Scan barcode
A review by annemaries_shelves
Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fu
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was so excited to pick up this collection when it first made the rounds online and it did not disappoint!
This would be a great intro collection for those wanting to dip their toes into the weirder speculative fiction/fabulism elements of literature. Fu's writing is clear, imaginative, and compelling and it was a joy to read each story and figure out what the small (or sometimes large) tweak to the world was.
Also major points for a gorgeous cover design and amazing, luxurious paper (Zephyr Antique Laid paper from second growth forests for those interested).
Stories and my brief thoughts:
Pre-Simulation Consultation XF007867 - 5 stars: All dialogue with really good banter and cool concept
Liddy, First to Fly - 5 stars: Puberty already sucks, why you gotta grow ankle wings too?
Time Cubes - 4.5 stars: I could see this tech fucking everybody up - and that's why I avoid the random mall stands
#ClimbingNation - 5 stars: I could see this being a true crime story easily
Sandman - 4 stars: Insomnia's never been so sexy - or disturbing
Twenty Hours - 5 stars: The best opening paragraph... and they should just go to therapy instead
The Doll - 5 stars: The kind of imagination that you don't know if it's all in the kids' heads or not
In This Fantasy - 4 stars: The narrator would be a fantastic storyteller when having drinks at the bar
Scissors - 4 stars: exhibitionism with an edge
June Bugs - 5 stars: So many creepy crawly feelings and it wasn't just the bugs (infestation as a metaphor for abusive relationships is brilliant and disturbing)
Bridezilla - 5 stars: That's one way to get out of a wedding
Do You Remember Candy - 5 stars: Probably inspired by covid and an awful possibility for those of us who love food
This would be a great intro collection for those wanting to dip their toes into the weirder speculative fiction/fabulism elements of literature. Fu's writing is clear, imaginative, and compelling and it was a joy to read each story and figure out what the small (or sometimes large) tweak to the world was.
Also major points for a gorgeous cover design and amazing, luxurious paper (Zephyr Antique Laid paper from second growth forests for those interested).
Stories and my brief thoughts:
Pre-Simulation Consultation XF007867 - 5 stars: All dialogue with really good banter and cool concept
Liddy, First to Fly - 5 stars: Puberty already sucks, why you gotta grow ankle wings too?
Time Cubes - 4.5 stars: I could see this tech fucking everybody up - and that's why I avoid the random mall stands
#ClimbingNation - 5 stars: I could see this being a true crime story easily
Sandman - 4 stars: Insomnia's never been so sexy - or disturbing
Twenty Hours - 5 stars: The best opening paragraph... and they should just go to therapy instead
The Doll - 5 stars: The kind of imagination that you don't know if it's all in the kids' heads or not
In This Fantasy - 4 stars: The narrator would be a fantastic storyteller when having drinks at the bar
Scissors - 4 stars: exhibitionism with an edge
June Bugs - 5 stars: So many creepy crawly feelings and it wasn't just the bugs (infestation as a metaphor for abusive relationships is brilliant and disturbing)
Bridezilla - 5 stars: That's one way to get out of a wedding
Do You Remember Candy - 5 stars: Probably inspired by covid and an awful possibility for those of us who love food
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts