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A review by imaginary_space
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Overall, this short story collection was a great experience. It was intense, dirty, sometimes cruel, honest and raw, always from a female perspective, and that's exactly what I like. It was also, at times, eerily relatable. The writing (in translation) is beautiful.
Angelita Unearthed ****
Nice and creepy, has a lot of elements I generally like in horror/creepy stories. I would have wished for a little more, but I like the open ending. A good start.
Our Lady of the Quarry ***
Didn't like this one as much. It started super strong and I was curious to see how it would end, but I expected a more ... clever resolution.
The Cart ***
This one was good, but a little predictable.
The Well *****
Although it was pretty clear from the beginning what had happend, this story still hit me right in the feels. The writing is beautiful and the length is perfect.
Rambla Triste *****
Very dark and interesting premise, with a lot of ideas only hinted at. Really liked it. 4.5/5
The Lookout *****
This one hit me. Specially the desciption of the protagonist's feelings. Her feelings whencutting herself triggered me, they were so relatable, and yet the author needed so few words to convey them.
Where Are You, Dear Heart? ****
Very explicit and very creepy. 4.5/5
Meat *****
Loved that one! A lot of elements that I like.
No Birthdays or Baptisms
Lots of open questions. Very well done, but I think I won't be rating it due to its content.
Kids Who Come Back ***
Again, the writing is great, and I really like the kind of detached perspective we get from the protagonist. But the plot was not something new and I felt it was too long.
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed *****
Loved it. So many layers.
Back When We Talked to the Dead ****
Nearly 3 stars, but then there was this nice little twist near the end when we learnthat he is actually not dead , that made it for me.
Angelita Unearthed ****
Nice and creepy, has a lot of elements I generally like in horror/creepy stories. I would have wished for a little more, but I like the open ending. A good start.
Our Lady of the Quarry ***
Didn't like this one as much. It started super strong and I was curious to see how it would end, but I expected a more ... clever resolution.
The Cart ***
This one was good, but a little predictable.
The Well *****
Although it was pretty clear from the beginning what had happend, this story still hit me right in the feels. The writing is beautiful and the length is perfect.
Rambla Triste *****
Very dark and interesting premise, with a lot of ideas only hinted at. Really liked it. 4.5/5
The Lookout *****
This one hit me. Specially the desciption of the protagonist's feelings. Her feelings when
Where Are You, Dear Heart? ****
Very explicit and very creepy. 4.5/5
Meat *****
Loved that one! A lot of elements that I like.
No Birthdays or Baptisms
Lots of open questions. Very well done, but I think I won't be rating it due to its content.
Kids Who Come Back ***
Again, the writing is great, and I really like the kind of detached perspective we get from the protagonist. But the plot was not something new and I felt it was too long.
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed *****
Loved it. So many layers.
Back When We Talked to the Dead ****
Nearly 3 stars, but then there was this nice little twist near the end when we learn
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Sexual violence, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Murder, and Sexual assault
Minor: Fire/Fire injury