(SF Horror) As Nigredo, discovered observing, flees from a torture chamber, we learn about girls who were sold to men who tortured them to death. (2,723 words; Time: 09m)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ Not Recommended
"The Catalog of Virgins," by Nicoletta Vallorani [bio] (translated by Rachel S. Cordasco, edited by Neil Clarke), appeared in Clarkesworld issue 134, published on November 1, 2017.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: There are a lot of elements for a story here involving girls who are tailor-made for use by abusive men. The connection with the Bluebeard story is tantalizing, and there’s probably a message under it all.
Con: It’s extremely confusing. What did Nigredo end up doing at the end? Who was Yuri? Were the girls clones? Why did they need to be raped before they were delivered?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 134)
Nicoletta Vallorani Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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Con: It’s extremely confusing. What did Nigredo end up doing at the end? Who was Yuri? Were the girls clones? Why did they need to be raped before they were delivered?
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 134)
Nicoletta Vallorani Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
Hi. I can see your point, and you're right. The story is in fact an excerpt from a novel, so many details are, as you say, not fully understandable. But I'm proud the story was published, and very grateful for this. Thanks for your comment :-) nicoletta v.
ReplyDeleteAh, I didn't notice that. I'm seeing a lot of that, lately; novel excerpts that don't really stand alone.
DeleteMaybe they serve their purpose; I've bought at least two novels on the basis of such stories, even though I only gave the excerpts 3 stars. The characters and settings were interesting, and I wanted to know how it all came out. But it's hard to recommend them as short fiction.
As for your story in particular, I seem to have a stronger aversion than most to tales of abuse, so I won't be looking for it, but others will doubtless feel differently. Best of luck with it, and thanks for taking the time to comment here!
My pleasure :-)
DeleteWell, now I feel better about being so confused.
ReplyDeleteSomewhat intriguing blend of science fiction and fairy tale retelling. But too brutal for me and too much left unexplained.