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sauvageloup's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
pros:
- they're definitely gripping, and the writing style is sparse but clear and evocative, with the descriptions being vivid.
- the stories felt self contained and satisfying overall, even as many ended in tragedy.
- the last book of short stories I read, i struggled to jump from one story to another, maybe because they were so different and by different people. this one wasnt like that at all, and i had no problem reading straight through, pretty much.
- i liked the variety in length and themes of the stories, from birth horror, to supernatural, to fantasy fairy tale and modern criticisms on feminism and capitalism. i think i mainly read very on the surface and didnt look hard at metaphors and such, a reread might help me see this more.
- I liked the sheer imagination though and how Chung makes you care for characters who often arent even given a name.
cons:
- the first two stories especially, but a lot of them overall, were pretty horrible and graphic. they did their job in making you feel things! but it reminded me too much of just horrible nightmares and intrusive thoughts and I wouldnt read those two again.
- I also felt there was generally a lack of hope in the stories, but that's personal taste I guess.
overall, well written and gripping but too horror for me and dont think I'll seek out more of her work, but I might reread this in time.
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Incest, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
virginplatonic's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, Incest, Terminal illness, Grief, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Eating disorder, Suicide, Excrement, Vomit, and War
scifi_rat's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse and Death
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Gore, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infertility, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Blood, Abortion, Death of parent, and Alcohol
zahliajayne's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Pregnancy