A review by emsemsems
A Perfect Cemetery by Federico Falco

4.0

'I’d rather you get me a wheelchair so I could go and see about my garden or visit my chickens, not to see some cemetery.'

The Hares – 5/5
Silvi and Her Dark Night – 4/5
A Perfect Cemetery – 5/5
Forest Life – 5/5
The River – 1/5

I’m gladly surprised by Falco’s collection of short stories – a very enjoyable read, left me craving for more. Fantastic translation work as well. Would’ve given it a full 5-star rating, but the last story lost me entirely. The third story, ‘A Perfect Cemetery’ is a personal favourite. Reading these stories reminds me of the paintings of Frida Kahlo and Dorothea Tanning – obviously weird but also very ordinary when perceived in a different light/angle. I am not familiar with Latin American landscapes, so reading these stories felt all the more surreal to me. I’d love to read more of Falco’s writing – really quite brilliant. Might post a more thorough review later.