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A review by morriganivy
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I'm really conflicted about this book. On one hand it has some really spooky short stories that are interesting and well put together, but on the other hand it has a lot of short stories that rely on being edgy.
There are a lot of uses of slurs in this book that don't seem to be used for any reason other than to be shocking and dark. It feels at times like the author couldn't figure out how to make her stories harrowing so decided to use the cheap tatic of using slurs to add some edge to it. Which I would say is the same issue with how she approaches poverty and sexual assult, its only there to be shocking.
I think it's a big shame because it also has some beautifully crafted short stories such as Angelita Unearthed and The Well. These stories are better because it doesn't rely on shock value and being offensive, they are simply creepy as hell. It's ashame most of the stories weren't able to do this.
There are a lot of uses of slurs in this book that don't seem to be used for any reason other than to be shocking and dark. It feels at times like the author couldn't figure out how to make her stories harrowing so decided to use the cheap tatic of using slurs to add some edge to it. Which I would say is the same issue with how she approaches poverty and sexual assult, its only there to be shocking.
I think it's a big shame because it also has some beautifully crafted short stories such as Angelita Unearthed and The Well. These stories are better because it doesn't rely on shock value and being offensive, they are simply creepy as hell. It's ashame most of the stories weren't able to do this.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism, Child abuse, Child death, Body horror, Drug abuse, Ableism, and Sexual assault