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vagabondly's review against another edition
4.0
favourite stories:
unstitching
waxy
notes from a spider
the sad tale of the sconce
agata’s machine
edward do not pamper the dead
hungarian sprats
the moth emporium
unstitching
waxy
notes from a spider
the sad tale of the sconce
agata’s machine
edward do not pamper the dead
hungarian sprats
the moth emporium
chloeimogen's review against another edition
3.0
Each of these stories made me say "what the fuck" at least once.
eustachio's review against another edition
1.0
O i miei gusti sono cambiati o è questo grottesco a non fare per me. L’autrice enfatizza un disgusto e una miseria tutta sensoriale e anche passando per racconti diversi tornano ambienti chiusi, tende tappezzate di muffa, puzza di uova marce, pesci putridi. Non è tanto questo a non essermi piaciuto, è forse la sensazione che i racconti non vadano a parare davvero da nessuna parte, come degli incubi molto vividi di cui ti rimangono impressi dei dettagli ma non lo svolgimento.
Nel 2020 ho riscoperto il piacere di leggere libri inglesi in traduzione italiana, che è anche la ragione per cui mi sono lanciato un po’ a scatola chiusa su questo libro nell’edizione del Saggiatore anziché leggerlo in originale. La traduzione italiana di Alfabeto di bambola, però, mi ha fatto tornare sui miei passi tra errori (“Non andammo a vivere insieme fino all’ultimo semestre di università, quando ci spostammo in un appartamento sopra un negozio di alimentari abbandonato”), brutture (“[...] la sua anoressia era respingente”) e una combinazione delle due, calchi brutti che sanno di lavoro amatoriale:
Nel 2020 ho riscoperto il piacere di leggere libri inglesi in traduzione italiana, che è anche la ragione per cui mi sono lanciato un po’ a scatola chiusa su questo libro nell’edizione del Saggiatore anziché leggerlo in originale. La traduzione italiana di Alfabeto di bambola, però, mi ha fatto tornare sui miei passi tra errori (“Non andammo a vivere insieme fino all’ultimo semestre di università, quando ci spostammo in un appartamento sopra un negozio di alimentari abbandonato”), brutture (“[...] la sua anoressia era respingente”) e una combinazione delle due, calchi brutti che sanno di lavoro amatoriale:
[...] due tazze da tè a forma di facce che fanno l’occhiolino, Nicholas le aveva ereditate da sua nonna. Non le usavamo perché Nicholas pensava che avrebbero urlato se avessimo versato un liquido bollente nelle loro teste.
oddlydrawncristi's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the majority of the stories in this book. Although I will say the first story, Unstitching was my favorite.
sofiephox's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Agata's Machine
Rhinoceros
The Sad Tale of the Sconce
The Moth Emporium
Notes From a Spider
Rhinoceros
The Sad Tale of the Sconce
The Moth Emporium
Notes From a Spider
katwithahat's review against another edition
4.0
Gets a 3.5 since The Moth Emporium, was by far the standout story in this collection and was easily deserved of a 5 star rating. The rest of the stories while beautifully written, as well as rich in disturbing, dreamlike imagery felt slightly hollow at times and reminded me more of Leonora Carrington than of Angela Carter.
Also found Grudova’s use of imagery sometimes limited in scope. Similar physical characteristics and objects appearing in every other story did become a little bit tiring, so much so that they lost their impact a little with each new story.
I feel like 10 to 15 years ago, I would have downright loved this book and tried to find more meaning for something that simply wasn’t there. I suppose I just don’t have as much patience for surrealism as I used to. That being said, I can’t deny Grudova isn’t an extremely talented writer, I just wish there’d been more bit more balance and general meat to the collection like shown in The Moth Emporium.
Also found Grudova’s use of imagery sometimes limited in scope. Similar physical characteristics and objects appearing in every other story did become a little bit tiring, so much so that they lost their impact a little with each new story.
I feel like 10 to 15 years ago, I would have downright loved this book and tried to find more meaning for something that simply wasn’t there. I suppose I just don’t have as much patience for surrealism as I used to. That being said, I can’t deny Grudova isn’t an extremely talented writer, I just wish there’d been more bit more balance and general meat to the collection like shown in The Moth Emporium.
kittyg's review against another edition
4.0
Well, this was a MothBox pick for the Short Story month and I LOVED it. All the stories were entertaining and engaging and beautifully weird and I took down mini notes as I was reading ti so I am just going to leave them below.
I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy Magical Realism as it's filled with wonderful stories and ideas.
NOTES FROM A SPIDER - Surreal story following an 8-limbed individual who cannot find a lover like him until he spies a sewing machine of immense poise and beauty. He takes her home and develops a relationship with her that only leads to deeper troubles and infatuation... 4*s"
May 22, 2017 – page 169
THE MOTH EMPORIUM - Creepy people who run a costume shop and scare the narrator as a child. Later she returns and finds a love affair and a life there which quickly blooms. The costumes business needs help, it's all a bit chaotic and gory! 3*"
May 22, 2017 – page 145
HUNGARIAN SPRATS - a silly little story about a man who decides to can everything he owns and ship it on a voyage with him. Naturally, things go rather wrong and his possessions are exposed! 3*s"
May 22, 2017 – page 137
EDWARD, DO NOT PAMPER THE DEAD - Weird and surreal look at a couple who are trying to save for a sewing machine to give them the means to have a baby. The woman is hardworking and desperate for love, the man more laid back and sneakily a saboteur... 3.5*s"
May 22, 2017 – page 123
THE SAD TALE OF THE SCONCE - Totally bizarre in a brilliant way. Tells of the journey a sconce goes on through they years. From the sea to shore to shop to sailors and more. It's a fishy tale and a sad one, but I really enjoyed it's bizarre nature!"
