Burning Girls

This is probably one of the best short story collections I've ever read. It has a distinctly feminist bent and re-imaginings of folklore and fairy tales and Jewish mysticism.

I was fortunate to receive a free copy of the audiobook (I highly recommend it) from NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review, and even though I didn't finish it before the release date (which I now seriously regret; any moment spent not reading or listening to this is a moment wasted) I'm so glad I was able to get my hands on a copy. I need one I can hold and smell now.

There's a foreword written by Jane Yolen (an author I've never read but now will) and it's PERFECT. It completely captures the essence of the book. She writes, "Veronica Schanoes, an academic who writes fiction like the best of the modern fantasy writers, works in prose both lush and spare." I cannot imagine a better description.

There are heavy Shirley Jackson vibes, but it's all in the atmosphere. I'm not surprised she won the Shirley Jackson award for the titular short story (which was probably my favourite, apart from Phosphorous), and I can't wait to read more of her long-form work.