Vampires in the Lemon Grove: Stories

I hadn't read anything by Karen Russell before (the mixed reviews of Swamplandia suggested an overhyped young author), but thought I'd check out this collection of short stories.

The pieces all have the kind of whimsical-but-serious premises you'll recognize if you've ever opened a copy of McSweeney’s or listened to a song by The Decemberists. A vampire in a state of ennui is hung up on behaving in stereotypical vampire ways, even though his vampire girlfriend has assured him it's not necessary to drink blood or fear the sun. Seagulls bring objects that alter the life of a teenager in 1970s Australia, and reflect his mixed admiration and jealousy towards his older brother. Girls in a 19th century Japanese mill are biochemically transformed into human silkworms, but later stage an unprecedented work stoppage. A massage therapist finds that her fingers can alter the memories -- and past -- of a young Iraq War veteran, but not without cost. President Rutherford Hayes is reincarnated as a horse, in a barn housing other former US presidents (or at least popular caricatures of them) who are now horses, and frets that his former wife may be a nearby sheep.

Most pieces evoke a mood that’s an enjoyable mix of absurd, wry, poignant, unsettling, and haunting. Russell has a gift for artful physical description and crafting voices. The skillful cast of voice actors who performed the audiobook probably deserve part of the credit for that, too.

However, there’s somewhat of a sense of a natural stylist still finding her feet in other departments. The two duds (IMO) were the krill vs. whales piece that tried for laughs, but came off more like a Dave Barry column with f-bombs, and one that had a teenage bully of a protagonist who was a little too unconvincing for me. I wouldn’t have minded had she pushed her more "unfinished" endings a little further -- I think ambiguity is a delicious ingredient, but teaspoons, Ms. Russell, not tablespoons.

Still, if you're a fan of magic realism in the same vein as Kelly Link's fiction, you'll probably enjoy this book. Russell's talent might have yet to reach its full bloom, but it's well on the way.

3.5 stars

Yes if they were to quirky stories/paranormal I would. They are interesting stories. The author knows how to write.

Any of the short stories by charlaine harris and others. They are fun and give a taste of the paranormal world without going too far.

The first story was AWESOME!

I don't know I like it.

want more!

Very cool short stories that were recommend on NPR Fresh air. If your looking for "Twilight" go elsewhere. If you are looking for modern cool writing check this out!

Reminded me of George Saunders

Ouch! I wish I had listened to the other Audible.com reviews. I had read a print review (in People magazine?) that made this collection of short stories sound interesting. I was pretty shocked by the reviews of other Audible.com listeners, however, and I thought it can't be that bad. Well, it is that bad. With the exception of the title story (Vampires in the Lemon Grove), these were poorly written and uninteresting stories.

At first the book (and its preview sample) seemed quirky and interesting. The characters are mostly weak and whiny, foolish, but quirky. But much like a trip to an annoying relatives house - its quirky storytelling somehow wears thin and becomes painfully tedious. I went from plain ignoring it to wishing it would shut up, and had to shut it off.

I really had high hopes - and I do enjoy a wide variety of styles. But because the characters were just so pathetic across the board - I don't think I could sympathize with them. I shut this off with great disappointment.

Some who likes no end to a story.

The performance of the narrators was fine

The second story Reeling for the Empire was the best story in the collection.

There not one story in this collection I could acctually sit back and say wow that was good.
There was not one story in this collection I could even say pretty good. Not one.
I don't know excactly how to describe it. Some where just stupid. Some were boring. Some were both. Do yourself a favor and svae your credits.