A review by libraryoflanelle
Monstrum by Lottie Mills

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I loved this collection so much. So much so that it has taken me almost two weeks to find the words. I have however, found myself thinking of it often and figured it was time to find some words to rave about it. 

I’ll start by saying how much I love Lottie’s writing style. Her prose style lends itself so well to the unsettling fairy tale atmosphere.

Every tale in the book has a clear message/moral behind it, much like the fairy tales we all know and love, but with such depth in terms of societal commentary on disability, connection, and difference.

I was apprehensive at the start of the collection that the stories may inadvertently portray stereotypical views of disability. But I could not have been more wrong. Lottie balanced the references to stereotypes with the community and morals incredibly well.

I find myself being drawn to rereading this one already, and I cannot wait to recommend it to all my short story-loving friends.

It is rare that I give a short story collection 5 stars, but I was truly blown away by this collection and could not possibly see myself rating it any lower. I am so looking forward to what is ahead for Lottie!

If you are in any way intrigued by the idea of dark yet thought-provoking fairy tale-like stories, then look no further. This needs to be your next read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Oneworld for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.