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A review by talkdarcytome
The Radical Element: 12 Stories of Daredevils, Debutants, and Other Dauntless Girls by Jessica Spotswood
4.0
I was approved for an E-ARC of this book by Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.
My technical rating is 3.8 because you get weird ratings in anthologies but I rounded up.
I adored a Tyranny of Petticoats, but I have to say I think I may have loved A Radical Element even more. I think the stories were better in this collection, they were more thoughtful and purposeful. As always, I wish some of them were longer and I can only hope some of the authors decide to flesh them out into full-blown novels- it won't happen but I can hope.
Ratings for the individual stories:
Daughter of the Book - Dahlia Adler
4.5/5
I loved the Hebrew history and the examples of women strength in the Old Testament/Torah. I've always been fascinated with stories like Ruth or Ester and I was so excited to get to follow a character who was just as interested as I am. Rebekah's strength and hunger for knowledge was a fantastic example of what we can sometimes take for granted today.
You're a Stranger Here - Mackenzi Lee
2/5
I was actually disappointed by this story. I was looking forward to Mackenzi Lee because historical fiction is kind of her thing, but I didn't enjoy it. While I loved learning about the early Mormon conflicts, I found the story uninteresting.
The Magician - Erin Bowman
5/5
LOVED this one. I have heard of Erin Bowman before, but never actually picked up any of her work. I loved the western "Mulan"esque style of this story. I felt the characters were extremely strong and the plot was full. Usually, short stories make me feel like something is lacking, but this one was complete and gave me everything I wanted.
Lady Firebird - Megan Shepherd
5/5
My favorite of the entire anthology. I am definitely picking up more Megan Shepherd and I want an entire novel dedicated to this story. Love love loved it.
Step Right Up - Jessica Spotswood
3.5/5
I always find that the editor's stories in anthologies are the weakest. I love the idea behind this story, carnival/circus stories are my favorite. BUT, it wasn't well executed. The story was a little choppy and the ending was way too fast. It felt like all the action happened in the last paragraph and left something to be desired.
Glamour - Anna Marie Mclemore
3/5
I enjoyed the representation in this story. I think the idea was fascinating and wish that it had been executed better. The magic was confusing and unexplained. Most of everything was left to the reader to figure out and I guess I'm just not that smart.
Better for All the World - Marieke Nijkamp
4/5
One of my favorites. Loved the #ownvoices representation. Same problem I run into with short stories - I wish it were longer and/or the ending had been stronger. Will definitely be keeping an eye out for Marieke Nijkamp in the future.
When Moonlight isn't Enough - Dhonielle Clayton
5/5
So original and very well written. The first sentence "Before the war, moonlight used to taste like sugar and butter and fresh cream." WHAT? That's so insanely beautiful and delicious. I loved this story and it may be one of my favorite short stories of all time. You should read this anthology just for this story.
The Belle of the Ball - Sarvenaz Tash
4.5/5
As an aspiring writer, I loved Rosemary. I identify with her more than any other character in this collection. I wish I could see her achieve all of her dreams.
Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave - Stacey Lee
3/5
Great representation and I loved that it talked about the Japenese internment camps during WWII. That was my favorite aspect. History classes don't often teach us enough about this time in American history. However, I didn't love this story. The beauty competition seemed cliche. Not my favorite.
The Birth of Suisi Go Go - Meg Medina
2.5/5
I loved the idea of this story, but nothing happens. To me, I didn't see any growth or "radical element" as is the theme of the entire anthology.
Take Me with U - Sara Farizan
4/5
I don't know a lot about the Iran/Iraq war in the 80's. In history classes, we often stop at the Cold War and don't move on so a lot of the Middle East conflict goes over my head. I think it was incredibly interesting to read as someone who's first language isn't English. I also loved her character arc throughout the story. And, that band name, "Ovarian Cysters", that's just incredible.
Thanks again to Candlewick for allowing me to read this incredible collection early. It's definitely one of my favorites so far this year.
My technical rating is 3.8 because you get weird ratings in anthologies but I rounded up.
I adored a Tyranny of Petticoats, but I have to say I think I may have loved A Radical Element even more. I think the stories were better in this collection, they were more thoughtful and purposeful. As always, I wish some of them were longer and I can only hope some of the authors decide to flesh them out into full-blown novels- it won't happen but I can hope.
Ratings for the individual stories:
Daughter of the Book - Dahlia Adler
4.5/5
I loved the Hebrew history and the examples of women strength in the Old Testament/Torah. I've always been fascinated with stories like Ruth or Ester and I was so excited to get to follow a character who was just as interested as I am. Rebekah's strength and hunger for knowledge was a fantastic example of what we can sometimes take for granted today.
You're a Stranger Here - Mackenzi Lee
2/5
I was actually disappointed by this story. I was looking forward to Mackenzi Lee because historical fiction is kind of her thing, but I didn't enjoy it. While I loved learning about the early Mormon conflicts, I found the story uninteresting.
The Magician - Erin Bowman
5/5
LOVED this one. I have heard of Erin Bowman before, but never actually picked up any of her work. I loved the western "Mulan"esque style of this story. I felt the characters were extremely strong and the plot was full. Usually, short stories make me feel like something is lacking, but this one was complete and gave me everything I wanted.
Lady Firebird - Megan Shepherd
5/5
My favorite of the entire anthology. I am definitely picking up more Megan Shepherd and I want an entire novel dedicated to this story. Love love loved it.
Step Right Up - Jessica Spotswood
3.5/5
I always find that the editor's stories in anthologies are the weakest. I love the idea behind this story, carnival/circus stories are my favorite. BUT, it wasn't well executed. The story was a little choppy and the ending was way too fast. It felt like all the action happened in the last paragraph and left something to be desired.
Glamour - Anna Marie Mclemore
3/5
I enjoyed the representation in this story. I think the idea was fascinating and wish that it had been executed better. The magic was confusing and unexplained. Most of everything was left to the reader to figure out and I guess I'm just not that smart.
Better for All the World - Marieke Nijkamp
4/5
One of my favorites. Loved the #ownvoices representation. Same problem I run into with short stories - I wish it were longer and/or the ending had been stronger. Will definitely be keeping an eye out for Marieke Nijkamp in the future.
When Moonlight isn't Enough - Dhonielle Clayton
5/5
So original and very well written. The first sentence "Before the war, moonlight used to taste like sugar and butter and fresh cream." WHAT? That's so insanely beautiful and delicious. I loved this story and it may be one of my favorite short stories of all time. You should read this anthology just for this story.
The Belle of the Ball - Sarvenaz Tash
4.5/5
As an aspiring writer, I loved Rosemary. I identify with her more than any other character in this collection. I wish I could see her achieve all of her dreams.
Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave - Stacey Lee
3/5
Great representation and I loved that it talked about the Japenese internment camps during WWII. That was my favorite aspect. History classes don't often teach us enough about this time in American history. However, I didn't love this story. The beauty competition seemed cliche. Not my favorite.
The Birth of Suisi Go Go - Meg Medina
2.5/5
I loved the idea of this story, but nothing happens. To me, I didn't see any growth or "radical element" as is the theme of the entire anthology.
Take Me with U - Sara Farizan
4/5
I don't know a lot about the Iran/Iraq war in the 80's. In history classes, we often stop at the Cold War and don't move on so a lot of the Middle East conflict goes over my head. I think it was incredibly interesting to read as someone who's first language isn't English. I also loved her character arc throughout the story. And, that band name, "Ovarian Cysters", that's just incredible.
Thanks again to Candlewick for allowing me to read this incredible collection early. It's definitely one of my favorites so far this year.