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[3.5 stars] A solid collection that bites off more than it can chew (pun intended). While Ghosh is no doubt a talented writer, I don’t know if these ideas always translated well into short story format. Several stories seem like they can’t decide between a core theme, and trying to build up dystopian or fantastical settings in a short story is difficult. I’d certainly read a full length novel from the author and the good stories are REALLY good, but several felt too broad in scope.

The surrealism is akin to K-Ming Chang, Julia Armfield or Ottessa Moshfegh. I liked the sapphic representation and even if I didn’t like each individual story, I appreciated the cohesiveness of the collection and the core intent. For a debut, it’s a strong showing and takes risks! Anomaly was my personal favourite, as I felt this was the best example of tying in the unique setting with the central narrative.

Individual story ratings:

Desiccation: 3
The Fig Tree: 2
Leaving Things: 4
K: 2
In the Winter: 4
Anomaly: 5
Lemon Boy: 4.5
Supergiant: 5
Nip: 4
Natalya: 3
Persimmon: 3