Review: The Penguin Book of the International Short Story

The Penguin Book of the International Short Story is a dream tome for anyone who loves short stories, or translated fiction, or both! This anthology contains over 30 “international” stories (in this sense, international means non-US), translated to English from Persian, Swedish, Spanish, Polish, Korean, Chinese; the list goes on. Rabid Alameddine and John Freeman … Continue reading Review: The Penguin Book of the International Short Story

Review: The Only One Who Knows, by Lisa M. Matlin (Ballentine)

Lisa M. Matlin’s previous novel, The Stranger Upstairs, is one of my favorite books of the last few years. I can’t even remember all the details of the plot (which is more the fault of my poor memory than any flaw in Matlin’s writing); I just remember Matlin’s incredibly entertaining writing style, and the many … Continue reading Review: The Only One Who Knows, by Lisa M. Matlin (Ballentine)

Review: Girls, by Annet Schaap (trans. Laura Watkinson)

I adored this translated YA collection of feminist takes on folk tales and fairy stories from Dutch author Annet Schaap, translated by Laura Watkinson. Schapp kicks things off with Mr Stiltskin, and it’s a terrific start. We follow the path of the traditional tale, but the surprise ending is absolutely perfect. Wolf, a twist on … Continue reading Review: Girls, by Annet Schaap (trans. Laura Watkinson)

Review: Northern Nights, edited by Michael Kelly (Undertow)

I have mentioned this many times before, but a new release from Undertow Publications is a cause for celebration. Northern Nights, a new anthology of Canadian fiction, is of the incredibly high caliber I have come to expect from Undertow’s output. Lovingly edited by Michael Kelly, this is a collection of uncanny darkness. Award-winning young … Continue reading Review: Northern Nights, edited by Michael Kelly (Undertow)