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isabelrstev's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
5.0
the_bibliophiles's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
vanat's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
I liked the format of this book and the variety of stories. I found the content to be more bizarre/disturbing rather than “horror”. Some of the stories were more of a hit for me than others but enjoyed overall.
mistermisslonelyhearts's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
This book will stay with me forever. Never before has anything made me feel so seen and touched yet also so haunted.
lexisunshine's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
4.25
Loved: almost everything! The vibes were so immaculate and odd. The stories were almost too short and yet the abrupt ends to them were so sharp, so precise- it left a weird but pleasant taste in my mouth.
Didn’t love: maybe the stories as a collection? Each were so unique and self-sufficient, I wonder what the author’s intent might have been for the book as a whole.
Didn’t love: maybe the stories as a collection? Each were so unique and self-sufficient, I wonder what the author’s intent might have been for the book as a whole.
rakoerose's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great collection of stories and I’m happy to have picked it up!
She told us that evil rarely looked like evil when it first arrived.
— from “Cult of Mary”
I was surprised how many of these pieces seemed to focus on things buried, that must be confronted and realized. The darkness within the world and within ourselves, shrouded in van den Berg’s really gritty, surreal style. Some of the stories left me feeling dread in the pit of my stomach, partially due to the topic and partially because I know much of this is a true potential experience for women. (as a result, I do recommend looking up content warnings for this collection if you have any sensitivities. A big one mentioned is sexual assault, with others as well.)
If I had to pick my favorite story, it’s probably “Lizards,” for much of what I said above. It truly illustrates how women aren’t viewed genuinely for their fears, for the worries about sexual assault. It highlights how men sometimes lack the ability to bridge that gap where women are so often viewed as prey instead of equals. It left a tingly sensation across my whole body with fear when I finished it, because women so often are in these positions and never realize it. Because society deemed it the norm.
I also particularly enjoyed “The Pitch” for its surreal tone and unexpected ending. The intense focus on her husband’s gardening gloves added to the weird vibe of the story. It’s another one where they have to confront what was buried for so long.
Overall, I do recommend this collection for those looking for stories that delve deep into the feminine experience. Stories that aren’t afraid to lay bare the harsh realities of existence.
She told us that evil rarely looked like evil when it first arrived.
— from “Cult of Mary”
I was surprised how many of these pieces seemed to focus on things buried, that must be confronted and realized. The darkness within the world and within ourselves, shrouded in van den Berg’s really gritty, surreal style. Some of the stories left me feeling dread in the pit of my stomach, partially due to the topic and partially because I know much of this is a true potential experience for women. (as a result, I do recommend looking up content warnings for this collection if you have any sensitivities. A big one mentioned is sexual assault, with others as well.)
If I had to pick my favorite story, it’s probably “Lizards,” for much of what I said above. It truly illustrates how women aren’t viewed genuinely for their fears, for the worries about sexual assault. It highlights how men sometimes lack the ability to bridge that gap where women are so often viewed as prey instead of equals. It left a tingly sensation across my whole body with fear when I finished it, because women so often are in these positions and never realize it. Because society deemed it the norm.
I also particularly enjoyed “The Pitch” for its surreal tone and unexpected ending. The intense focus on her husband’s gardening gloves added to the weird vibe of the story. It’s another one where they have to confront what was buried for so long.
Overall, I do recommend this collection for those looking for stories that delve deep into the feminine experience. Stories that aren’t afraid to lay bare the harsh realities of existence.
alexarn9393's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0