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obnorthrup's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I've read in 2013. A short collection of unique, weird stories that I'd recommend to anyone (who's not afraid of ghosts).
codalion's review against another edition
3.0
Cool and creepy. Overlaid with an indefinable aura of obnoxious dude-ness, though, the mental hospital story being the best example there.
donfoolery's review against another edition
3.0
I share the author's obsession with the old In Search of... series starring Leonard Nimoy, and Ludwigsen does a wonderful job writing pieces that resonate with that vibe. It also seems he and I share some other interests and experiences in common: with Appalachia, the mental health profession, and--if the multiple appearances of dead people in rivers are any indication--Raymond Carver's story "So Much Water, So Close to Home."
My issue was that, with exceptions, my general reading experience was that of being told. Yes, I realize that may even have been the point. Heck, in the story "We Were Wonder Scouts," we're told a story which has a scene in which a secondary character tells a story. But the approach is double-edged. There's no question Ludwigsen has mad storytelling skills. But I didn't always feel the sort of tension I like to feel in short-short stories.
The exceptions really touch me, though. "Mom in the Misted Lands" had such a poignancy in its telling and in its theme. "The Ghost Factory" hit a different spot, giving me a (pleasantly!) sickening "There, but for the grace..." feeling.
My issue was that, with exceptions, my general reading experience was that of being told. Yes, I realize that may even have been the point. Heck, in the story "We Were Wonder Scouts," we're told a story which has a scene in which a secondary character tells a story. But the approach is double-edged. There's no question Ludwigsen has mad storytelling skills. But I didn't always feel the sort of tension I like to feel in short-short stories.
The exceptions really touch me, though. "Mom in the Misted Lands" had such a poignancy in its telling and in its theme. "The Ghost Factory" hit a different spot, giving me a (pleasantly!) sickening "There, but for the grace..." feeling.
stevendedalus's review against another edition
4.0
A nice collection of darker-tinged stories with an originality and talent for exploring new ideas. The characters aren't particularly strong, moreso the settings and gloomy moods that Ludwigsen creates.
It borders on weird fiction and borders on horror, but doesn't go too far off the rails. Contained weirdness is nice, and it's a collection you can revisit.
It borders on weird fiction and borders on horror, but doesn't go too far off the rails. Contained weirdness is nice, and it's a collection you can revisit.
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