More monsters, more love - "The Fall of Esther Park" by Lynn D. Jung
BogiReads brings you the daily speculative reading recommendation of editor Bogi Takács.
Today's recommendation -
Author: Lynn D. Jung
Title: “The Fall of Esther Park”
Venue: Apparition Lit, July 2023 (eds. Rebecca Bennett, Tacoma Tomilson, Clarke Doty, Amy Henry Robinson)
Type: Short story – 2000 words
Themes: Horror, monsters, relationships, high school, diaspora, Christianity
Where to read: Text free online
A very different take on getting intimate with a monster compared to yesterday’s story. This is a richly atmospheric piece about a Korean American high school girl who’s supposed to be “nice” – struggling with the demands of family, school, church… But one day she sees her friend dance with a monster, and her life takes another path.
I think the richness of texture in this story is really noteworthy – and how despite all the detail, there is still a plot here, and a relatable one. All in 2000 words; usually if I see something that short and written with a flourish, the actual story suffers, but not here. Nothing is incidental. Make sure to check it out!
Until next time,
Bogi.