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chillcox15's review against another edition
4.0
This is a real up-and-down, but ultimately winning, collection of short stories by a writer I can't wait to read again. Grudova shows an excellent command of the certain type of magical-realist palette that she works with; some of the best stories here, such as 'The Agata Machine' and 'Hungarian Sprats' can flip that palette over and show you all the dimensions of her writing. There are a few stories, however, that are a little too pat to completely work (I'm also just not a huuge fan of this type of pomo fabulist stuff most of the time). I would look at a story like 'Waxy' to illustrate both the strengths and weaknesses of Grudova at this point in her career. In 'Waxy,' Grudova presents a well-developed rendering of an Atwoodian feminist dystopian world in which women labor in service of men, who are constantly taking 'exams,' and not working or contributing to society in a meaningful way. While this world is indeed interesting, the story itself feels like the precis of a larger narrative; there's just not a lot going on outside of the actual setting-up of the set-up. In that way, I'm almost more excited to read a novel from Grudova than another collection of stories. All in all, there's a lot of talent and good ideas at work here.
pienini's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
d_swagata's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
rouge_red's review against another edition
dark
4.0
This is a very specific brand of weird that I can get on board with. A lot of these stories have a vague sense of the dystopian about them filled with characters that are oftentimes impoverished living in filthy spaces and ugly settings. And they all tend to be odd with touches of violence and sexuality peppered in between. Yes, the stories all tend towards the grittily whimsical and repeat certain themes. But this was a good collection. She has a novel out. Maybe?
susanearlam's review against another edition
5.0
What a trip! Weird, surreal but also very moving. This collection drags you in and doesn't let go until it's completely under your skin. Loved it.
caioshea's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fucking perfect and gorgeous mwah mwah mwah. weirdest little collection of short stories ever. like carter on crack