A review by laurareads87
The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe

challenging inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

3.5 stars.

This collection of short stories is best read after (re)watching Dirty Computer, as the text is set in the world of Dirty Computer and includes the characters therein.  I appreciate this collection as a hopeful visioning, in many cases focused on the carving out of utopian, pleasurable spaces amidst struggles for liberation from totalitarianism.  I like the inclusion of a short essay and some discussion questions at the end of the book, well suited to a book club.  With each short story featuring a different co-author, I did find the collection read a bit unevenly, with some stories more compelling than others.  The book is best at its most subtle; in a few instances, the analysis felt a bit heavy.  Monáe is tremendously talented and I'm not at all surprised her first work of written fiction is solid; I'll happily pick up her next one.
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