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A review by sofia_the_scholar
Dawn's Cozy Horror Corner: a queer Chinese horror short stories anthology by Dawn Chen
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
If you're looking for cozy horror anthologies, that are queer, about Chinese diaspora, and also talking about mental health and chronic illnesses, this one is for you.
I have always been a fan of short stories, because I have a short attention span, but I honestly didn't want this one to end. And what's even worse: I can't pick a favourite one because I loved all of them!
When I read "Bottle of Shame", was one of the vivid moments where I've felt so much anger about the patriarchy, and how much more adamant I've become on dismantling it since reading it. Because the perpetrators should be the ones ashamed, and not the victims.
"The Girl with No Face" (or I like to call it "The Tale of Jia Si Ya") was an understanding of how Chinese diaspora students (and not only) have been treated, and how society tries to change them by erasing their culture, their personalities, everything that makes them what they are.
Considering "My Future Self Once Said" has also a lot of trigger warnings, I felt so wholesome while reading it. It really reminded me that "The future is chaotic and unpredictable. You'll never know unless you try", and I find that beautiful.
On the other hand, "Judge of the Underworld Household" was a story that as an avid mythology fan and a trainee lawyer was the most enlightening for me. I now am knowledgeable of some parts of Chinese Mythology (thank you dear Dawn), but I still think about the moral of the story: the justice and judgement of the mhuman race isn't most of the times fair. But the way that our author shows this and describes how is judgement perceived... Calling it brilliant would be a small statement.
Finally "Meet Your Demons" was for me the icing on the cake. I loved Semyaza and Ting, especially the latter because she shows a certain mental strength that I aspire to have one day.
Thank you so much Dawn for letting me read your work. You're amazing, and I hope, no I know that when your stories resonate through people, that you'll keep writing. Life is an endless pit of possibilities; so seize it the best way that you can!
I have always been a fan of short stories, because I have a short attention span, but I honestly didn't want this one to end. And what's even worse: I can't pick a favourite one because I loved all of them!
When I read "Bottle of Shame", was one of the vivid moments where I've felt so much anger about the patriarchy, and how much more adamant I've become on dismantling it since reading it. Because the perpetrators should be the ones ashamed, and not the victims.
"The Girl with No Face" (or I like to call it "The Tale of Jia Si Ya") was an understanding of how Chinese diaspora students (and not only) have been treated, and how society tries to change them by erasing their culture, their personalities, everything that makes them what they are.
Considering "My Future Self Once Said" has also a lot of trigger warnings, I felt so wholesome while reading it. It really reminded me that "The future is chaotic and unpredictable. You'll never know unless you try", and I find that beautiful.
On the other hand, "Judge of the Underworld Household" was a story that as an avid mythology fan and a trainee lawyer was the most enlightening for me. I now am knowledgeable of some parts of Chinese Mythology (thank you dear Dawn), but I still think about the moral of the story: the justice and judgement of the mhuman race isn't most of the times fair. But the way that our author shows this and describes how is judgement perceived... Calling it brilliant would be a small statement.
Finally "Meet Your Demons" was for me the icing on the cake. I loved Semyaza and Ting, especially the latter because she shows a certain mental strength that I aspire to have one day.
Thank you so much Dawn for letting me read your work. You're amazing, and I hope, no I know that when your stories resonate through people, that you'll keep writing. Life is an endless pit of possibilities; so seize it the best way that you can!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Mental illness, Bullying, and Suicide attempt