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savvylit's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
Grudova utilizes repetition to paint a portrait of a grotesque parallel world. Sewing machines, dolls, pregnancy, women's labor juxtaposed by men's academia, tins of food, stickiness... Each story makes a statement about direct and passive violence within an extreme patriarchy.
Ultimately, these stories were often too immersive! I left The Doll's Alphabet feeling like I'd narrowly escaped the oppressive and claustrophobic circumstances of Grudova's world.
Ultimately, these stories were often too immersive! I left The Doll's Alphabet feeling like I'd narrowly escaped the oppressive and claustrophobic circumstances of Grudova's world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual violence, Violence, and Pregnancy
bebidocrimes's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I am very much not a short story collection person, but this one actually got me to finish, enjoy it, AND keep the book. My favorites were the first one 'Unstitched' and the title story will leave me in suspense for the rest of my life. I liked seeing the common motifs float throughout, even if their meanings/symbolism/implications evolved. Trying to decide if the comments about most people's (very common) appearances are an author issue or very intended to build the world of each story, definitely gave me the ick. But it's light horror so I'll let it slide. Except that last story 'Notes From a Spider', he definitely had some issues going on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
lola_milk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, and Misogyny