servemethesky's review against another edition
3.0
Lucy Corin's collection of short stories puzzled me in many ways. One of her longer stories, "Madmen," blew me away. It was inventive, disturbing, and haunting. I loved the world she created, her style, and the way she chose all the right words.
But that was about it. "Godzilla Versus the Smog Monster" was equally puzzling, moving, and eerie, but when we got to the micro-short stories, I lost any sense of connection that had developed in the longer stories. These itsy bitsy stories packed a punch: there was a "wow" factor, you needed to stop and pause before moving on to the next one.
After that? Instantly forgotten. Which is disappointing.
I would definitely read more of Corin's work. The concept of this one felt a little forced by the end. I'll be interested to see how her writing continues to develop in her published work.
But that was about it. "Godzilla Versus the Smog Monster" was equally puzzling, moving, and eerie, but when we got to the micro-short stories, I lost any sense of connection that had developed in the longer stories. These itsy bitsy stories packed a punch: there was a "wow" factor, you needed to stop and pause before moving on to the next one.
After that? Instantly forgotten. Which is disappointing.
I would definitely read more of Corin's work. The concept of this one felt a little forced by the end. I'll be interested to see how her writing continues to develop in her published work.
kthnlb's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death and Death
natesea's review against another edition
2.0
This is an interesting collection of stories and avant garde tidbits presented in a beautiful McSweeney's package. There are a few pieces I found great, but was skimming others to get through to the end. Maybe not my thing, but Corin is definitely a talented writer.
iammandyellen's review against another edition
5.0
The most perfect expression of this moment I have encountered in prose.
ewwa18's review against another edition
1.0
I liked "Madmen", it was an interesting concept. The rest, not so much. Some of the stories were just random words thrown together with no sense at all. The occasional sentance stood out with some spectacular visuals, but on the whole, nonsensical. But maybe I just don't get this edgy, metaphorical style of writing.
deirdrekoala's review against another edition
5.0
"Madmen" is amazingly inventive; one of the best short stories I've read this year--certainly my favorite.