"Pensive Tuesday": Cut by Catherine Lacey (Short Fiction Review)

Story Review (spoiler warning):


“if you’re raised with an angry man in your house,

there will always be an angry man in your house.”


These were the words I typed into the Google search engine as I was desperately trying to come across this story. I remember the lines from “something” I saw “somewhere”. Kind of. Little did I know, I would find more than just a poem… As I came across the original fiction piece in the New Yorker with these lines, I went on to read a story that left me with a lot of questions and a lot of thoughts. Following Peggy, a woman in her 40s, married, childfree, and in literal and symbolic pain, I felt like I was navigating the life of someone I would want to have a conversation with in real life only to be left with the impression that they lead a life that’s far too predictable, boring, and static. Of course, I believe everyone and their narratives should be granted a certain level of “grace” since we are all just human with stories that can be easily misunderstood; however, Peggy’s hypercritical character really annoyed me, a shame given the thought-provoking poetry fragment above. As for the origin of those lines, they were from a poem by one of Peggy’s students, titled "mulierbrity." After showing the poem to Peggy in her playwriting writing class, the student left her office in tears since Peggy refused to accept the poem as final. The interaction was brief and somewhat forgettable after considering the plot as a whole, which was molded with scenes showcasing Peggy’s marriage, friendship, work life, and what I interpreted as existential dread. 


Popular posts from this blog

“Tranquil Thursday”: The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur (Poetry Book Review)

Synopsis : In this poetry book, Rupi Kaur explores heartbreak, childhood, family, and self-love in short segments accompanied by art, adding a touch of extended imagination.  Categorical Rankings (/⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐ ): -Pacing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: The book is a quick read even when taking in the poems slowly.  -Theme ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ : I think the general message of how one can overcome hardships and extract beauty from difficulty could have been explored with more distinctiveness.  -Overall enjoyment ⭐️ ⭐️ : I would have liked to see more development throughout the poems since most felt either incomplete or unimpressive.  Story Insights (mild spoilers):   This is my second time reading a poetry book by Rupi Kaur, and though it felt overall more positive than Milk and Honey, it still lacks depth.   Some of the pieces exploring her family life and culture were ones that I could relate to due to my background; however, the poems describing heartbreak and healing fell flat as I had no rel...
Read more

"Wondering Wednesday": Those Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin (Philosophical Fiction Review)

Synopsis:  Behind the exuberant ecstasy of a fictional city lies a dark secret necessary to maintain the Utopia.  Categorical Rankings (/⭐️⭐️⭐️): -Pacing ⭐️⭐️⭐️: The narrator walks readers through the narrative of the story in a smooth and engaging manner.  -Theme ⭐️⭐️: The idea of happiness not being able to exist without some kind of suffering reminds me of the yin and yang concept as well as the question, Can there be peace without war?  -Overall enjoyment ⭐️⭐️: I liked the composition of creative storytelling with philosophical reflection, but I wish the topic left for the audience to discuss gave way to more complex afterthought.   Story Insights (spoilers): I usually feel closer to the writer of a creative piece if it involves metafiction. It’s like the author is drawing me into a conversation and closer involvement in the story. This was the case with “Those who Walk from Omelas,” but the moral dilemma of whether the “born defective,” “feeble-minded,...
Read more

“Surprise Saturday” (#2): Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Book Review)

Synopsis:  What did it take for The Six, one of the most popular bands of the 70s, to rise to the top and then crumble completely? In this captivating fictional story presented in an oral history format, you experience an era full of chicks, pills, and a lot of rock and roll as told through distinct characters who share a palpable musical passion. At the center of it all is talented Daisy Jones, who joins the Six and brings the band tremendous success and to some members a few headaches as well… Categorical Rankings (/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️):   -Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (The format is heavy on the characters’ dialogue, making it a fast-paced read.) -Theme: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (The story dives into how trust and hope are the building blocks of relationships, especially when it comes to Billy and Camilla.) -Emotional Impact/Attachment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (The characterization of the band members is distinctive and unique throughout. The humanity of each can be recognized, making it easy to sympathize with them and their ...
Read more