Scan barcode
A review by traceythompson
The Valancourt Book of World Horror Stories, Volume 1 by James D. Jenkins
5.0
All hail, Valancourt! The fact that this book exists at all is an enormous feat. A collection of fantastic genre authors that have never, or rarely, been published in English. Literally, the best horror authors the world has to offer.
As well as the collection of truly amazing stories, the pre-story notes by editors James D. Jenkins and Ryan Cagle give a fascinating insight into how horror literature is globally regarded.
Not every story in the collection is a five-star story, but each contains something to enjoy. It is particularly devastating that this book is currently the only place that monolinguists such as myself can currently access the work of these brilliant writers. But the good news is that a call for stories for potential inclusion in volume 2 is currently live. Yay!
Here are my favorites stories in the collection:
Uironda by Luigi Musolino - A dangerously depressed truck driver, a custody battle, and a mythical destination. I read this a few months before writing this review, and I just flicked through the story to remind myself of the ending. When I remembered, I literally said “Oh GOD!” while quickly closing the book.
The Time Remaining by Attila Veres - Why are parents telling their children their stuffed toys are dying? How could you not want to read a horror story about that concept?
Senor Ligotti by Bernardo Esquinca - A young couple accept a suspiciously cheap house, on the condition that the previous owner can visit whenever he wants. WHY would anyone agree to that? The ending of this story was so unnerving, I literally squirmed.
Down, in Their World - Flavius Ardelean - This may be my favorite in the whole collection. It is so vivid and memorable. A group of men go to ransack an abandoned mine with a dark past. What could possibly go wrong?!
Tiny Women by Solange Rodriguez Pappe - Gorgeous little Leonora Carrington-esque story.
Mechanisms by Elisenda Solsona - A feuding couple visit an abandoned ski resort to capture the perfect photo. I thought I knew how this story was end. I was oh so very wrong.
The White Cormorant by Frithjof Spalder - Don’t let all the nautical terminology put you off. This clever, hypnotic tale will stay with you.
As well as the collection of truly amazing stories, the pre-story notes by editors James D. Jenkins and Ryan Cagle give a fascinating insight into how horror literature is globally regarded.
Not every story in the collection is a five-star story, but each contains something to enjoy. It is particularly devastating that this book is currently the only place that monolinguists such as myself can currently access the work of these brilliant writers. But the good news is that a call for stories for potential inclusion in volume 2 is currently live. Yay!
Here are my favorites stories in the collection:
Uironda by Luigi Musolino - A dangerously depressed truck driver, a custody battle, and a mythical destination. I read this a few months before writing this review, and I just flicked through the story to remind myself of the ending. When I remembered, I literally said “Oh GOD!” while quickly closing the book.
The Time Remaining by Attila Veres - Why are parents telling their children their stuffed toys are dying? How could you not want to read a horror story about that concept?
Senor Ligotti by Bernardo Esquinca - A young couple accept a suspiciously cheap house, on the condition that the previous owner can visit whenever he wants. WHY would anyone agree to that? The ending of this story was so unnerving, I literally squirmed.
Down, in Their World - Flavius Ardelean - This may be my favorite in the whole collection. It is so vivid and memorable. A group of men go to ransack an abandoned mine with a dark past. What could possibly go wrong?!
Tiny Women by Solange Rodriguez Pappe - Gorgeous little Leonora Carrington-esque story.
Mechanisms by Elisenda Solsona - A feuding couple visit an abandoned ski resort to capture the perfect photo. I thought I knew how this story was end. I was oh so very wrong.
The White Cormorant by Frithjof Spalder - Don’t let all the nautical terminology put you off. This clever, hypnotic tale will stay with you.