dimitragbd's review
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sunnybopeep's review against another edition
4.0
Since this is a short story collection, I definitely liked some stories better than others. On the whole, the whole stories were pretty excellent, and they are all on the shorter side. Kovalyk is a talented author, and I really love flash fiction that focuses on the struggles of womanhood. This book definitely delivered on that aspect in a non-cliché way. Super mystical, dreamy, surreal stories about women.
kate_in_a_book's review
5.0
These short stories all have female protagonists, often unnamed. While they have real-world settings, the tone is always slightly weird or off kilter. For instance, in the title story, Eleanora stumbles across a circus tent, and on entry finds herself the star of a very weird show with no audience. It’s a dark exploration of pain, psychology and blame, and it’s completely absorbing.
Then again, some of the stories go beyond reality altogether. In “Rainy day Joe”, the narrator finds a tiny man and takes him home. She domesticates him and they begin a sexual relationship. Everything is perfect until a visitor to their home breaks the spell. It’s both creepy and sweet.
Some of the stories could be accused of having nothing happen in them, they are all about the atmosphere. And the characters. The characters are fascinating, complex, real. The stories also have a dark sense of humour.
Read my full review: http://www.noseinabook.co.uk/2019/07/14/the-echo-of-her-steps-is-drowned-out-by-the-savage-rhythm-of-walking-people/
Then again, some of the stories go beyond reality altogether. In “Rainy day Joe”, the narrator finds a tiny man and takes him home. She domesticates him and they begin a sexual relationship. Everything is perfect until a visitor to their home breaks the spell. It’s both creepy and sweet.
Some of the stories could be accused of having nothing happen in them, they are all about the atmosphere. And the characters. The characters are fascinating, complex, real. The stories also have a dark sense of humour.
Read my full review: http://www.noseinabook.co.uk/2019/07/14/the-echo-of-her-steps-is-drowned-out-by-the-savage-rhythm-of-walking-people/
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