Whether or not you “enjoyed” Agustina Bazterrica’s novel, Tender is the Flesh, you cannot deny the author’s talent. Personally, I thought it was a riveting book, and I think about it at least once a week, despite reading it almost three years ago. So I was excited to get my hands on Bazterrica’s collection of short stories, Nineteen Claws and a Blackbird.
While I enjoyed pretty much every story in this collection, some of them left me wanting more. One of the things I appreciated about Tender is the Flesh is how the plot unraveled into that killer ending. I connected more with the longer stories, such as strong opener, A Light, Swift, and Monstrous Sound, and the incredibly creepy Mary Carminum.
Those who enjoyed the more visceral nature of Tender is the Flesh will enjoy The Continuous Equality of the Circumference, where a woman attempts to turn herself into a circle. Bazterrica adroitly captures the everyday terror females often feel in Roberto (now THIS had a satisfying ending!), The Solitary Ones, and The Wolf’s Breath.
There is also some light relief in Teicher vs. Nietzsche, where the abused character of Nietzsche gets some incredibly sweet revenge.
All of these stories have a foot in grim reality, and most contain a heavy sense of unease. It’s a strong collection, and I hope readers who loved Tender is the Flesh will give it a chance.
Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird is out right now! Thank you so much for Scribner for the ARC.
California Reading 