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shubagar's review against another edition
4.0
Quite intense, turning domestic situations (especially for women) into blatant horror. You're always on the edge even when some of the stories progress --and climax-- with a 'happy' ending. Some are hard-hitting, some are thought-provoking. The author has such a unique way of analysing the human psyche, the oppression of women etc.
murderbotsbestie's review against another edition
2.0
The problem with reading short story collections is that I gaslight myself into thinking the next story might be better. Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
I saw this collection getting some attention online and I was in the mood for something short, so I thought I'd check it out.
I wouldn't go so far as to say it was a huge mistake, but I definitely wasted my time.
Now, I don't think Dávila is a bad writer by any means. The problem I had with this collection was that I felt like I was reading the same story over and over again. At first, the horror of remaining unknown was interesting. After the third story where nothing was explained, it was boring. I kept waiting for something new to happen, and it never really did. At 60%, I was ready to throw in the towel but I decided to stick it out. At 83%, I finally gave up.
A couple of the stories broke the mold, but they weren't enough to redeem the collection. I can't really see myself checking out any of Dávila's other or future works, but I could potentially be persuaded.
I saw this collection getting some attention online and I was in the mood for something short, so I thought I'd check it out.
I wouldn't go so far as to say it was a huge mistake, but I definitely wasted my time.
Now, I don't think Dávila is a bad writer by any means. The problem I had with this collection was that I felt like I was reading the same story over and over again. At first, the horror of remaining unknown was interesting. After the third story where nothing was explained, it was boring. I kept waiting for something new to happen, and it never really did. At 60%, I was ready to throw in the towel but I decided to stick it out. At 83%, I finally gave up.
A couple of the stories broke the mold, but they weren't enough to redeem the collection. I can't really see myself checking out any of Dávila's other or future works, but I could potentially be persuaded.
brittanymcmcmc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking, Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Pregnancy, Murder, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Sexual violence, and Mental illness
darail's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
emperorcupcake's review against another edition
This isn't bad, just not for me. Reads more like those "sad girl" books I can never get into than horror. I want to be scared, not depressed.
rip_montgomery's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
bluestice's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
bipickard's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
sarajjunu's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
2.5
She writes very well but all of these stories have virtually the same plot. If these were separated and published in collections I don’t know if I would’ve noticed it but this was incredibly boring.