A review by rara2018
Mars by Asja Bakić

5.0

This collection was weird and uncomfortable and delightful to read. This being Asja Bakić’s debut collection in English is a sure sign of the greatness that is to come. The collection started strong with “Day Trip to Durmitor” and it’s interesting and earnest depiction of a potential afterlife (and an unconventional rebirth). “Buried Treasure” was a confusing and amazing follow-up with and ending I felt was ambiguous as to our neighbor’s intentions. “The Talus of Madame Liken” was a haunting (and potentially mythology inspired?) story of a murderess who meets her match. My favorite of the collection was definitely “Abby” with its confused narrator and stressful atmosphere. I also have to give the author props for being brave enough to name the titular character of “Asja 5.0” after herself, and also for making a cloning story about a sexless world so interesting. I didn’t love “Carnivore” and found it to be my least favorite by far. Luckily, “Passions” was an exciting next story that left me questioning myself and my relationships (and I loved the semi-twist at the end of it). “The Guest” was interesting while reading, but it didn’t leave any lasting impression on me to the point that I literally just had to flip back to that section to remember what it was about. The penultimate story, “Heading West” was a powerful story of refugees and the importance of stories. Finally, “The Underworld” was an interesting, if a bit frustrating story, that despite my not loving it, encapsulated the overall themes of the collection perfectly. Over and over again, Bakić emphasizes the importance of stories and writing—from my memory, well over half of the stories had books or the craft as a central element—and also talks about womanhood and sexuality from such a unique perspective. I will definitely be reading more by Asja Bakić and reading more from the Feminist Press because this was a truly excellent read that I know I will continue thinking about for some time.