring others as a social responsibility. While I can appreciate the argument for this being Saunders' style and preferred concepts to write within, I did expect more experimentation or at least deviation from the premises of previous work. Overall, I'm not complaining— I'm interested by the exploration of these ideas and enjoy Saunders' style. It simply felt as though I was reading something familiar.
Good. Odd. Themes of dissociation, manipulation, true self.
Definitely not my favorite Saunders collection. Accentuate the positive: I LOVED three stories in this collection, Liberation Day, The Mom of Bold Action, and Mother's Day. The other six were only so-so.
But when he's good, man, he's good. The Saunders Schtick was in full effect in the three stories I loved -- basically drops you into a world of his making in the middle of a scene, and then lets you figure out the rules, which he slowly reveals to you via context. You feel disoriented at first, and then you get it, and then you hold on for dear life as he takes you on a helluva hilarious, imaginative ride.
I just wish more of the stories in this one were like those three really good ones.
But when he's good, man, he's good. The Saunders Schtick was in full effect in the three stories I loved -- basically drops you into a world of his making in the middle of a scene, and then lets you figure out the rules, which he slowly reveals to you via context. You feel disoriented at first, and then you get it, and then you hold on for dear life as he takes you on a helluva hilarious, imaginative ride.
I just wish more of the stories in this one were like those three really good ones.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Each of these short stories seemed brilliantly conceived, but several I found difficult to access and follow. With more effort, I could have followed better, but it did not seem worth the struggle.