Beasts is a brief, gripping YA novel set in a world where most of the population has been devoured by “beasts”. Thirteen-year-old Abdi’s mother has gone missing, leaving Abdi to look after his five-year old sister, Alva. No longer safe in their home, situated in a neighborhood where people quickly turned on each other, Abdi … Continue reading Review: Beasts, by Ingvild Bjerkeland (trans. Rosie Hedger)
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: Canoes, by Maylis de Kerangal, translated by Jessica Moore (Archipelago)
Maylis de Kerangal’s novel Eastbound was a recent favorite of mine, and a real surprise. This beautiful collection is translated from French to English by Jessica Moore. In Bivouac, a trip to the dentist reminds a woman of a visit to Paris. It’s a great introduction to Kerangal’s vivid writing, and how she establishes a … Continue reading Review: Canoes, by Maylis de Kerangal, translated by Jessica Moore (Archipelago)
Review: A Sunny Place for Shady People, by Mariana Enriquez, translated by Megan McDowell (Hogarth)
I love Mariana Enriquez so much, I’m attempting to learn Spanish so I don’t have to wait for her work to be translated. Her latest collection, A Sunny Place for Shady People, is her strongest, most disturbing collection yet. There are several strong themes in this book. The first is spirits attached to places of … Continue reading Review: A Sunny Place for Shady People, by Mariana Enriquez, translated by Megan McDowell (Hogarth)
Review: The Night Guest, by Hildur Knútsdóttir, translated by Mary Robinette Kowal (Tor Nightfire)
The Night Guest is a short, sparse story set in Reykjavík, Iceland. Iðunn, our central character, wakes up each morning exhausted and covered in mysterious injuries. It is only when she starts tracking her steps that she realizes she is not only sleepwalking, but covering miles every night. Iðunn also begins an ill-advised relationship with … Continue reading Review: The Night Guest, by Hildur Knútsdóttir, translated by Mary Robinette Kowal (Tor Nightfire)
Review: Woodworm, by Layla Martinez, translated by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott (Two Lines Press)
I like to think I read quite widely, but in all honesty, most of my favorite books contain one, if not all, of the following:- A young woman coming of age- A haunted house- A general sense of unease- Witchcraft-fueled revenge on awful people (mostly men) Wormwood, the astonishing debut from Layla Martinez (translated to … Continue reading Review: Woodworm, by Layla Martinez, translated by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott (Two Lines Press)
Review: What Kingdom, by Fine Gråbøl, translated by Martin Aitken (Archipelago)
What Kingdom is Dutch poet Fine Gråbøl’s debut novel, translated by Martin Aitken. Our unnamed, young narrator is navigating her life in a psychiatric care facility. Through direct, uncomplicated prose, we meet the fellow residents, follow the drudgery of organizing group meals and grocery shopping, and watch as caregivers come and go. For a book … Continue reading Review: What Kingdom, by Fine Gråbøl, translated by Martin Aitken (Archipelago)
Review: Through the Night Like a Snake: Latin American Horror Stories, edited by Sarah Coolidge (Two Lines Press)
I love translated horror. I enjoy learning what evokes fear in other cultures, and opening my imagination to new things to keep me awake at night. Through the Night Like a Snake, a new collection of Latin American horror from Two Lines Press’s Calico series, introduced me to exciting new writers and translators. With not … Continue reading Review: Through the Night Like a Snake: Latin American Horror Stories, edited by Sarah Coolidge (Two Lines Press)
Review: Thirst, by Marina Yuszczuk, translated by Heather Cleary (Dutton)
A translated gothic vampire novel?! Gimme it! I foolishly used to think I didn’t like vampire stories. But over the last few years, there have been some wonderful examples; Reluctant Immortals by Gwendolyn Kiste, The Hacienda by Isabela Canas, recent TV adaptations of Interview with the Vampire and Dracula, and THAT episode of UK anthology … Continue reading Review: Thirst, by Marina Yuszczuk, translated by Heather Cleary (Dutton)
My Week in Reading – May 1st, 2023
Well, hello! Things are pretty mad over at Thompson Towers. I'm entering the last six months of my thirties, which is frankly unbelievable. My career has quite suddenly accelerated, which is very exciting, but a little scary. Anyhoo, there's always time for reading! Only a mere 99 years after publication, I finally read The Home-Maker … Continue reading My Week in Reading – May 1st, 2023
California Reading 