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muted: a short story in verse
Note: This cyberpunk/dystopian short story is an experimental work of fiction written in verse. Page count: 30. Word count: 2000
It’s illegal to wear clothes. In some streets, it’s also illegal to sing. Concetta, a famous A Capella singer from before “the change,” breaks these laws. As punishment, her vocal chords are brutally slashed, and her eardrums surgically perforated. Unable to cope living a life without song, she resolves to drown herself in the river, clothed in a dress stained with performance memories. But Concetta’s suicide attempt is deterred, when she is distracted by a busking harpist with gold eyes and teeth. Will he show her how to sing again, or will the LEO on the prowl for another offender to detain, arrest her before she has the chance?
It’s illegal to wear clothes. In some streets, it’s also illegal to sing. Concetta, a famous A Capella singer from before “the change,” breaks these laws. As punishment, her vocal chords are brutally slashed, and her eardrums surgically perforated. Unable to cope living a life without song, she resolves to drown herself in the river, clothed in a dress stained with performance memories. But Concetta’s suicide attempt is deterred, when she is distracted by a busking harpist with gold eyes and teeth. Will he show her how to sing again, or will the LEO on the prowl for another offender to detain, arrest her before she has the chance?
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2013
1 person is currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Bell
75 books497 followersJessica Bell is a multi-award-winning author/poet and singer-songwriter who was born in Melbourne, Australia.
In addition to having published a memoir, five novels, three poetry collections, and her bestselling Writing in a Nutshell series, she has been featured in a variety of publications and radio shows such as Writer’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, The Guardian, Life Matters, and Poetica.
She is also the Publisher of Vine Leaves Press, and a highly sought-after book cover designer. She currently resides in Athens, Greece, with her partner and son, and a pile of dishes that still don’t know how to wash themselves despite her consistently teaching by example.
For more information visit: iamjessicabell.com
In addition to having published a memoir, five novels, three poetry collections, and her bestselling Writing in a Nutshell series, she has been featured in a variety of publications and radio shows such as Writer’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, The Guardian, Life Matters, and Poetica.
She is also the Publisher of Vine Leaves Press, and a highly sought-after book cover designer. She currently resides in Athens, Greece, with her partner and son, and a pile of dishes that still don’t know how to wash themselves despite her consistently teaching by example.
For more information visit: iamjessicabell.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 12, 2013
First Impression:
The idea of a short story being written in verse caught my attention right away. I also found the summary to be quite intriguing. I couldn't imagine living in a world where singing is illegal. The thought of that makes me utterly depressed because music has always been a huge part of my life since my school years. (I was in choir from elementary school up until the day I left high school.) The part about wearing clothes being illegal would be rather dreadful as well! I would HATE to live in a world like the one described!
Writing Style:
One word: BREATHTAKING. I'm a huge fan of poetry and enjoyed that this story incorporates verse. It makes for a quick read with a beautiful lyrical flow. The sentence break and pauses add great depth to the story. The emotion expressed in so few words is stunning. I was able to connect with Concetta on an entirely surreal level, like she was living deep inside me.
My Review:
An absolutely amazing piece of art filled with morbid sorrow and a taste of a bittersweet ending. I only wish that the story elaborated a bit more on why society has such bizarre laws and demented/cruel punishment. I also came across a few terms that I'm still not exactly sure what they are, I can only assume. I would like some clarification because I dislike not knowing for sure what something is. However, I have to admit that I still truly loved the story. I see myself reading more of Jessica Bell's writing in my near future!
*Note* A short sentence in a foreign language kept appearing; I looked it up because I was fairly certain that it was imperative to the plot.
"si comincia oggi" is Italian for "it starts today"
The idea of a short story being written in verse caught my attention right away. I also found the summary to be quite intriguing. I couldn't imagine living in a world where singing is illegal. The thought of that makes me utterly depressed because music has always been a huge part of my life since my school years. (I was in choir from elementary school up until the day I left high school.) The part about wearing clothes being illegal would be rather dreadful as well! I would HATE to live in a world like the one described!
Writing Style:
One word: BREATHTAKING. I'm a huge fan of poetry and enjoyed that this story incorporates verse. It makes for a quick read with a beautiful lyrical flow. The sentence break and pauses add great depth to the story. The emotion expressed in so few words is stunning. I was able to connect with Concetta on an entirely surreal level, like she was living deep inside me.
My Review:
An absolutely amazing piece of art filled with morbid sorrow and a taste of a bittersweet ending. I only wish that the story elaborated a bit more on why society has such bizarre laws and demented/cruel punishment. I also came across a few terms that I'm still not exactly sure what they are, I can only assume. I would like some clarification because I dislike not knowing for sure what something is. However, I have to admit that I still truly loved the story. I see myself reading more of Jessica Bell's writing in my near future!
