Bug Week

by Airini Beautrais

A science educator in domestic chaos fetishises Scandinavian furniture and champagne flutes. A group of white-collar deadbeats attend a swinger’s party in the era of drunk Muldoon. A pervasive smell seeps through the walls of a German housing block. A seabird performs at an open-mic night.

Bug Week is a scalpel-clean examination of male entitlement, a dissection of death, an agar plate of mundanity. From 1960s Wellington to post-Communist Germany, Bug Week traverses the weird, the wry and the grotesque in a story collection of human taxonomy.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult

184 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started with 3 stars and have just upped that to 4. This book of short stories won the Ockham Prize this year and I've been so keen to get my hands on it, then it seems to have taken me ages to work my way through the stories. I didn't love all of them, but they are engaging, quirky, take you inside the minds of real feeling people. I so loved the first story Bug Week, it was just so relatable, I wanted to hug it to myself. I'll re read that one very soon. I felt the same with the final story. I didn't love then all, a couple made me wince, squirm even. But good writing should do that to you, feel like it is in your brain and messing with you.

For me this is fine contemporary writing, the sort of thing that makes you feel that we are growing in the way we can write about relationships, and of course, readers like me can read these, at times uncomfortable stories and know that we are reading the current of the times, that writers like this are inside our heads and writing our thoughts and feelings.

[Trudie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this much at all unfortunately.

[Eamonn Marra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bug week is a series of crash zooms into the centre of a relationship. The relationships are at varying levels of dysfunction and dissatisfaction. Many of the stories featured characters who have realised that they are no longer young and have run out of time. People don’t act the way they want to or feel like they should be acting. There’s paranoia and jealousy. Some stories too disturbing to really be enjoyable, but still incredibly affecting. At the centre of all of them are characters who really need something to go right.

fave stories were: Psycho Ex, The Turtle, A summer of scents, Billy the Pirate Poet & Sin City

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote a full review and it got deleted, so I will come back to this one!

It loses a star because the last story contains explicit necrophilia (and euthanasia commentary which I was too shocked to actually see any nuance in- it read distinctly like an anti stance!).

However the collection was amazing, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone wishing to read it! Maybe just skip the last story!

[Hannah Brake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this collection of short stories. Big range of stories from different eras & perspectives, generally focusing on different kinds of relationships. Some were extremely confronting & horrific but everytime I finished one I couldn't wait for what the next one would be.

[Jessica Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of short stories detailing mundanity in eccentric and somewhat disturbing ways. Centring on dysfunctional relationships (not just romantic) through power dynamics—in which the women have to cater to, or protect themselves from, the insecurities and entitlement of men; the complexities of interrelations; or just pure dissatisfaction—as well as contemplations on death and violence (sexual, or implied physical violence and murder) in a kind of horrifying and grotesque manner.

Set mostly in New Zealand (and a few times in Wellington which is cool) it had a very specifically white-middle-class-kiwi flare. A lot of the stories are actually pretty relatable, sharing the very real and, at best, unpleasant realities/experiences of people.

My faves: Psycho ex, the baddest Toroa in town, Billy the Pirate Poet, Trashing the flowers

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t actually finish this book. It’s rare for me to walk away from a book. The short stories are easy to read, character development is amazing.. I just can’t bring myself to continue to read short stories of really traumatic relationships and experiences (I actually had a dear friend tell me not to finish the book because of the darkness of the last few stories). This book has received great praise and attention in NZ, and in the town I live in - where the author is from.

I’ve no doubt that some folks will and do love this book and (in a way) I can understand why but unfortunately this just isn’t for me.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's exactly my kind of stories. Raw, edgy, brutally honest. God there's nothing I love more than a writer that's not afraid to say what they think. I wasn't super sure how I felt about the short story format but it actually worked super well and kept me engaged.

The last story though. Omg. It ruined my life. I have never read something that changed my mind about a like politcal or philosophical concept so fast and with such intensity. Wow.

