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savaging's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't love many of the first stories in this book. I was about to ask Why all the hullabaloo? and then I read a few more and found it. The hullabaloo.
Some of these stories take place in our own universe and some require magic, and some sit right on the uncertain hinge between them. Whatever the world, Bender is itching at something that's meaningful, but with humor and restraint.
There is no story better than "The Devourings," about a human woman who marries an ogre who, regrettably, eats their children. Or maybe the main character is actually a magic cake. Or maybe it's just the endlessness of desire.
Other good ones:
"The Fake Nazi" -- about a man who is obsessed with the delusion that he caused the holocaust.
"The Doctor and the Rabbi" -- don't argue with your friends about the merits of empiricism v. magic -- just read this story.
"Wordkeepers"
"The Color Master" -- "When you see a tomato, like me, you probably see a very nice red orb with a green stem, fresh and delectable. When she sees a tomato, she sees blues and browns, curves and indentations, shadow and light, and she could probably even guess how many seeds are in a given tomato based on how heavy it feels in her hand."
"A State of Variance" -- a man's perfectly symmetrical face dispels trust. "Then he sat down at the table of a large man, a man with tattoos but the old kind, before tattoos became dainty and about spiritual life. This man wore tattoos from the time when tattoos meant you liked to kick people around."
Some of these stories take place in our own universe and some require magic, and some sit right on the uncertain hinge between them. Whatever the world, Bender is itching at something that's meaningful, but with humor and restraint.
There is no story better than "The Devourings," about a human woman who marries an ogre who, regrettably, eats their children. Or maybe the main character is actually a magic cake. Or maybe it's just the endlessness of desire.
Other good ones:
"The Fake Nazi" -- about a man who is obsessed with the delusion that he caused the holocaust.
"The Doctor and the Rabbi" -- don't argue with your friends about the merits of empiricism v. magic -- just read this story.
"Wordkeepers"
"The Color Master" -- "When you see a tomato, like me, you probably see a very nice red orb with a green stem, fresh and delectable. When she sees a tomato, she sees blues and browns, curves and indentations, shadow and light, and she could probably even guess how many seeds are in a given tomato based on how heavy it feels in her hand."
"A State of Variance" -- a man's perfectly symmetrical face dispels trust. "Then he sat down at the table of a large man, a man with tattoos but the old kind, before tattoos became dainty and about spiritual life. This man wore tattoos from the time when tattoos meant you liked to kick people around."
ashgalwoah's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Very enjoyable and engaging read. Most of the stories I liked, a few I loved and a couple I didn’t!
I thought many complex topics were addressed in a playful and interesting way.
Overall very enjoyable and a good introduction to me for magical realism.
I thought many complex topics were addressed in a playful and interesting way.
Overall very enjoyable and a good introduction to me for magical realism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
This review is based on the FirstReads copy I was lucky enough to win. Since I loved [b:The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake|7048800|The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake|Aimee Bender|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320541766s/7048800.jpg|7299170], I was excited when I found out I'd won a copy of this collection of short stories and couldn't wait to start them. The stories were both familiar and fantastical infused with inventive language. Several of them had a modern fairy tale feel to them, which I particularly loved. If asked to pick my favorite story from each of the three sections the book was divided into, it would be tough but I'd pick "Faces" (from Part One), "The Fake Nazi" (from Part Two), and "The Color Master" (from Part Three). One of the strengths in this collection is how unique the voices in the stories are -- for example, I would have easily believed a teenager had written "Lemonade," could not help but identify with the narrator of "Wordkeepers," and easily became engulfed in a story in which a human woman married an ogre in "The Devourings." Thanks to the Goodreads FirstReads program for giving me the opportunity to read this short story collection!
nerissassippi's review against another edition
2.0
I loved the "Sadness of Lemon Cake" and really looked forward to reading more from her. However, this collection of short stories felt half-baked. I could see the spark of an interesting character or story line, but the stories ultimately felt like just the idea, not a complete story unto themselves.
meghan111's review against another edition
4.0
A few stories that I thought were spectacular, a few that I didn't care for. The opening story, in particular, was more of a sketch, although containing some great descriptions of apple eating. "Tiger Mending" and the title story are the ones I remember most, that have the most dream logic sense to them.
belle_fiction's review against another edition
4.0
Hmmmm...this collection of short stories by Aimee Bender was harder for me to get into. It took me longer to read for a start and that's because I read a few which were amazing (Appleless and The Red Ribbon which is one of my favourite short stories - honestly, Bender has a ridiculously imaginative and tender way with words. She causes your heart to ache as she presents you with broken lives and failing marriages) which were then followed by a few I didn't much care for (Faces, Lemonade and Origin Lessons).
I actually found that some of her longer short stories such as Faces and Bad Return, despite being well written, didn't really do an awful lot for me. I read them, I (mostly) enjoyed them but they didn't leave me feeling anything particularly strong, and that is a great shame.