*Note* A short sentence in a foreign language kept appearing; I looked it up because I was fairly certain that it was imperative to the plot.
"si comincia oggi" is Italian for "it starts today"
June 4, 2013
I think the word "wow!" (including exclamation mark) really sums this one up nicely. It's almost a horror story but there is sure something beautiful about it. The story takes place in a world where it's illegal to wear any sort of clothing that isn't the temperature-controlled fetus-membrane bodysuit issued to all citizens. Also illegal is singing - unless you're an employee of the Queen (who's a dude). The punishment for singing is, some might say, a fate worse than death - vocal chords slashed and eardrums surgically perforated.
I think it's amazing that a writer can create such a rich world full of potential in one little poem (well, okay, 2k words isn't that little for a poem, but still...). In a way this work reminds me a bit of the Japanese novel GROTESQUE, which I read and loved even though it was horrible. The main reason for my comparison there is that the storyline is at times incredibly ugly, but the description is incredibly beautiful. Sheer beauty and ugliness all rolled into one work of literature (or in this case, verse).
I think it's amazing that a writer can create such a rich world full of potential in one little poem (well, okay, 2k words isn't that little for a poem, but still...). In a way this work reminds me a bit of the Japanese novel GROTESQUE, which I read and loved even though it was horrible. The main reason for my comparison there is that the storyline is at times incredibly ugly, but the description is incredibly beautiful. Sheer beauty and ugliness all rolled into one work of literature (or in this case, verse).
May 21, 2013
Intensity and emotion blended with masterful wordage, a stunning story, and minimalist vocabulary. Every moment and word in this short story written in verse is filled with impact and strength. I savored reading through line after line, rereading some of my favorites, and cascading with the flow. I felt Concetta's pain. I wanted to belt out in song with her. I was frustrated by her inability. I was intoxicated when the harpist ran his hands over her. There was not one flaw in the world-building though this story is so quick. I could imagine it all; I was there. Amazing work, yet again, from Jessica Bell.
June 26, 2013
I started to read this short story in the morning, I didn't knew it was that short. I really love the beginning, it tells us a piece of Concetta's harsh life.
The story is really, really short, that's why I can't tell you a lot about it.
It's written in verse, which I really loved because it was a different way for me to read a story, and it was amazingly written, I loved the words she used and the way she arranged them.
“What’s the fucking point?”
You have to admit that the plot is really original and tough. It's a dystopian world, and it's hard to live in it.
The beginning, as I said before, it's wonderful. It leaves you with your mouth opened and saying "Oh my God, what a shock".
The cover is pretty cool and I think it's perfect for the story. It really has a potential.
We don't get to know that much Concetta, but we get to know the important things about her and some of her ideas.
Also, we get to know somethings about the Queen and the LEO men. And of course, we get to know a bot of the harpist, and I think he's marvelous, the way the author describes this man is just… magnificent.
And finally, the whole scenario. The world where wearing clothes it's illegal and singing is too in some streets. The world where the singer can't talk or smile, just sing. That world it's original and really creepy. I wouldn't survive a day in that place, I guess the author really capture the scent of a futuristic, scary, awesome world. I'm really thrilled and I want to know more about that world, about the Queen, about Concetta, and of course, about the harpist.
Finally, I can't say much about this short story without spoiling it, so I'm just saying that I loved it and I really recommend it, it's very original and I think it's worth a try.
Beside, I will love to read a book about all this if Jessica decides to write it, it will be awesome.
The story is really, really short, that's why I can't tell you a lot about it.
It's written in verse, which I really loved because it was a different way for me to read a story, and it was amazingly written, I loved the words she used and the way she arranged them.
“What’s the fucking point?”
You have to admit that the plot is really original and tough. It's a dystopian world, and it's hard to live in it.
The beginning, as I said before, it's wonderful. It leaves you with your mouth opened and saying "Oh my God, what a shock".
The cover is pretty cool and I think it's perfect for the story. It really has a potential.
We don't get to know that much Concetta, but we get to know the important things about her and some of her ideas.
Also, we get to know somethings about the Queen and the LEO men. And of course, we get to know a bot of the harpist, and I think he's marvelous, the way the author describes this man is just… magnificent.
And finally, the whole scenario. The world where wearing clothes it's illegal and singing is too in some streets. The world where the singer can't talk or smile, just sing. That world it's original and really creepy. I wouldn't survive a day in that place, I guess the author really capture the scent of a futuristic, scary, awesome world. I'm really thrilled and I want to know more about that world, about the Queen, about Concetta, and of course, about the harpist.
Finally, I can't say much about this short story without spoiling it, so I'm just saying that I loved it and I really recommend it, it's very original and I think it's worth a try.
Beside, I will love to read a book about all this if Jessica decides to write it, it will be awesome.
October 11, 2013
Bell’s Muted knocks the air out of the reader’s lungs and leaves her drowning in Concetta’s dystopian world.
