A review by mobyskine
FLESH: A Southeast Asian Urban Anthology by Terence Toh, Simon Rowe, Angeline Woon, Cassandra Khaw

4.0

I was quite amazed on how each stories actually related to 'flesh', be it in relation to human, animal or fruit even metaphorically it was depicted well. Personal reviews on stories I love most:

If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands (Teo Yi Han) : love the story telling, the narrator was good in representing the plot, make it fun though the story was actually a bit heart-wrenching. Melodramatic, yet beautifully written. I love this story the most.

The Whole Hog (Terence Toh) : Sorchai and Azura-- the meet again scene was lovely although not in a good nice ambience, but I love how the author make it sweetly suspense and thrilled. How they both reminiscing the past and realizing what both need in life, the ending was expected but I love how the plot goes so smoothly calm with retribution at the end. I actually wanted it more, would be nice if this plot turns into a novel.

He Loves Me... Not (Yeyet Soriano) : "We were three for three-- respect, companionship and great sex." Sensual, yet beautiful, as what Maddie says about Bry. Not a typical love story, a bit twist and aggresive. True meaning of love, sacrifice, family, relationship-- a read that makes me think and wonder. Loving the ending.

The Real-Life Counterpart (Bridgette Ann Rebuca) : a writer who wanted to write about mistresses that willingly made herself into a mistress. Seductively good, I love how the narrator keeps feeding me with her experiences, of which each making you realised the good and bad about a relationship. Whatsoever love game, be it truly in love or acting-- it'll still teach you a lesson or two. "Keep on swiping right, a new game must commence."

The Goodlyf (Kate Osias) : I enjoyed reading this very much. Very edgy, strange and psychotic. I like how the narrator segregating her story into chapters of flashback-- so mysterious, enough to flutter my eagerness about the plot. Eerie ending, but love it.

Haven of Shadows (Shamala Hinrichsen) : a child narrator with a distressing story. I can feel the child struggle and sadness, trauma and pain. That love and attention that she wants, and betrayal from a person she trusted-- this hits me so emotionally I actually quite relieved with the ending.

Brilliant collection though some were just okay. It was enough to give me different sort of excitements, feelings and wonders. Honestly love it.