May 22, 2017 – page 107
RHINOCEROS - Really liked this though it creeped me out too. It's the story of a couple existing and loving but barely scraping by on meagre earnings from Nicholas' paintings. One day they find a zoo and the animals enchant him and there's a compelling allure to the place... 4*s"
May 20, 2017 – page 97
AGATA'S MACHINE - This one was kind of a blend of friendships, discovery and religion. The strange machine Agata introduces us to can create wonderful beings from the minds of children. 3*s"
May 20, 2017 – page 73
THE DOLL'S ALPHABET - Tiny sentence that possibly passed over my head. Maybe it's just that it's smaller as it's for a doll. 2*
MERMAID - Classic tale of a mermaid stealing away the husband. only 2.5*s"
May 20, 2017 – page 65
WAXY - Hugely inventive world where Men and Women struggle along. Women are raised to get a Man and care for him. Men take Exams to get money. Unregistered births aren't allowed. Food is rationed heavily. The world is a dystopia come to life. Paul is the peculiar man she meets. 4.5*s. I could have read a whole novel in this world.
May 20, 2017 – page 37
THE GOTHIC SOCIETY - tiny story about Gothic infecting the modern world. Barely a teaser but one that already sparked NY imagination. Super cool. 4*
May 20, 2017 – page 32
THE MOUSE QUEEN - this one was a longer story than the first and focused on themes of ancient Italy, mythology, art, religion and death. I loved the twists on motherhood and red riding hood. A peculiar twisted tale that I really liked. 4*s
May 20, 2017 – page 14
UNSTITCHING - A curious tale about women showing their true forms and shedding the skins they once bore. More depth than first meets the eye. Really strong opening to the collection. 4*
Fantastic. 4.5*s overall :D
I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy Magical Realism as it's filled with wonderful stories and ideas.
NOTES FROM A SPIDER - Surreal story following an 8-limbed individual who cannot find a lover like him until he spies a sewing machine of immense poise and beauty. He takes her home and develops a relationship with her that only leads to deeper troubles and infatuation... 4*s"
May 22, 2017 – page 169
THE MOTH EMPORIUM - Creepy people who run a costume shop and scare the narrator as a child. Later she returns and finds a love affair and a life there which quickly blooms. The costumes business needs help, it's all a bit chaotic and gory! 3*"
May 22, 2017 – page 145
HUNGARIAN SPRATS - a silly little story about a man who decides to can everything he owns and ship it on a voyage with him. Naturally, things go rather wrong and his possessions are exposed! 3*s"
May 22, 2017 – page 137
EDWARD, DO NOT PAMPER THE DEAD - Weird and surreal look at a couple who are trying to save for a sewing machine to give them the means to have a baby. The woman is hardworking and desperate for love, the man more laid back and sneakily a saboteur... 3.5*s"
May 22, 2017 – page 123
THE SAD TALE OF THE SCONCE - Totally bizarre in a brilliant way. Tells of the journey a sconce goes on through they years. From the sea to shore to shop to sailors and more. It's a fishy tale and a sad one, but I really enjoyed it's bizarre nature!"
May 22, 2017 – page 107
RHINOCEROS - Really liked this though it creeped me out too. It's the story of a couple existing and loving but barely scraping by on meagre earnings from Nicholas' paintings. One day they find a zoo and the animals enchant him and there's a compelling allure to the place... 4*s"
May 20, 2017 – page 97
AGATA'S MACHINE - This one was kind of a blend of friendships, discovery and religion. The strange machine Agata introduces us to can create wonderful beings from the minds of children. 3*s"
May 20, 2017 – page 73
THE DOLL'S ALPHABET - Tiny sentence that possibly passed over my head. Maybe it's just that it's smaller as it's for a doll. 2*
MERMAID - Classic tale of a mermaid stealing away the husband. only 2.5*s"
May 20, 2017 – page 65
WAXY - Hugely inventive world where Men and Women struggle along. Women are raised to get a Man and care for him. Men take Exams to get money. Unregistered births aren't allowed. Food is rationed heavily. The world is a dystopia come to life. Paul is the peculiar man she meets. 4.5*s. I could have read a whole novel in this world.
May 20, 2017 – page 37
THE GOTHIC SOCIETY - tiny story about Gothic infecting the modern world. Barely a teaser but one that already sparked NY imagination. Super cool. 4*
May 20, 2017 – page 32
THE MOUSE QUEEN - this one was a longer story than the first and focused on themes of ancient Italy, mythology, art, religion and death. I loved the twists on motherhood and red riding hood. A peculiar twisted tale that I really liked. 4*s
May 20, 2017 – page 14
UNSTITCHING - A curious tale about women showing their true forms and shedding the skins they once bore. More depth than first meets the eye. Really strong opening to the collection. 4*
Fantastic. 4.5*s overall :D
tiefseezeilen's review
4.0
An Halloween nicht ganz fertig geschafft. Band mit Kurzgeschichten! Im Rahmen der Frankfurter Buchmesse 2020 und Gastland Kanada entdeckt. Schaurig-grotesk-widerwärtig an manchen Stellen.
Aber auch spannend und flüssig zu lesen. Das Cover passt sehr gut dazu.
Hab nicht jede Geschichte ganz nachvollziehen können!
Aber auch spannend und flüssig zu lesen. Das Cover passt sehr gut dazu.
Hab nicht jede Geschichte ganz nachvollziehen können!