I don’t read much poetry or stories in verse, but I may have to start. Bell holds back no punches in this dystopian world she’s created. Singing and wearing clothes is illegal. A queen—a man by the way—reigns while people suffer against the government’s laws. Concetta’s punishment is so cruel. My heart broke for her as she has become deaf and mute for the mere act of singing. Her interaction with the harpist is sensual and hopeful in a world gone mad.
The poetic verses increase the tension and often read like a story. I loved the alliterative phrases as well as the pacing—sometimes melodic, sometimes harsh and with a drumming rhythm forever marching onward.
A brilliant and unique dystopian story, Muted by Jessica Bell’s Muted left me in awe.
I don’t read much poetry or stories in verse, but I may have to start. Bell holds back no punches in this dystopian world she’s created. Singing and wearing clothes is illegal. A queen—a man by the way—reigns while people suffer against the government’s laws. Concetta’s punishment is so cruel. My heart broke for her as she has become deaf and mute for the mere act of singing. Her interaction with the harpist is sensual and hopeful in a world gone mad.
The poetic verses increase the tension and often read like a story. I loved the alliterative phrases as well as the pacing—sometimes melodic, sometimes harsh and with a drumming rhythm forever marching onward.
A brilliant and unique dystopian story, Muted by Jessica Bell’s Muted left me in awe.
July 5, 2013
In sparse, poetic verse, the author paints a portrait of a tortured woman in a dark, futuristic society. What Concetta goes through is horrific and the author allows glimpses into her mind and spirit. This is very different from the author's previous works and I'm glad Ms. Bell has branched out into other genres and styles.
October 13, 2013
I’ve been getting into “verse novels” a lot lately. I’ve discovered that there’s a great world in between poetry and prose that can be found in this style of writing. When I came across this short story in verse, I was intrigued, to say the least.
Being that this is a short story and it’s in verse form, word usage is bound to be constrained and word choice key to making the story aspect work. Overall I felt that Bell had a great concept with this as a story. The main character was interesting and the dystopian setting caught my interest. But, I feel, the limits of the writing form got in the way of me fully enjoying the story.
I felt there was a need for more world building. There’s enough to get the reader to understand the dangers, crimes, etc of this society, but it’s a little too much of just “on the surface” explanation. I was also a little lost at times when it switched from the present to the flashback of Conetta’s last concert then back.
Don’t get me wrong. There was good to go along with the issues I felt the story had. I applaud anyone for trying to write a story in verse and hope that this author has more in store. I have a feeling that if I were to read another verse story of hers (if she has any or plans on writing more) that happens to be longer, I’ll enjoy it. For this one, I think it needed a little more room to grow. It’s still worth checking out.
Being that this is a short story and it’s in verse form, word usage is bound to be constrained and word choice key to making the story aspect work. Overall I felt that Bell had a great concept with this as a story. The main character was interesting and the dystopian setting caught my interest. But, I feel, the limits of the writing form got in the way of me fully enjoying the story.
I felt there was a need for more world building. There’s enough to get the reader to understand the dangers, crimes, etc of this society, but it’s a little too much of just “on the surface” explanation. I was also a little lost at times when it switched from the present to the flashback of Conetta’s last concert then back.
Don’t get me wrong. There was good to go along with the issues I felt the story had. I applaud anyone for trying to write a story in verse and hope that this author has more in store. I have a feeling that if I were to read another verse story of hers (if she has any or plans on writing more) that happens to be longer, I’ll enjoy it. For this one, I think it needed a little more room to grow. It’s still worth checking out.
March 22, 2015
I received a free kindle copy of Muted by Jessica Bell for subscribing to her newsletter for fair review.
This is powerful writing!
The brutal imagery incorporates sound, touch, vibration. It is stark. It is harsh & barbaric. It is astonishingly beautiful.
I look forward to reading more of Jennifer Bell's writing. Reading & rereading Mute was a surprising midnight treat. A new favorite to read again & again.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1489...
This is powerful writing!
The brutal imagery incorporates sound, touch, vibration. It is stark. It is harsh & barbaric. It is astonishingly beautiful.
I look forward to reading more of Jennifer Bell's writing. Reading & rereading Mute was a surprising midnight treat. A new favorite to read again & again.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1489...
December 2, 2013
This is an excellent story. Beautiful and graphic. I wanted it to be longer, I wanted to know more.
May 16, 2014
Very short read
I'm not sure about this one. Very short, it appears she sang opera but they cut her vocal chords and damaged her ears. unusual ending.
I'm not sure about this one. Very short, it appears she sang opera but they cut her vocal chords and damaged her ears. unusual ending.
November 19, 2014
Beautifully dark and intriguing lyricism from Jessica Bell. An extraordinary short story in verse that left me spinning.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews