Rhiannon
Andrew knows how to write horrific tragedy. He writes of loss, and longing, unfathomable grief, and several kinds of apocalypses and every single story is full of heart and dread in equal measure.
“One thing you learn about trauma flashes, something that any psychologist can tell you, is that you never know when they’re going to surface or what will trigger them.”
Well, I’m pretty sure at least a third of these stories has permanently scarred me…
Notable highlights...
- Before You Fade Away – this absolutely shredded me. This was the opening story and by the end of the second paragraph my heart was already hurting. It was beautiful and lyrical and for the first time in years the written word moved me to tears. I’m afraid to contemplate what inspired this story – I think it would break me.
- Do You Read? – felt like it was worthy of it’s own spot on Love, Death, and Robots. Poignant.
- Intersected Sky – A tense reunion between siblings with a terrifying apocalypse literally looming over them…
- The Shut In Conduit – had me simultaneously laughing and cringing and my muscles were so sore from all that tension.
- Don’t Look There – An eight year old suffers unbearable, unthinkable trauma.
- Where We Leave Ourselves and Meeting Quinto – The insouciant humour couldn’t disguise Najberg’s incredible imagination in these tales…
- May I Take Care Of That For You – more humour expertly blended with grief horror
This collection of horror (quiet horror, really), dark fiction and science fiction was consistently satisfying in every way. Najberg proves a thorough mastery of creative fiction that is profoundly, beautifully disturbing and ultimately hopeful.
My thanks to the author for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Originally posted at www.instagram.com.
Andrew knows how to write horrific tragedy. He writes of loss, and longing, unfathomable grief, and several kinds of apocalypses and every single story is full of heart and dread in equal measure.
“One thing you learn about trauma flashes, something that any psychologist can tell you, is that you never know when they’re going to surface or what will trigger them.”
Well, I’m pretty sure at least a third of these stories has permanently scarred me…
Notable highlights...
- Before You Fade Away – this absolutely shredded me. This was the opening story and by the end of the second paragraph my heart was already hurting. It was beautiful and lyrical and for the first time in years the written word moved me to tears. I’m afraid to contemplate what inspired this story – I think it would break me.
- Do You Read? – felt like it was worthy of it’s own spot on Love, Death, and Robots. Poignant.
- Intersected Sky – A tense reunion between siblings with a terrifying apocalypse literally looming over them…
- The Shut In Conduit – had me simultaneously laughing and cringing and my muscles were so sore from all that tension.
- Don’t Look There – An eight year old suffers unbearable, unthinkable trauma.
- Where We Leave Ourselves and Meeting Quinto – The insouciant humour couldn’t disguise Najberg’s incredible imagination in these tales…
- May I Take Care Of That For You – more humour expertly blended with grief horror
This collection of horror (quiet horror, really), dark fiction and science fiction was consistently satisfying in every way. Najberg proves a thorough mastery of creative fiction that is profoundly, beautifully disturbing and ultimately hopeful.
My thanks to the author for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Originally posted at www.instagram.com.