The Ill-Fitting Skin

by Shannon Robinson

The Ill-Fitting Skin is layered with surreal story telling but remains an extraordinarily realistic read, in the sense that even the most solid realities of life-and death-tend to blur and shimmer at their raw edges. The talkative bird that nests in a woman's womb is as real as the "previous tenant." The love of a mother for her uncontrollable son is as real as the wildness that is in her too. The women of The Ill-Fitting Skin are real women-who work and grieve and create and destroy, who love and do not love, whether at the roll of the dice or because "the pages are paths, and you will have to choose among them."

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

242 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2024

Reviews

[Lori]

I'll be working with Shannon as the publicist for this amazing collection of short stories. They are strange, stunning, and stirring and you won't want to miss it!

Seeking reviewers, interviewers, and other alternative coverage ideas. DM me here if you're interested!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ill-Fitting skin is a debut collection of short stories by Shannon Robinson and what a marvellous collection they are, never a dull moment, each story is unique and a varied selection of writing techniques made this fun to read. Robinson constantly tweaks at reality playing on her character’s fears to share a somehow realistic story with the reader, a woman giving birth to rabbits doesn’t become a story of how weird that is, it becomes about how she is treated by others due to them not understanding the situation. Another lady invites a bird to live in her womb, there is a heavy feeling of loss and the lady listening and sensing the bird’s movements really hits you hard.

A couple of favourites were Origin Story, a new mother struggling with how to handle her child who bites a lot, a mother’s greatest fears come true? Maybe. Then there was A Doom Of Her Own, where Robinson shows just how creative and funny she is, it is one of those adventure stories which requires the readers participation, “turn to page 86 if you want to fight the dragon” type stuff and if you make a mistake you sense Robinson shaking her head whilst she tells you to try again. I’ve always enjoyed these sorts of stories and I ended up doing this one a few times to experience the different outcomes.

All of the stories are good, they draw you in nicely and leave you with a satisfactory ending, none of those open-ended stories to frustrate a reader, a nice read in the garden with a couple of beers.

Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2024...

[Ben Arzate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review

4.5 Stars

Shannon Robinson’s debut collection of stories are funny, heartbreaking, fascinating, and terrifying. They comment on the roles foisted on women in society in unique and insightful ways. Her work reminds me very much of Shirley Jackson with her mix of horror and literary fiction.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished. Review to come.

[Not Sarah Connor Writes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the The Next Best Book Club for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a strong short story collection! They are all linked by similar themes with strong, developed backgrounds. I loved this!

Read the full review on myblog!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ill-Fitting Skin is a diverse collection of short stories that immerse the reader in each narrative. The first piece and my favorite, Origin Story, is written as a fantastical tale but is about the challenges of parenting and accepting your child as the person they are, not who you want them to become. A Doom of Her Own was a story I read and enjoyed multiple times as the reader selects the story's direction and outcome. You Are Now in a Dark Chamber reminded me how difficult it is for preteens to navigate the transition from middle school to high school. I will be re-reading and enjoying this collection of short stories.

I'm looking forward to reading more stories or novels by the author, Shannon Robinson.

[Allison Renner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twelve stories in The Ill-Fitting Skin by Shannon Robinson feature women navigating everyday, often unsettling situations. This collection explores relationships through the lenses of surrealism and magical realism, presenting a series of tales that are as imaginative as they are reflective.

Read the full review here: https://www.birchbarkediting.com/micr...

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

was initially intrigued by the “choose-your-own-adventure” chapter similar to the one in Carmen Maria Machado’s “In the Dreamhouse”, however was pretty disappointed with the overall selection. i always think one day a short story collection will get me but no luck thus far. although i did like how the stories each honed in on a specific (but universal) female experience told in an eerie sometimes bleak but fantastical way.

[Windy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mind is truly blown 🤯

This collection of dark stories continually made me question reality versus the abstract. Each one is utterly strange, with disturbing twists and unexpected turns, including one very cool choose-your-own-adventure style story!

Choosing a favourite is nearly impossible! Among other things, we’ve got dementia baby-dolls, haunted sweaters, werewolves, women birthing rabbits and Dungeons & Dragons. They’re all fantastic and all new favourites.

I received this ARC from @lorihettler.tnbbc and honestly enjoyed every single written word. I believe fans of Ottessa Moshfeg, Julia Armfield and Eliza Clarke will love these women centric stories. CHECK THIS OUT!

[H. Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spec fiction like it. Never knew werewolves could be so moving. Plus, choose-your-own-adventure. What more to ask for?

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I liked some stories better than others. However, all were very engaging to read! My favorite being A Doom of Her Own

[Dana * · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic set of short stories about female gender. Some depressing, some uplifting, but all relatable and also thought provoking. Highly recommend

[Stephanie M. Wytovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection for its feral vulnerability, grotesque truths, and engaging storytelling. This had a bit of everything I love (from werewolves, to madness, to weird medical history, to meditations on grief and the female body) and Robinson’s voice reminded me of a mix between Rachel Yoder, Carmen Maria Machado, and Samanta Schweblin.

I’ll not only be revisiting these stories but including them on my Art of the Short Story syllabus. Original, innovative, and hard to resist. This is an author you don’t want to miss.

Favorites included: "Origin Story, "The Rabbits," and "Dirt."