caffeinegremlin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
faustulus's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
eishai's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
charlottecherry's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia
emmagiverny's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
A collection of short stories that doesn't quite live up to the expectations set by that amazing book cover. It's at its best with the slightly longer stories (The Kids Who Came Back), or the darker stories that come close to body horror, but unfortunately don't quite go all the way there (Where Are You, Dear Heart? and No Birthdays or Baptisms). I appreciated the ideas and the writing, so will probably try a full length novel of hers at some point
sweetmessie's review against another edition
4.0
"Dangers of Smoking in Bed" by Mariana Enriquez is a collection of short stories that takes readers on a dark and unsettling journey. While not all the stories hit the mark, there are a couple of gems that make it worth diving into.
The first and the last stories are the real showstoppers. They're haunting, thought-provoking, and filled with vivid imagery. Enriquez's talent shines through in these tales, leaving a lasting impact that lingers in your mind.
That being said, not every story in the collection packs the same punch. Some of them come across as straightforward and dull, failing to captivate and leaving you feeling uneasy. There's even one that might make you feel a bit ashamed (you know which one I'm talking about!).
Despite its flaws, if you're a fan of Enriquez's writing, it's still worth exploring the entire collection. It gives you a taste of her unique storytelling style and her fascination with the dark side of humanity. However, if you're short on time or want to experience the best of the collection, I'd recommend jumping straight to the last story. It's a true standout and encapsulates the essence of Enriquez's talent.
The first and the last stories are the real showstoppers. They're haunting, thought-provoking, and filled with vivid imagery. Enriquez's talent shines through in these tales, leaving a lasting impact that lingers in your mind.
That being said, not every story in the collection packs the same punch. Some of them come across as straightforward and dull, failing to captivate and leaving you feeling uneasy. There's even one that might make you feel a bit ashamed (you know which one I'm talking about!).
Despite its flaws, if you're a fan of Enriquez's writing, it's still worth exploring the entire collection. It gives you a taste of her unique storytelling style and her fascination with the dark side of humanity. However, if you're short on time or want to experience the best of the collection, I'd recommend jumping straight to the last story. It's a true standout and encapsulates the essence of Enriquez's talent.
groovyread's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful, dark stories that made me feel a little less lonely. <3