kookykoi's review
3.0
A good, quick read. Perhaps I would've liked this to be a little longer, if only to give me more detail into the backstory of the characters and the setting but as I write that, it occurs to me that the writer purposefully held back those details.
I might read this again in the future, if only to try and pick up what I might have missed the first time around.
I might read this again in the future, if only to try and pick up what I might have missed the first time around.
coralswank's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Murder, Body horror, Child death, Classism, and Slavery
Minor: Violence, Torture, and Terminal illness
bellatora's review
3.0
Precisely written and atmospheric, de Bodard explores whether the sacrifice of the few is worth the safety and prosperity of the many. This is an idea that has been delved into many, many times before (even Supernatural had a season 1 episode on this concept). The answer in fiction is always "no" which is interesting because societies have always been built on the answer being "yes" (from slavery to factory labor, whether we are in the immediate presence of the abuse, or whether, for instance, we will never see the child slaves harvesting the cocoa for the cheap chocolate we eat).
Although I appreciate the emotion and artistry that de Bodard brings to this story, it is very short and ultimately a bit unsatisfying - the reason why I historically avoided short stories is that they usually feel jarringly abrupt. An author can only pack so much character development and word building into less than 2 dozen pages, and de Bodard certainly does an admirable job putting a lot of both in while telling a brief but complete story. Still, it's like getting a single taste of a lovingly plated and deliciously prepared feast - most of the time, I want a full meal, not just a bite.
Although I appreciate the emotion and artistry that de Bodard brings to this story, it is very short and ultimately a bit unsatisfying - the reason why I historically avoided short stories is that they usually feel jarringly abrupt. An author can only pack so much character development and word building into less than 2 dozen pages, and de Bodard certainly does an admirable job putting a lot of both in while telling a brief but complete story. Still, it's like getting a single taste of a lovingly plated and deliciously prepared feast - most of the time, I want a full meal, not just a bite.
crunden's review
You do not rest. You cannot forgive. You are not safe—you never were.
This really reminded me of [b:The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas|33632660|The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1518291620l/33632660._SY75_.jpg|89324]. The overall tone is quite depressing, though the writing was good. It's really, really bleak though. :(
This really reminded me of [b:The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas|33632660|The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1518291620l/33632660._SY75_.jpg|89324]. The overall tone is quite depressing, though the writing was good. It's really, really bleak though. :(
unabridgedreads's review
3.0
read a book with a house on the cover
and this is a beautiful cover.
i fancied a quick read, and even though this was quick it had gorgeous writing. that was definitely my favourite part. as was the unique second person narrative. that was a beautiful choice that took the story to another level. the atmosphere was well-formed, but i didn’t feel myself completely connected by the story, i feel like it was a scene taken from a wider novel. a wider novel that i could see myself reading. the overall message of the story didn’t hit me until the end, with the all pieces coming together in my brain. the message however was something i enjoyed.
the fact aliette de bodard was able to create an atmospheric, beautifully written short story is amazing. yet i feel like it’s length hindered my enjoyment slightly and it’s memorability for me.
and this is a beautiful cover.
i fancied a quick read, and even though this was quick it had gorgeous writing. that was definitely my favourite part. as was the unique second person narrative. that was a beautiful choice that took the story to another level. the atmosphere was well-formed, but i didn’t feel myself completely connected by the story, i feel like it was a scene taken from a wider novel. a wider novel that i could see myself reading. the overall message of the story didn’t hit me until the end, with the all pieces coming together in my brain. the message however was something i enjoyed.
the fact aliette de bodard was able to create an atmospheric, beautifully written short story is amazing. yet i feel like it’s length hindered my enjoyment slightly and it’s memorability for me.
nelsonseye's review
3.0
"Lullaby for a Lost World" had some great descriptions, especially towards the ending. I don't know that I understood everything that happened, but I liked the story.
ileana1's review
Some very strong imagery, especially at the beginning. The ending didn't have as much of an impact as I would like it to have had; I'm not sure exactly what it was aiming for, either.
bookwyrmknits's review
dark
medium-paced
3.75
Good but creepy short story about a girl who is sacrificed to keep a house (and its master) alive. I'm not really sure I understand this one. It feels dystopian, but kinda fantasy, and definitely borders on horror. None of the actual sacrifice is shown, though, and I think it would be a good quick read for Halloween-time.
nearlywriting's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0