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year23's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Hard book to read given recent events (particularly the story "Heads Against Concrete"). These are unsettling stories - some work better than others.
The first story felt so familiar - I swear I've seen it in movie/tv form. I'm curious to read this author's other novel Fever Dream after this. I think I wanted more from at least half of the stories, but in terms of grappling with the underbelly of humanity and nature, it's successful. The writing is accessible, immediately draws you in and creates a scene, vibe, and strong characters. I want to stay with it - explore the depths more of these little worlds the author creates, but again, not really a short story collection at that point.
Do check the content warnings.
The first story felt so familiar - I swear I've seen it in movie/tv form. I'm curious to read this author's other novel Fever Dream after this. I think I wanted more from at least half of the stories, but in terms of grappling with the underbelly of humanity and nature, it's successful. The writing is accessible, immediately draws you in and creates a scene, vibe, and strong characters. I want to stay with it - explore the depths more of these little worlds the author creates, but again, not really a short story collection at that point.
Do check the content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, and Injury/Injury detail
heidishartrandnewell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Domestic abuse, Infertility, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Fatphobia, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Abortion, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail