Mild Narcotics

by David Podlipny

Mild Narcotics is a collection that fascinates and disturbs in equal doses—15 short stories that revel in the absurdity of everyday life.In “Mr. Punk Rock,” a couple decides to deal with their cockatoo’s vocalizing in a very direct, hands-on manner; in “Pomerium,” a man’s commute turns uncomfortable as passengers stare crossly at him for no apparent reason, coming to a head in the elevator on his way to the surface; and in “The Cove,” fed up with the beachgoers, especially the omnipresent stench of their sunscreen, a diver devises a diabolical plan to scare them all straight.Macabre, wild, enigmatic, caustic, this distinct collection lifts the veil of decorum—under which commonplace cruelty, humor, and unconventional beauty all flourish—and then stretches it well past its breaking point.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2018

About the author

David Podlipny is an avid and at times reckless self-experimenter living in Stockholm, where he also does most of his writing.

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd collection of stories

"Mild Narcotics" is a rather odd collection of unrelated stories. At it's best they have interesting moments but ultimately are anticlimactic as none of the stories actually go anywhere or resolve themselves by saying anything. The potential exists but there are many authors that do a better job and create interesting narratives.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories require a deft hand. The storyteller must tell an entire story - beginning, middle, & end- while balancing brevity. This author struggled with that. The stories didn't seem to be resolved, rather they just ended.

That being said, I gave this book an extra star for "Mr. Punk Rock". It was a delightfully creepy little tale.