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.