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caitgauthor's review
5.0
Words usually come so easily to me, but it's like I've been struck speechless after reading this book. My heart felt pangs just from the Acknowledgements section, where the author speaks about families who "untell" the queer stories of those who have passed away, erasing their identity.
But once I began Of Echoes Born, I was immediately blown away by the ingenuity of how colours played such essential roles, and by the paranormal/supernatural threads of the characters. I loved each intro to the individual stories and how they intertwined.
I knew 'Nathan Burgoine had published many, many short stories. I can now see why. This book is exquisite and wonderfully written. It feels less like a collection of short stories and more like a tour through interconnected lives.
Highly recommend this one!
But once I began Of Echoes Born, I was immediately blown away by the ingenuity of how colours played such essential roles, and by the paranormal/supernatural threads of the characters. I loved each intro to the individual stories and how they intertwined.
I knew 'Nathan Burgoine had published many, many short stories. I can now see why. This book is exquisite and wonderfully written. It feels less like a collection of short stories and more like a tour through interconnected lives.
Highly recommend this one!
ryanpfw's review
5.0
This book really surprised me. I thought it was a series of vignettes, the first two of which didn’t do much for me. The third or fourth truly hooked me, and then I realized every story was interconnected, telling a broad story of magic and love, of the human condition, compassion, redemption, forgiveness, and hope. I’ll admit I’m not a poetry guy and the interludes didn’t appeal to me…until I figured out what they were, and how the whole story wrapped together. Beautiful stuff. May it save lives.
queerlitloft's review
5.0
What an unusual and yet terrifically done book.
I'm not sure i have the right words to do it justice. It's not like anything i've ever read before, it's so multifaceted and yet each little story is immensely intriguing and full of feeling all on it's own.
Such a heartfelt tribute to the lgbtq community. Stands out from the crowd that's for sure.
I'm not sure i have the right words to do it justice. It's not like anything i've ever read before, it's so multifaceted and yet each little story is immensely intriguing and full of feeling all on it's own.
Such a heartfelt tribute to the lgbtq community. Stands out from the crowd that's for sure.
eol's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
terriaminute's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Why did I wait to read this???
There and Then: so good. Genuinely stunning. And it provides the frame for the rest of the stories.
Time and Tide: Intriguing.
Pentimento: Marvelous.
A Little Village Magic: Oh my goodness. Funny and sweet.
The Psychometry of Snow: Best read slowly, to miss nothing.
The Finish: Oof.
Here Be Dragons: Oh boy this one got to me.
Struck: This one's fun.
Heart: Devastating.
Negative Space: Perfect ending.
Elsewhen: Great, clever.
Here and Now: And here we complete the circle. Spectacular.
I usually avoid story collections and anthologies because the percentage I enjoy is invariably low. Well, Burgoine blew that average out of the water with Of Echoes Born. I want to hug it, but I bought the kindle version, so I'll just have to settle for pointing y'all at it in case it's for you, too.
There and Then: so good. Genuinely stunning. And it provides the frame for the rest of the stories.
Time and Tide: Intriguing.
Pentimento: Marvelous.
A Little Village Magic: Oh my goodness. Funny and sweet.
The Psychometry of Snow: Best read slowly, to miss nothing.
The Finish: Oof.
Here Be Dragons: Oh boy this one got to me.
Struck: This one's fun.
Heart: Devastating.
Negative Space: Perfect ending.
Elsewhen: Great, clever.
Here and Now: And here we complete the circle. Spectacular.
I usually avoid story collections and anthologies because the percentage I enjoy is invariably low. Well, Burgoine blew that average out of the water with Of Echoes Born. I want to hug it, but I bought the kindle version, so I'll just have to settle for pointing y'all at it in case it's for you, too.
authorjendesmarais's review
5.0
Every story got better than the last, as improbable as that sounds. The interwoven details were a nice touch.
I honestly don't think I can pick a favourite character, they were all so incredible. Maybe Bao. He was pretty awesome.
Colours link every story. Absolutely incredible. I'm still reeling.
I honestly don't think I can pick a favourite character, they were all so incredible. Maybe Bao. He was pretty awesome.
Colours link every story. Absolutely incredible. I'm still reeling.
stephengrahamking's review
5.0
A beautiful batch of intricately woven tales, all bound together by common characters and places. It's not often that stories can make my heart both ache and soar at the same time, but this book does. Love, love, love these tales.
0ri's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
As always, this author amazes. Love his stories. He includes enough nods to how things are that we stay rooted in reality, but enough hope to show how things could be.
endemictoearth's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5