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Stone Princess - A Collection of Short Stories
ACE for ASIN B00C4CVSWG
Honest, disturbing, raw - and yet somehow still funny and strangely beautiful - Marysol James' collection of short stories, Stone Princess, is a revelation.
This first work from a totally original and strongly compelling voice pulls the reader in quickly; you are grabbed by the throat and James simply does not let you go.
In the title story, a rape and murder victim speaks to us from beyond the grave, and offers a unique perspective on fairy-tale princesses. In the taut and deeply haunting ‘This One Guy’, a night out descends rapidly in to a nightmare, one which changes the entire trajectory of the narrator’s life. In ‘Rising’, a wronged housewife turns to her garden for a solution to her domestic problems.
An almost-defeated woman struggling to find herself and her own happiness finds inspiration in a 100-meter race; a young woman who finds understanding of her brother in the stars; a scarf which represents something different to three different women; a former prostitute desperate to escape her past; a woman struggling with alcoholism and addiction – these are just a few of James' unforgettable female protagonists. They are fragile and fierce; hard and human. They are women who are determined to survive and thrive, at any cost. They are imperfect and controversial and fighters - they are real women, and they are worth getting to know.
Honest, disturbing, raw - and yet somehow still funny and strangely beautiful - Marysol James' collection of short stories, Stone Princess, is a revelation.
This first work from a totally original and strongly compelling voice pulls the reader in quickly; you are grabbed by the throat and James simply does not let you go.
In the title story, a rape and murder victim speaks to us from beyond the grave, and offers a unique perspective on fairy-tale princesses. In the taut and deeply haunting ‘This One Guy’, a night out descends rapidly in to a nightmare, one which changes the entire trajectory of the narrator’s life. In ‘Rising’, a wronged housewife turns to her garden for a solution to her domestic problems.
An almost-defeated woman struggling to find herself and her own happiness finds inspiration in a 100-meter race; a young woman who finds understanding of her brother in the stars; a scarf which represents something different to three different women; a former prostitute desperate to escape her past; a woman struggling with alcoholism and addiction – these are just a few of James' unforgettable female protagonists. They are fragile and fierce; hard and human. They are women who are determined to survive and thrive, at any cost. They are imperfect and controversial and fighters - they are real women, and they are worth getting to know.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 23, 2013
As usual, I didn't pay anything for this book but instead it came to me as a gift from the author who happened upon my Facebook page and asked me if I'd like to read and review her work.
Ms. Smith's stories center around women who are in their darkest hour. The author is abundantly adept at finding a raw emotional nerve and quietly hitting it with a large and heavy hammer. She deals quite potently and effectively with the subjects of abuse, addiction, prostitution, classism and death in her stories in a way that is honest and evocative. Smith pulls no punches as she writes about the darkest corners of life.
Qualitatively speaking, I have to admit to a bit of initial skepticism. When an author approaches you out of the blue with their work the outcome is almost always one in which you’re trying desperately to find something nice to say about it. The chances, after all, of finding a book that’s previously undiscovered and unappreciated are pretty small. In this case, the challenge is trying to find anything negative to say about it. Smith’s work is delightfully impassioned and she’s unafraid to reveal to her readers a desperately dark and unapologetic storyline. I judge much about a book based on how ready I am for it to finally be over but all of Smith’s stories have a gripping potency that is very satisfying. I am, frankly, stunned that this book has no reviews on either Amazon or GoodReads. This one deserves a lot more attention than it’s getting.
On the negative side, the only thing I would really say is that the book does seem to be a bit thematically scattered. The author covers such a range of topics that it’s hard to know exactly what to expect. As an example, the first story is one of classist snobbery and first-world centrism. While a great story with a wonderful point to make (that a lot more people should take to heart) it doesn’t really seem to fit. In general, the book seems to fall more in line with her marvelous story, “Unspeakable,” in which she describes an episode of chronic child abuse from the psyche of the abuser. It’s that dark and meaty writing that makes this a wonderful book.
In summary, simply the best unsolicited book I’ve received. Smith not only writes beautifully and emotionally but she makes a point at the same time. I spend a LOT of time reading and reviewing books and if they were all like this then that task would be significantly more enjoyable. This book is abundantly and unabashedly worth it.