All in all it was just pretty good. Like I feel confident I've found what genre and kind of story I like to read.

[Michele Harrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find something particularly personal gets touched when I read short stories by local authors. Not that’s these are specifically New Zealand focused, but somehow the protagonists feel a little more like someone I might know, (or perhaps, too easily be?!)

These are sharp little vignettes, offering small, but acutely focused, glimpses into the dark and disturbed human psyche. I think I’ll start reading more short stories. They are an absolutely perfect match for my dangerously hammered attention span right now!!!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this collection! All the stories were a bit weird, quirky and dark but at times also made me chuckle at the craziness of them. I never understood how people would read a book and stop and marvel over a sentence...except Beautrais' writing makes you do that, without even realising. Her mastery of words was brilliant. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

[matthew w · Rating 4 out of 5]

book that reawakened my urge to write short fiction. thrilling accts of desperate characters in ordinary circumstances gone awry. haunting reminders of how close we veer to the brink on the daily, how easily it can all go to shit, and how the worst of us wreak havoc on the rest.

[Alana Rodrigues-Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

thoroughly depressing. there are a lot of stories about middle class mundanity, and then there are the stories of male abuse. the last one made me feel sick and angry. the stories are emotive, varied, and well written, but do be aware that several of them have graphic depictions of rape. don’t pick this book up lightly.

[Jared Gulian · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a good reason why this book won the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction in 2021 at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Almost every single one of these short stories hit the ball out of the park, to borrow a horrible phrase from the sporting world. There are some extremely dark stories (especially the last one) which were not in any way flawed but were tough to read.

[Chinen Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4.25

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Form: Physical

I haven’t read many short story collections, but out of the few I have - this is by FAR my favourite! I never expect to enjoy every story in a collection but with this one I was excited for every new story and felt myself connecting to each of them in a new way. Each story in here is quirky and strange and often uncomfortable but in the best way possible and each one made such an impact on me. I was so quickly sucked into each new character’s world and setting and I never had any clue where it was going to take me from there. These stories made me think constantly and will definitely be taking up space in my brain forever! This collection felt like an absolute adventure and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking, quirky stories!

[Linley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories in this book are so beautifully crafted and I often found myself re-reading parts to extract more of the deep and subtle meanings that are woven into them. I didn't like all of them, but I really loved some, especially Toroa and the Teashop.

Given the adult nature of some of these stories, I would not recommend them to a young audience. Probably best (if you are a librarian) to put this collection in the Senior section. If you are short of time, read the last story and you'll get the gist.

[Luna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt soiled after reading these short stories. The last, in particular, was deeply upsetting and far too graphic.

I've never wanted to get rid of a book by any means necessary so strongly before. Seriously. Do NOT read this if you're a sensitive person.

[Allie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Last story needed a content and/or trigger warning! If I wasn't such a sunk-costs fallacy type idiot while reading I literally would have stopped. Just say "graphic depictions of rape" ???? I wanted to be such a #warrior while reading because I usually just let my eyes glaze over anything icky or whatever, but literally soooooo triggering! Felt a bit yuck for hours after which perhaps was the point but was not expecting it so that sucked ass majorly. Maybe wouldn't have chosen to read it on the bus home!

Rest was fine I guess? Generally didn't hate them. Writing was fine - not really sure I like these short stories books much... every story I read is a bit off-putting and not in a fun way, just like the author is trying to be a bit gross or shocking just to catch the audience. I think my favourite in Bug Week was the story with the Germans and the funky smell, and my least favourite was obviously the fucking cancer/death/necrophilia/rape one at the end. What the fuck.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what to make of this one. A short story anthology that is very intense, grotesque and triggering at times. The descriptions of “male entitlement” were underplayed, the entire book is a depiction of the deep dark corners of humans, men in particular.

But the writing and storytelling was excellent, I couldn’t stop reading despite the themes which were often quite shocking. Go into this one when you’re not feeling easily triggered I would say. And a few TW: rape.

