and it’s an AMAZING horror book?!?
Carmen Maria Machado is SUCH a great writer, and this short story collection did not let me down.
The first story - The Husband Stitch - was my favorite by far. It was a twist on The Green Ribbon and (like many of the following stories) weaves in folklore and urban legends. It addresses the reader directly, encouraging us to read the story out loud and follow some staging directions.
It’s a great book to read on an eerie, rainy night. Just be sure to ground yourself in this reality. And not question that shape outside the window … or that sudden intrusive memory from your childhood … and is that music flowing up from the floorboards?
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If you've been searching for a book that completely redefines what horror can be, "Her Body and Other Parties" by Carmen Maria Machado is an absolute standout. This isn't your typical jump-scare kind of horror; instead, it delves into something far more unsettling: the psychological and emotional landscapes of womanhood, often through a truly unique, speculative lens. What I found so captivating, and something often discussed around this collection, is its bold mix of horror, fantasy, and even unexpected humor. Machado uses the fantastical and the grotesque to explore deeply human experiences. This means you’ll encounter stories that are, as some have noted, "a little gross" at times, but always profoundly insightful. She masterfully navigates themes of gender, sexuality, power dynamics, and the body in ways that are both disturbing and incredibly thought-provoking. Speaking of thought-provoking, the collection is also celebrated for being "very queer," integrating LGBTQ+ experiences and perspectives into its narratives. This adds another rich layer to the storytelling, offering diverse voices and situations that resonate deeply. It's a breath of fresh air in genre fiction, showing how diverse identities can enrich and expand the scope of horror. Beyond the unforgettable experience of stories like "The Husband Stitch," you'll find other ingenious pieces, like the one that's been playfully described as "60 pages of Law & Order: SVU horror fanfiction." This particular story, along with others, showcases Machado’s incredible versatility and willingness to experiment with form and content, making each tale a distinct and memorable journey. It's exactly these kinds of unexpected twists and turns that make the book so compelling and earn it such high praise, often around a 4.25-star rating. So, who should pick up "Her Body and Other Parties"? If you're a reader who enjoys literary fiction, is open to experimental storytelling, and appreciates horror that makes you think rather than just scream, this collection is for you. It's perfect for those who want to explore "womanhood's darkness" and "darkly relatable daily pain" through a unique and unforgettable narrative. Be prepared to be challenged, engaged, and thoroughly haunted by Carmen Maria Machado’s brilliant imagination.
