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greatlibraryofalexandra 's review for:
Things in Jars
by Jess Kidd
Bridie Devine’s story is, well, divine.
“Things in Jars” is quirky, dry, vivid, funny, grotesque, and lush with imagery. Jess Kidd’s writing is evocative and paints the pictures that are both pristine and utterly revolting, weaving a tapestry of a tale that is simultaneously as slow as molasses and rapidly paced. It’s like a roller coaster; the creeping, uneasy, exhilarating build - and then the rough, screeching, scary-exciting end.
It’s a gory, macabre grimoire with a memorable cast of characters, alternately reminding me of a unique Joss Whedon romp a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer and of American Horror Story (specifically, season 4).
The writing was gorgeous - but I did think it was too full of fluff in many instances. I liked the foggy nature of the fantastical myth surrounding the kidnapped child, but I wanted more of her history. And ultimately, I think the love story (however subtle) distracted from rather than seasoned the plot.
It’s a ghoulishly fun read - Kidd superbly sets the stage of victorian London in an almost contemporary way, but gilds absolutely none of it - and the way she in portrayed humor while staying true to the time period is a crowning achievement.
“Things in Jars” is quirky, dry, vivid, funny, grotesque, and lush with imagery. Jess Kidd’s writing is evocative and paints the pictures that are both pristine and utterly revolting, weaving a tapestry of a tale that is simultaneously as slow as molasses and rapidly paced. It’s like a roller coaster; the creeping, uneasy, exhilarating build - and then the rough, screeching, scary-exciting end.
It’s a gory, macabre grimoire with a memorable cast of characters, alternately reminding me of a unique Joss Whedon romp a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer and of American Horror Story (specifically, season 4).
The writing was gorgeous - but I did think it was too full of fluff in many instances. I liked the foggy nature of the fantastical myth surrounding the kidnapped child, but I wanted more of her history. And ultimately, I think the love story (however subtle) distracted from rather than seasoned the plot.
It’s a ghoulishly fun read - Kidd superbly sets the stage of victorian London in an almost contemporary way, but gilds absolutely none of it - and the way she in portrayed humor while staying true to the time period is a crowning achievement.