Thoughts

I spotted this slim volume in the library, and something about it just jumped out at me - four short horror stories isn't too much of an investment and the quote on the cover comparing it to Fleabag was intriguing, as I loved that show.

There's a feminist undercurrent to the stories - having to look good for a wedding or dealing with intense and cliquey friendships. But it was the first story that spoke to me, about how difficult it can be to make decisions. Called Reply Hazy, Try Again, it had a narrator that I instantly connected with:

Maggie was an intense browser. She liked to stop and examine everything. She was easily compelled. I once made the mistake of going to MoMA with her, and we were there for seven hours. I wasn't a lingerer. It took a lot to catch my interest and a hell of a lot to keep it.

Getting hooked on a Magic 8 ball and delegating all your life decisions sounds like a great idea to me, but maybe not when it starts going rogue and talking back!

The book does have lightweight horror, a little bit of blood and gore, but it's more about the creepiness of the ideas. And the general horror of being a woman.

With just four stories, it's a very even experience, no highs and lows that you often get with longer collections. It's not a book that's going to keep you occupied for long.

I absolutely adored the first story and the other three lived up to that great start. I was left wanting more, which makes this a 5 out of 5.

Rating: 5 / 5