Wormwood: A Collection of Short Stories
by Poppy Z. Brite
|
List Price: Our Price: $2.96 You Save: $5.03 (63%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Wormwood: A Collection of Short Stories
Book Review: Not for me
Summary: 1 Stars
I really don't like giving bad reviews, whether being books, or whatever. Seeing nobody else gave this book one star, I'm stunned. I couldn't help myself. This is the first Poppy Z. Brite book I've read, and I believe it will be my last.
The stories have little, if any, real plots. Things basically 'happen', and most of these short stories end abruptly, leaving you to scratch your head and say 'That's it?' In addition, I like old school horror, not horror intermixed with gay and erotic material that seems to just been 'thrown' in there for more commericial appeal.
There were only 2 stories I almost liked, but the rest of the book was so bad, I can't remember which one's they were. (One had something to do with music).
Again, I don't like giving bad reviews, and perhaps not all of Poppy's books are like this one, but I wanted to just give my own opinion.
The Journal of Henry Boyer (Volume 1)
The First Level of Hell
Damaged
The Music of 1997
Book Review: A Collection of Disturbing, Yet Intriguing Tales
Summary: 5 Stars
A collection of tales about the dead, the undead, and the deranged written by this remarkable 20th Century writer; Poppy Z Brite. Sixth Sentintel, one of the Tales in the book that I found to be most interesting depicted a girl in her 20's living in the intoxicating New Orleans with a broken past and a ghost for a roomate and a friend. As a lot of Poppys characters Rosalie makes her living by "performing". Though she may have the porcelain face of an actress the kind of performing she does is not so desirable. As her "roomate" Jean states she is performing for hundreds of starving drunken weasles. Jean soon develops a love for Rosalie but a deep selfish love it proves to be. Jean tells Rosalie he wishes for her to find his buried "treasures" so she will never have to work again, but something in Rosalie resists mingling with things that have been hidden or buried deep in the earth. This provokes Jean to get into Rosalie's head much like his lifeless hands flow through her body. Upon entering Rosalies mind Jean uncovers a horrifying past that frightens him and explains Rosalies fear for what lays beneath the earth. Jeans overwhelming love for Rosalie will soon release Rosalie from her pain and bind them together forever.Book Review: Disapointing
Summary: 2 Stars
Being a HUGE Poppy Z. Brite fan I was extremely disappointed in this collection of short stories. Personally I have never been a fan of short stories which may have hindered my ability to enjoy this book. Lost Souls and Drawing Blood are two of my favorite novels. Having read these books I already knew that Brite's work is extremely morbid and often perverse however I found this collection disturbing. Happy endings never occur in these overly gruesome tales and someone always dies. The stories seemed to have no real purpose other than to utterly disgust to reader with rotting flesh and pestilence abound.
The only redeeming quality about this book is Brite's amazing style of writing. She is able to create lush descriptions though in the case of Wormwood they only served to turn my stomach. Also Steve and Ghost from Brite's novel Lost Souls make two appearances in their own short stories. Though they were still morbid the stories featuring Ghost, "Angels" and "How to Get Ahead in New York", were the only two I enjoyed because I love the character. I am sad to say that I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Book Review: A Great Collection--A Definate Must For Brite Fans
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are already a Poppy Z. Brite fan, this colletion is a must read, and far better than her more recent collection: Are You Loathesome Tonight. If you have not yet read Brite, however, I recommend that you start with one of her novels, as her stories are a bit weaker and better appriciated once you are already familiar with her style. This collection contains some wonderful little gems--in fact, it's filled with them. Probably the best work in the collection--which also happens to be her most reprinted story--is "His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood." "Georgia Story," is also a nice little piece and will be particularly loved by Brite Fans because it features Ghost and Steve from Lost Souls. The story which I feel has the best title, and is a great story on top of that, is "Footprints in the Water." Another great story which gets second place as far as best title is "Optional Music for Voice and Piano." I could go on and on like this, because I loved every story. This is a collection well worth owning. Previously titled Swamp Foetus.Book Review: Must Have for Poppy Fans! Great place to start.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you haven't yet discovered Poppy Z. Brite, this is a good place to start. Especially for any of the Anne Rice Vampire fans. Poppy has a young fresh approach to writing. You find yourself in richly described New Orleans with characters easily related to if you are into the "gothic" culture ( I want to shoot myself for saying that, but it is true). Her writing seamlessly envelopes & enchants it's audience. The characters, at times, seem so realistic you are wondering if maybe they are based on someone you know. And at other times, they are so horrific - you wish you did know them. (Well, depending on who you are. hehehe) A great fiction writer for a younger generation (20's-30's, and intelligent teens). Short stories are always a great way to get a grasp on a writer, and Poppy takes it a step farther. For her devoted readers - she throws in extras in these short stories that are bits and pieces, continuations of characters from her novels. Ever wonder what happened to The Twins, Ghost or Steve? If you *heart* Poppy - this is a must have.