[kate newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

nothing to write home about really. short snippets of life in dysfunctional relationships centring around male entitlement. idk objectively some of the content matter was quite interesting. yet i did not find myself excited to read the next page.

some of it was good and interesting. overall not for me unfortunately.

[Lily Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting vignettes of women making difficult (sometimes defititely incorrect) decisions about their lives and reflecting on the consequences. Their fates are pulled, pushed, and coopted by men they love or want or hate or fear or have never even met.

[Susan Wilson]

The writing is excellent. However, even though I tried, short stories are not my thing. I’m always left wanting more, to know the characters more, to develop their story more.

[Missy Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about home when I’m away from home! Walking around Newtown in my brain made me miss it. I really liked psycho ex, the turtle, billy the pirate poet and trashing the flowers. Some of the others where just ok and the last story felt icky and like it had a weird agenda.

[Ruby · Rating 1 out of 5]

genuinely wish i hadn’t read this and wouldn’t recommend to anyone, stories felt unnecessarily dark

[xlinaz01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book illustrates different sections of life beautifully. The stories contain very sinister and mature themes, so be aware.

I love how it captures the ups and downs of life, including tragic incidents, in a very realistic & detailed way.

[Anna-Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this but the last story was actually vile, especially over lunch.. Read over a succession of lunchtimes I really enjoyed!

[Anthony O’Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book twice, once to get the general sense of it, and to see the quality of the writing, second to see how it stacked up to a more careful reading. The stories are bold and brave. Airini Beautrais takes on difficult issues of the political experience of gender from a range of perspectives. There are some brilliantly insightful stories in this collection, and some lovely poetic writing. While some of the stories are confronting in their unflinching portrayal of sexualised violence (Trashing the flowers; A quiet death), others are quietly affecting (The girl who shaved the moose; The turtle). But all take us into the lives of their protagonists and leave us wiser, sometimes sadder for the experience. “Sin City” gives us a New Zealand in the 80s you wont get in Metro or in Kia Ora magazine. You’ll remember this story next time you’re invited to a spit roast. Airini Beautrais is not shy when it comes to describing the lesser known mating habits of kiwis. A few stories didn’t quite do it for me. “A pair of hands” felt a bit unfinished and “The baddest Toroa in town”, for all its pointed and funny observations, felt a bit preachy. But then I’d never turn down a box of chocolates just because l don’t like the crunchy ones.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s unusual for a set of short stories to win literary awards but Bug Week did that this year in New Zealand. As I hadn’t read others on the shortlist I can’t say whether I agree with the judges or not but I must say I was delighted to see short stories recognised. I’m very fond of this genre. Short stories are so hard to write well.

This set impressed me for a number of reasons. Beautrais used a wide range of voices effectively and set her stories in a variety of contexts. Love, sex and death were the central themes so many were dark in tone, even misanthropic. However, this was leavened by sardonic humour. I would laugh and then be appalled at a character’s behaviour, all in the one story, often on the one page. The author constructed her stories cleverly and used language precisely and powerfully. Beautrais is also a poet and it showed.

When we discussed these stories in our book group most members found the stories’ content too depressing. I was pretty much a lone voice defending their worth. I often dip into collections of short stories that I have in my library and will certainly do so again with Bug Week.

[Anna Bracewell-Worrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of people being disappointing and even worse men. Liked the weird story about the albatross in particular.

[Nina W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very well written and I enjoyed reading some NZ short stories, however I felt that the minimal detailed interaction with other characters left a lot of the characters seeming very detached and a bit flat. The stories also seemed to trail off rather than having a solid ending which, while I think it was deliberate, didn't really work for me. I felt like the point of some of the stories was a bit over my head. I did particularly like Trashing the Flowers and Psycho Ex. Finally, I recommend checking the content warnings - there are reasonably graphic descriptions of sexual assault.