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arockinsamsara 's review for:
The Nightmare Box and Other Stories
by Cynthia Gómez
This stellar collection manages to play with every emotion, excavating what it means to be human in a world sometimes bereft of humanity. I wouldn’t categorize this collection as “horror,” though it definitely explores the horrific, using a lens of magical realism to confront violence and oppression, including some stories that are inspired by specific acts of real-world brutality. Each story is well-crafted and well-paced, never over-staying its welcome but always with a definite sense of space and style. The characters are rich and complicated, and even though we only get a short time with each they fill out their stories with untold histories that make them robust and genuine; none feel like caricatures or matters of convenience. These stories explore the depth of the human experience, from trauma to ecstasy, from guilt to redemption, from loneliness to devotion.
Not all of the stories feel wholly original, which is to say some feel like expected reactionary art that is defiantly facing specific instances of oppression. But I think that experience of familiarity is because those stories are sandwiched between other stories that stand out in their originality and unique voice. It is more a case of an abundance of riches than a dearth of creativity. Every story hits, for me; it is a no-skip record all the way. Even those stories that feel less original are still telling compelling narratives in important, creative ways, and they leave me feeling richer for having experienced them.
For all the terrors found in this nightmare box, these stories leave me feeling emboldened and empowered. They are fearless and provocative, and I highly recommend them and look forward to experiencing anything else Cynthia Gómez writes.
I want to thank the author, the publisher Cursed Morsels Press, and BookSirens, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not all of the stories feel wholly original, which is to say some feel like expected reactionary art that is defiantly facing specific instances of oppression. But I think that experience of familiarity is because those stories are sandwiched between other stories that stand out in their originality and unique voice. It is more a case of an abundance of riches than a dearth of creativity. Every story hits, for me; it is a no-skip record all the way. Even those stories that feel less original are still telling compelling narratives in important, creative ways, and they leave me feeling richer for having experienced them.
For all the terrors found in this nightmare box, these stories leave me feeling emboldened and empowered. They are fearless and provocative, and I highly recommend them and look forward to experiencing anything else Cynthia Gómez writes.
I want to thank the author, the publisher Cursed Morsels Press, and BookSirens, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.