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pazfauxster's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The first story in the book, called <i>Safe Passage</i>, was so strong that I really got my hopes up. It was moving, mysterious, and I loved how the first part of the book, titled <i>Birth</i>, began with a story (ostensibly) about death. <i>"What an inventive decision!"</i> I thought. Unfortunately, I was in for a disappointment after that.
Overall, I found several stories rather compelling. Those were, apart from the first one, <i>Atria</i>, <i>The Ages</i> and <i>Tributaries</i>. I didn't exactly love them, but they were rather interesting in both premise and execution.
The rest I either found undercooked (what was it about? did the author want to make a statement or was it just a vignette?) or downright disturbing with no particular reason to be so. <i>Poppyseed</i> was the second story in the collection and it already made me want to close the book and forget it ever existed. Not cool. But maybe I'm overreacting.
Anyway, if you're into bizarre stuff about love, life, and family where everything is kinda normal on the surface and not so normal underneath, this is your jam. Unfortunately, it wasn't mine.
Overall, I found several stories rather compelling. Those were, apart from the first one, <i>Atria</i>, <i>The Ages</i> and <i>Tributaries</i>. I didn't exactly love them, but they were rather interesting in both premise and execution.
The rest I either found undercooked (what was it about? did the author want to make a statement or was it just a vignette?) or downright disturbing with no particular reason to be so. <i>Poppyseed</i> was the second story in the collection and it already made me want to close the book and forget it ever existed. Not cool. But maybe I'm overreacting.
Anyway, if you're into bizarre stuff about love, life, and family where everything is kinda normal on the surface and not so normal underneath, this is your jam. Unfortunately, it wasn't mine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Pregnancy, Grief, Terminal illness, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Animal death, and Death
adam_nie's review against another edition
3.5
Ausubel writes well, and constructs vivid premises for her short stories. Some veer into shock jock territory in the name of novelty. Check content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Medical content, Pregnancy, Infertility, Chronic illness, Grief, Rape, and Sexual assault
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