Scan barcode
A review by katwithahat
The Doll's Alphabet by Camilla Grudova
4.0
Gets a 3.5 since The Moth Emporium, was by far the standout story in this collection and was easily deserved of a 5 star rating. The rest of the stories while beautifully written, as well as rich in disturbing, dreamlike imagery felt slightly hollow at times and reminded me more of Leonora Carrington than of Angela Carter.
Also found Grudova’s use of imagery sometimes limited in scope. Similar physical characteristics and objects appearing in every other story did become a little bit tiring, so much so that they lost their impact a little with each new story.
I feel like 10 to 15 years ago, I would have downright loved this book and tried to find more meaning for something that simply wasn’t there. I suppose I just don’t have as much patience for surrealism as I used to. That being said, I can’t deny Grudova isn’t an extremely talented writer, I just wish there’d been more bit more balance and general meat to the collection like shown in The Moth Emporium.
Also found Grudova’s use of imagery sometimes limited in scope. Similar physical characteristics and objects appearing in every other story did become a little bit tiring, so much so that they lost their impact a little with each new story.
I feel like 10 to 15 years ago, I would have downright loved this book and tried to find more meaning for something that simply wasn’t there. I suppose I just don’t have as much patience for surrealism as I used to. That being said, I can’t deny Grudova isn’t an extremely talented writer, I just wish there’d been more bit more balance and general meat to the collection like shown in The Moth Emporium.