marywahlmeierbracciano's review
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I, who often have trouble getting through books of short stories, thoroughly enjoyed this debut collection by Chinese / American / Australian author Paige Clark. This book is quietly hilarious, even as Clark contemplates serious topics like abortion, jealousy, climate change, and the rise of anti-Asian hate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the characters grieve–the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship or job, the absence of their culture in a new home–and devise elaborate plans for redemption. Each story features a character whose name is Elizabeth, or one of its many variations, although sometimes characters go unnamed. The book is dedicated to them. Often unconcerned with likeability, each character simply wants their story to be heard. I can’t wait to read more!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, Racial slurs, Abortion, Death of parent, and Racism
Minor: Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Hate crime, Medical trauma, Domestic abuse, Terminal illness, Death, and Vomit
biblio_kel's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
A collection of 18 stories, thematically linked yet very distinct, written by a Chinese/Australian/American author. The stories touch on themes of loss, love, fetishization, racism, abuse, and especially the complex relationship between mothers and daughters. Told like a collection of memories, I didn't understand all of them but I still found each one intriguing and mesmerising in its own way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
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