This past week, I polished off the rest of The Best of Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet in between bouts of the plague. In general, I’d say the last part of the collection just burned! Here’re the off-the-cuff reviews of the fiction…
James Sallis, “Two Stories” – Two nicely written flash pieces, combined. One really worked for me, the other one not so much. 3 out of 5.
Karen Russell, “Help Wanted” – A great series of interrelated vignettes forming a greater whole of story/commentary. 5 out of 5.
Sarah Micklem, “‘Eft’ or ‘Epic'” – Very clever use of a narrative substitute. 4 out of 5.
John Kessel, “The Red Phone” – A textbook example of a good idea, wrapped around with great storytelling. 4 out of 5.
Deborah Roggie, “The Mushroom Duchess” – Started a bit slow for me, and the focus of the story shifted. Once I got over that, it was a really decent tale. 4 out of 5.
Seana Graham, “The Pirate’s True Love” – A quintessential empowerment story! 5 out of 5.
John Brown, “Bright Waters” – A longer piece, but with the most solid storytelling I’ve read in awhile! 5 out of 5.
