All the Names They Used for God

by Anjali Sachdeva
All the Names They Used for God cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Short Story Collections
Technical:
  • ID: 1306
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-04
  • ISBN: 9780525508670
  • Publisher: Dial Press
  • Published: 2018-02-20
  • Reviews: 3

All the Names They Used for God is a remarkable debut collection of short stories that defy genre boundaries, weaving together elements of science fiction, American Gothic, magical realism, and horror. Each story is a standalone masterpiece, featuring characters who grapple with fate, love, and the search for meaning in a world that is both wondrous and terrifying. From genetically modified septuplets to a man bewitched by a mermaid, these tales are united by their exploration of the human condition and the delicate balance between salvation and destruction. The collection has been widely praised for its ambition, originality, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for lovers of literary fiction and speculative storytelling.

Reviews
Magpie by Jen Shoop · 2018-06-04
thought-provoking 4.00

The collection is beautifully crafted and thought-provoking, though slightly depressing. It offers a unique departure from typical reads.

This reviewer found Sachdeva's collection to be beautifully crafted and eccentric, offering a thought-provoking departure from more conventional books. They note that the stories are slightly depressing but also deeply engaging, with a unique blend of magical realism and philosophical depth. The reviewer appreciates the variety and surprises found on virtually every page, making the collection a standout read. They also mention that the stories tackle a host of philosophical questions, adding to their richness and complexity.

Quick quotes

    All in, a beautifully crafted, eccentric, thought-provoking (if slightly depressing) departure from a lot of the books I've read recently.

    The book has surprises on virtually every page and touches on a host of philosophical and existential questions.

    Sachdeva's stories almost seem to revel in their diversity.

Los Angeles Review of Books · 2018-03-17
thought-provoking 4.00

The stories are delicate yet impactful, tackling profound themes with a sense of totality. The literary world Sachdeva creates is both intricate and haunting.

This reviewer found Sachdeva's stories to be both delicate and powerful, capable of handling heavy themes with a sense of completeness. The collection is described as intricate and haunting, with a literary world that feels both expansive and deeply personal. They appreciate the way Sachdeva weaves together different elements to create a cohesive and thought-provoking experience. The reviewer also notes that the stories are not just about their individual plots but about the broader themes they explore, making the collection a rich and rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    Sachdeva's stories are as delicate as Del's crumbling body, but they somehow tackle the reader with their totality.

    Her literary world is one that feels both expansive and deeply personal.

    The stories in this collection are not just about their individual plots but about the broader themes they explore.

Kirkus Reviews · 2018-02-10
unforgettable 4.25

The stories are beautiful yet draining, reading like dreams or nightmares. They are rich and unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression.

Kirkus Reviews describes Sachdeva's debut as a collection of stories that are both beautiful and emotionally draining. They liken the stories to dreams or nightmares, rich in detail and leaving a lasting impression. The reviewer highlights the otherworldly quality of the stories, noting that they tackle profound themes with a sense of wonder and dread. They also mention that the stories are not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, making the collection a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Beautiful, draining—and entirely unforgettable.

    So rich they read like dreams—or, more often, nightmares—the nine stories in Sachdeva's otherworldly debut

    The nine stories in Sachdeva's otherworldly debut collection are as varied as they are haunting.

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