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njdarkish's review against another edition
3.0
A pitch-perfect pastiche of 1800s adventure stories that does a very good job of highlighting just how problematic worldviews were back during this time period. Funny and clever, but ultimately so tied to the premise of highlighting the flaws of the past that it sometimes didn't manage to pull me into some of the stories.
grendels_mother's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
ezrasupremacy's review against another edition
4.0
this book was exactly what i expected, which means extremely silly and vaguely horror-aligned. (i would not technically call this horror, but i guess that’s more based on how i personally define the genre)
i genuinely did enjoy the stories and their absurdity and would absolutely read more of this cast.
my only complaint is that, while this is set in the 19th century and included what could be said to be era-typical bigotry, it certainly wasn’t needed at all for either the plot or the vibes, so it kind of felt like an excuse to say racist shit. might just be my view, though.
i genuinely did enjoy the stories and their absurdity and would absolutely read more of this cast.
my only complaint is that, while this is set in the 19th century and included what could be said to be era-typical bigotry, it certainly wasn’t needed at all for either the plot or the vibes, so it kind of felt like an excuse to say racist shit. might just be my view, though.
calamaro's review
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
efelch's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hmetwade's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Slavery, Medical content, Animal death, Child abuse, and Murder
finnsnowbevi's review against another edition
I found it really boring; note to self: when trying to read again, start with story three
sdsmith80's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For once a Grady Hendrix book kind of fell flat for me. I'm still giving this 4 stars due to the quality of the writing and the background stories at the end of the book.
I understand that all of the racist content was normal for this time period, and it's included, and exaggerated, to make a point about how ridiculous it all was, however it simply didn't sit right with me. This book is still wonderfully written, with Hendrix's sense of the absurd woven through.
All of that said though, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the events that inspired the stories. I would gladly read a book of interesting historical tales, something like Paperbacks From Hell.
I understand that all of the racist content was normal for this time period, and it's included, and exaggerated, to make a point about how ridiculous it all was, however it simply didn't sit right with me. This book is still wonderfully written, with Hendrix's sense of the absurd woven through.
All of that said though, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the events that inspired the stories. I would gladly read a book of interesting historical tales, something like Paperbacks From Hell.
darthkitty23's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
morganjanedavis's review against another edition
4.0
I say this every time but I am a sucker for Grady Hendrix. His writing style is unique and always leaves me feeling something, to which I can't say the same of every author. This book of short stories that is very loosely based on real events was so fun to read! With the 1800's jargon and general rapport between the characters I felt like I was transported back to this time period. The social commentary on political figures and events during the time felt perfect to read during 2021, when the world feels still slightly ablaze from the shit show that was 2020. My favorite aspect of the stories was the unabashed racism, sexism, exploitation, and white privilege the main characters utilized to reach their goals. Augustus is extremely open with his tools used to oppress others and get what he wants while William seemingly feels worse about it but continues on with any and all plans despite a nagging conscience. V on brand for American history as a whole. This is different from any Hendrix work I've read in the past but if your a fan of him, history, and/or books that call out terrible white folks on their terrible actions, read this!