Ms. Smith's stories center around women who are in their darkest hour. The author is abundantly adept at finding a raw emotional nerve and quietly hitting it with a large and heavy hammer. She deals quite potently and effectively with the subjects of abuse, addiction, prostitution, classism and death in her stories in a way that is honest and evocative. Smith pulls no punches as she writes about the darkest corners of life.
Qualitatively speaking, I have to admit to a bit of initial skepticism. When an author approaches you out of the blue with their work the outcome is almost always one in which you’re trying desperately to find something nice to say about it. The chances, after all, of finding a book that’s previously undiscovered and unappreciated are pretty small. In this case, the challenge is trying to find anything negative to say about it. Smith’s work is delightfully impassioned and she’s unafraid to reveal to her readers a desperately dark and unapologetic storyline. I judge much about a book based on how ready I am for it to finally be over but all of Smith’s stories have a gripping potency that is very satisfying. I am, frankly, stunned that this book has no reviews on either Amazon or GoodReads. This one deserves a lot more attention than it’s getting.
On the negative side, the only thing I would really say is that the book does seem to be a bit thematically scattered. The author covers such a range of topics that it’s hard to know exactly what to expect. As an example, the first story is one of classist snobbery and first-world centrism. While a great story with a wonderful point to make (that a lot more people should take to heart) it doesn’t really seem to fit. In general, the book seems to fall more in line with her marvelous story, “Unspeakable,” in which she describes an episode of chronic child abuse from the psyche of the abuser. It’s that dark and meaty writing that makes this a wonderful book.
In summary, simply the best unsolicited book I’ve received. Smith not only writes beautifully and emotionally but she makes a point at the same time. I spend a LOT of time reading and reviewing books and if they were all like this then that task would be significantly more enjoyable. This book is abundantly and unabashedly worth it.
December 16, 2013
I signed up to Goodreads just to review this book.
I found Michelle through her blog, and I have found her blog posts to be really amazing. She is a talented writer, and even if she just writes a simple post about a weekend coffee or the weather, she really has a unique and distinct voice. I don't know why I put off buying and reading her book for so long, and I am kicking myself for that.
Her short stories are just breath taking. I think that This One Guy was the darkest one, but Unspeakable and Worn Down Soles were pretty stunning too. I really liked Rising, mostly because I am divorced and could kind of relate ;) The Scarf was short, but I loved it. Oh, man. I just really liked them all, but if I had to pick a favorite, I think it would be Toe Ring. I liked its kind of wicked humor mixed with some hope.
I read on Michelle's blog this past weekend that her first full length novel is ready. I already have it (she sent me an advance copy) and I am reading it like crazy. It is so, so good. I am looking forward to reviewing it soon.
This woman is an amazing writer, and she writes amazing stories. I can't believe a publishing house hasn't beaten down her door yet. Maybe in a bit of time?
I found Michelle through her blog, and I have found her blog posts to be really amazing. She is a talented writer, and even if she just writes a simple post about a weekend coffee or the weather, she really has a unique and distinct voice. I don't know why I put off buying and reading her book for so long, and I am kicking myself for that.
Her short stories are just breath taking. I think that This One Guy was the darkest one, but Unspeakable and Worn Down Soles were pretty stunning too. I really liked Rising, mostly because I am divorced and could kind of relate ;) The Scarf was short, but I loved it. Oh, man. I just really liked them all, but if I had to pick a favorite, I think it would be Toe Ring. I liked its kind of wicked humor mixed with some hope.
I read on Michelle's blog this past weekend that her first full length novel is ready. I already have it (she sent me an advance copy) and I am reading it like crazy. It is so, so good. I am looking forward to reviewing it soon.
This woman is an amazing writer, and she writes amazing stories. I can't believe a publishing house hasn't beaten down her door yet. Maybe in a bit of time?
April 7, 2016
One of the most amazing books I have ever read. Raw, gritty, emotional Marysol writes directly from her heart and gut. These stories made my head spin at times, the honest truth put so gingerly at your feet. Each story differs and I don't want to give too much away. It's a must read. When I finished this book, after reading her others as well I thought "how is this woman not on the best seller list?"
February 11, 2014
Astounding book. I don't usually like short stories, but these were really exceptional. I think I liked 'Worn down soles' the best, since it was dark and creepy, but 'This one guy' was excellent. Really, really disturbing. I hope that Michelle Smith writes another book soon, and I will be the first in line to read it. She is an incredible talent, and I am interested to see what she does next.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews