'The Melancholy of Mechagirl' by Catherynne M. Valente is a collection of short stories and a novella that are heavily influenced by Japanese myths and culture. The stories are described as more like extended poetry than traditional narratives, challenging readers with their lack of straightforward narrative structure. The writing style is praised for its beauty, flow, and vivid imagery, transporting readers into a world where personal stories are intertwined with elements of science fiction and mythology.

Characters:

Characters are diverse and imaginative, often reflecting deep connections to Japanese culture and presenting intimate narratives.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is lush and poetic, rich in ambiguity and requiring concentration, thus often best read in moderation.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative consists of interconnected short stories influenced by science fiction and Japanese culture, showcasing creativity and emotional depth.

Setting:

The settings are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and mythology, offering evocative and richly described environments.

Pacing:

The pacing varies considerably; some stories are quick and engaging, while others demand more time and focus to appreciate.

It will be hard for you to believe—being only a reader with employment concerns and a jaded cultural consciousness and having limited patience for this sort of nonsense—that they are happening all at ...

Notes:

The Melancholy of Mechagirl is a collection of thirteen short stories by Catherynne M. Valente.

The stories are heavily inspired by Japanese mythology and culture.

Valente's writing style is described as beautiful, lush, and sometimes ambiguous.

Readers recommend enjoying the book in small doses, like rich chocolate.

Ink Water Milk tells a story involving a scroll, a paintbrush, and a lonely woman in Japan.

The Ghosts of Gunkanjima provides a historical lesson about an abandoned island, evoking feelings of melancholy.

Thirteen Ways of Looking at SpaceTime blends creation mythology with scientific themes.

One Breath One Stroke is a favorite for its bizarre and magical storyline involving a man and a paintbrush.

Fade to White presents a post-apocalyptic tale with themes of desire and societal norms.

Some stories, like Killswitch and Story No 6, received mixed reviews and were considered less engaging.

Silently and Very Fast is the longest story and regarded as difficult to follow.

The book includes poetry that complements the short stories, with Melancholy of Mechagirl being a standout poem.

Many themes revolve around identity, existence, and the nature of humanity.

Valente's experiences living in Japan influence her storytelling.

The collection is recommended for adult readers due to themes that include sexuality.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of loneliness, existential angst, and references to dystopian and post-apocalyptic scenarios.

From The Publisher:

Science fiction and fantasy stories about Japan by the multiple-award winning author and New York Times best seller Catherynne M. Valente.

A collection of some of Catherynne Valente's most admired stories, including the Hugo Award-nominated novella Silently and Very Fast and the Locus Award finalist "13 Ways of Looking at Space/Time," with a brand-new long story to anchor the collection.

Reader Stats (3):

Want To Read (3)

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About the Author:

Catherynne M. Valente is an acclaimed, New York Times bestselling creator of over forty works of fantasy and science fiction, including the Fairyland novels and The Glass Town Game. She has been nominated for the Nebula and World Fantasy awards, and has won the Tiptree, Hugo, and Andre Norton award. She lives on a small island off the coast of Maine with her partner, young son, and a shockingly large cat with most excellent tufts.

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The Melancholy of Mechagirl

Catherynne M. Valente