Reviews tagging 'Body horror'

Burning Girls and Other Stories by Veronica Schanoes

6 reviews

beccaand's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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elwirax's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Among the thorns - 3/5
How to bring someone back from the dead- 3/5
Alice: a fantasia- 2/5
Phosphorus- 3/5
Ballroom Blitz- 1/5
Serpents- 2.5/5
Emma Goldman Takes Tea with the Baba Yaga- 3/5
Rats- 2/5
Lost in the Supermarket- 2.5/5
Swimming- 2/5
Lily Glass- 2/5
The Revenant- 1/5
Burning Girls- 4/5
 

I enjoyed the exploration of themes in these short stories (anti-semitism, revenge, capitalism and exploitation, mental illness, self-destruction, oppression and trauma). However, the execution of many just didn't interest me despite being well written. Burning Girls, Among Thorns, Phosphorus and Emma Goldman were by far my favourite short stories in this collection where I felt the themes were the strongest. Overall, an interesting collection based loosely on well know fairy-tales, perhaps just not for me.
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antimony's review

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5.0

so so so so so so good. loved the writing love the stories loved the fairy tales insp etc etc etc. a couple of the stories were a bit abstract and left me confused but for the most part they were excellent. i think my favorites are among the thorns, phosphorus, lost in the supermarket, swimming, and lily glass
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jmcordero's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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theroguerecommender's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

4.0

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mezzano's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

While I wasn't expecting Burning Girls and Other Stories to be told in a Jewish feminist perspective, I'm so glad it was. Tucked between speculative fiction and horror, Schanoes' work is both disturbing and gripping. The imagery is vibrant. Each story deals with dark themes of injustice and discrimination, and yet the characters in this story are strong and determined in their own ways. Overall this story collection is a must read for those who love stories which have thrilling elements and do not mind violent themes.

This collection, despite being over nine hours long, reads quickly. Each story has its own strengths. My favorite story was called Phosphorus, and centered around two matchstick sellers who longed for better rights. What unfolds is a story filled with anguish and agency, a balance which is often hard to reach. As the collection continues, many stories only seem to get more emotional and enthralling. At times certain stories can appear dense or confusing, which may be best appreciated on paper rather than through audiobook. However, the audiobook is wonderfully narrated and is a welcome enhancer to an already excellent read. 
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