Having read her other story collections (Willful Creatures and The Girl in the Flammable Skirt), I have to pronounce The Color Master as the weakest one. The stories in this collection still contain the beautiful language and scintillating descriptions Bender is known for, however, I would have to say that a good third of the stories collected here left me feeling indifferent.
My favourite stories from The Color Master are as follows:
The Red Ribbon - a story about a woman who convinces her husband to pay her for sex. I actually understand the need behind this since it's about a woman who needs to find herself, her identity, to feel like she has earned something, to feel worthwhile. A very powerful and moving story which ends perfectly.
Tiger Mending - a very subtle yet powerful story about two sisters who are taken to Asia, where one of the sisters' job is to mend tigers. A deep and affecting story which will stay with you for a little while afterwards.
On a Saturday Afternoon - a story about a woman watching her two male friends become intimate under her command. Bender's elegant prose really makes this piece shine. After reading this, you will be glowing.
The Doctor and the Rabbi - this was a beautifully written and wonderfully executed story where the power of dialogue is propelled to new heights. As with most of Bender's work, she is able to move her readers by what her character's fail to say. A singular story.
The Color Master - the title story and I can see why. Possibly my second favourite short story from the collection (after The Red Ribbon). Full of magical realism, pure escapism and reads like a fairy tale. Bender's nuance for detail, in capturing the fragility of humans is present in its finest form here, and reminds us how special certain individuals are. Magical.
Americca - this was a slightly strange story, and I'm not fully sure whether I understood it completely but that doesn't hide the fact that I can appreciate Bender's unique writing and singular storytelling. A story that I shall definitely re-read again - it's like a fishing hook which keeps on reeling you in and the last line is heart-breaking.
The Devourings - a story about a female human and a male ogre who are married. Again, an incredibly strange story which reads like a fairy tale/fable. One of the most vivid stories in the collection because of what happens in it and the cake in it could have a story of it's own. A unique and unusual read.
Overall, The Color Master is a great read with some poetic descriptions and beautifully written dialogue. If you're new to Bender's work however, I suggest you read Willful Creatures first because that collection will honestly blow you away like a dandelion seed in the wind. Magical realism in its purest and most seductive form.
I actually found that some of her longer short stories such as Faces and Bad Return, despite being well written, didn't really do an awful lot for me. I read them, I (mostly) enjoyed them but they didn't leave me feeling anything particularly strong, and that is a great shame.
Having read her other story collections (Willful Creatures and The Girl in the Flammable Skirt), I have to pronounce The Color Master as the weakest one. The stories in this collection still contain the beautiful language and scintillating descriptions Bender is known for, however, I would have to say that a good third of the stories collected here left me feeling indifferent.
My favourite stories from The Color Master are as follows:
The Red Ribbon - a story about a woman who convinces her husband to pay her for sex. I actually understand the need behind this since it's about a woman who needs to find herself, her identity, to feel like she has earned something, to feel worthwhile. A very powerful and moving story which ends perfectly.
Tiger Mending - a very subtle yet powerful story about two sisters who are taken to Asia, where one of the sisters' job is to mend tigers. A deep and affecting story which will stay with you for a little while afterwards.
On a Saturday Afternoon - a story about a woman watching her two male friends become intimate under her command. Bender's elegant prose really makes this piece shine. After reading this, you will be glowing.
The Doctor and the Rabbi - this was a beautifully written and wonderfully executed story where the power of dialogue is propelled to new heights. As with most of Bender's work, she is able to move her readers by what her character's fail to say. A singular story.
The Color Master - the title story and I can see why. Possibly my second favourite short story from the collection (after The Red Ribbon). Full of magical realism, pure escapism and reads like a fairy tale. Bender's nuance for detail, in capturing the fragility of humans is present in its finest form here, and reminds us how special certain individuals are. Magical.
Americca - this was a slightly strange story, and I'm not fully sure whether I understood it completely but that doesn't hide the fact that I can appreciate Bender's unique writing and singular storytelling. A story that I shall definitely re-read again - it's like a fishing hook which keeps on reeling you in and the last line is heart-breaking.
The Devourings - a story about a female human and a male ogre who are married. Again, an incredibly strange story which reads like a fairy tale/fable. One of the most vivid stories in the collection because of what happens in it and the cake in it could have a story of it's own. A unique and unusual read.
Overall, The Color Master is a great read with some poetic descriptions and beautifully written dialogue. If you're new to Bender's work however, I suggest you read Willful Creatures first because that collection will honestly blow you away like a dandelion seed in the wind. Magical realism in its purest and most seductive form.
sarahbethbrown's review against another edition
4.0
what a delightfully weird book.
bender can write in 25 different voices, and they're all on display here.
i liked part three the best.
bender can write in 25 different voices, and they're all on display here.
i liked part three the best.
candyfaerie's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
joanna_banana's review against another edition
1.0
I think I must have missed something. I kept asking myself, "What does that even mean?? Some stories were better than others, but I struggled to see any theme or link. Some were quite depressing, others in the weird surreal or fantasy genre. And I certainly did not understand the title story of the color master.