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Spitefully Stabbity Spidery Stuff: Stories and Such by Wednesday Lee Friday
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 17, 2023
Spitefully Stabbity Spidery Stuff, the latest outing by Wednesday Lee Friday, is a gripping short story collection that had me terrified, heartbroken, exultant, and laughing in turns.
One of Friday’s strengths is sketching out scenes using the barest of strokes. Simple lines, without an unnecessary word, make for utterly compelling reading. The tales are mostly flash fiction, some longer. All are exactly just what they need to be in order to twist the knife in the reader’s gut. (Or eye. Or…)
It’s easy when writing extremely short fiction to rely on the O. Henry-style plot twist, to the point that the reader expects it. Some of Friday’s stories include a twist, some don’t. This is part of the genius of SSSS: often, the suspense train simply keeps rolling toward the inevitable, desperate disaster. Crises aren’t averted. Or, often, the a plot twist is far worse than imagined.
Many of the tales take place close to home, with family and neighbors. The book starts strong with “Irises,” in which a young girl goes out every day to gather them for her ailing mother. In “Ralliez Vous,” an unnamed Sister deals with a bullying older Brother and Granddad. Wives and husbands clash, notably in “Milkshake.”
Beware— Spitefully Stabbity Spidery Stuff isn’t a book to digest in one sitting. It’s emotionally draining and may be triggering for some folks. Best consumed slowly, in small bites. Like a spider, leisurely draining its prey.
FYI - I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of Friday’s strengths is sketching out scenes using the barest of strokes. Simple lines, without an unnecessary word, make for utterly compelling reading. The tales are mostly flash fiction, some longer. All are exactly just what they need to be in order to twist the knife in the reader’s gut. (Or eye. Or…)
It’s easy when writing extremely short fiction to rely on the O. Henry-style plot twist, to the point that the reader expects it. Some of Friday’s stories include a twist, some don’t. This is part of the genius of SSSS: often, the suspense train simply keeps rolling toward the inevitable, desperate disaster. Crises aren’t averted. Or, often, the a plot twist is far worse than imagined.
Many of the tales take place close to home, with family and neighbors. The book starts strong with “Irises,” in which a young girl goes out every day to gather them for her ailing mother. In “Ralliez Vous,” an unnamed Sister deals with a bullying older Brother and Granddad. Wives and husbands clash, notably in “Milkshake.”
Beware— Spitefully Stabbity Spidery Stuff isn’t a book to digest in one sitting. It’s emotionally draining and may be triggering for some folks. Best consumed slowly, in small bites. Like a spider, leisurely draining its prey.
FYI - I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2023
A good introduction to this author's work if you've never read her before, and a delightful addition to your bookshelf if you already love this author! I think this collection represents some of her strongest work. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews