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challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My experience of this collection of short stories was disjointed. I first started listening to them in September 2023, and then my hold on Zero-Sum lapsed. I mostly checked it out so I could listen to my friend Amy, who reads “Mr Stick’em” and “Monster Sister” (she did a fantastic job, by the way). The stories were harrowing, and difficult. I definitely don’t recommend if you struggle with suicidal ideation or have had a newborn recently or struggle with stories where bad things happen to babies. The collection title is true to its subject, all about extremes and refusals to give any sort of ground, which of course results in zero-sum situations. I… can’t say as I recommend this collection, though. Not my types of stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Suicide attempt, Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Stalking, Gaslighting
Minor: Child death