Pretty Monsters

Summary

«Pretty Monsters» is a collection of stories where Kelly Link blends elements of fantasy, magical realism, and horror. The book features various tales, each unique in its plot and style. For instance, one story tells of a girl who finds a book in the library that can alter reality. Another story describes teenagers encountering mysterious and frightening events at a summer camp. Link masterfully creates an atmosphere of mystery and surprise, exploring themes of growing up, friendship, and human nature. Each story in the collection invites the reader to immerse themselves in an unusual and captivating world where the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred.

Main Ideas

• Exploration of the boundaries between reality and fantasy
• Themes of growing up and transitioning from childhood to adulthood
• Influence of myths and fairy tales on modern life
• Storytelling through the lens of magical realism
• Exploration of human fears and desires
• Playing with genres and story structures
• Issues of identity and self-discovery
• Interaction between the ordinary and the supernatural

Style and Technique

In «Pretty Monsters», Kelly Link employs a unique style that combines elements of magical realism, fantasy, and horror. Her language is rich with metaphors and symbolism, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. Link often uses ironic and sarcastic remarks, adding depth and layers to the text. The structure of the stories is often nonlinear, with unexpected plot twists and open endings, prompting the reader to reflect and interpret. Literary techniques such as intertextuality and playing with genre clichés make Link's stories fresh and original. She skillfully creates worlds where reality and fantasy intertwine, evoking a sense of wonder and admiration in the reader.

Interesting Facts

• The book is a collection of stories, each blending elements of fantasy, magical realism, and the fantastic.
• In one story, «Monsters», the plot revolves around teenagers who encounter real monsters during a school trip.
• The story «The Faery Handbag» explores themes of loss and memory through the tale of a woman who receives a mysterious bag capable of returning lost things.
• The book includes the story «The Cat Skin», which was nominated for the Hugo Award in the category of Best Novelette.
• Kelly Link is known for her unique style that combines elements of surrealism and humor, making her stories both frightening and amusing.
• The collection has received positive reviews for its originality and ability to surprise readers with unexpected plot twists.

Book Review

Kelly Link's «Pretty Monsters» is a collection of stories that has been highly praised by critics for its uniqueness and originality. Link masterfully combines elements of magical realism, fantasy, and horror, creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and terrifying. Critics note that her stories are full of unexpected twists and deep metaphors, making them layered and provocative. Link's style is characterized by playfulness and inventiveness, allowing her to explore complex themes such as growing up, fear, and identity through the lens of fantastical plots. Some reviewers highlight that her works can be challenging to grasp due to their ambiguity and open endings, but this only adds to their charm and prompts the reader to think. Overall, «Pretty Monsters» is considered an outstanding example of contemporary literature that challenges genre boundaries and offers readers a unique experience.