Her Body and Other Parties

by Carmen Maria Machado
Her Body and Other Parties cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Short Story Collections
Technical:
  • ID: 1870
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781555979805
  • Publisher: Graywolf Press
  • Published: 2017-10-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado is a groundbreaking collection of short stories that defy traditional genre boundaries, blending psychological realism, science fiction, horror, and fabulism. The stories are notable for their exploration of women's bodies and the violence inflicted upon them, presented in a way that is both chilling and deeply human. Machado's unique voice and innovative storytelling techniques make this collection a standout in contemporary fiction. From a wife with a mysterious green ribbon around her neck to a woman recounting her sexual encounters during a plague, each story is a testament to the author's ability to craft narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.

Reviews
Literary Elephant · 2020-07-23
thought-provoking 4.00

The short story collection is praised for its productivity and impact, with the reviewer highlighting it as one of their most productive reads. The stories are described as thought-provoking and engaging.

The reviewer found Carmen Maria Machado's short story collection to be one of the most productive reads of the year. The stories are noted for their ability to provoke thought and engage the reader, making it a standout collection. The reviewer appreciates the variety and depth of the narratives, which offer a rich and rewarding reading experience. The collection is seen as a testament to Machado's skill as a writer, capable of tackling a wide range of themes and styles.

Quick quotes

    Carmen Maria Machado's short story collection Her Body and Other Parties was one of my most productive reads so far this year.

    It was a 2018 National Book Award finalist, and it's easy to see why.

    The stories are thought-provoking and engaging, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience.

The Guardian · 2018-01-18
excellent 5.00

The collection is described as the reviewer's favorite book of the year and one of the best short story collections in over a decade. The stories are praised for their originality and impact.

The reviewer describes Her Body and Other Parties as their favorite book of the year and one of the best short story collections they have read in over a decade. The stories are noted for their originality and the powerful impact they have on the reader. The reviewer appreciates the way Machado blends different genres and styles to create a unique and compelling collection. The stories are seen as a testament to the author's skill and creativity, offering a fresh and exciting reading experience.

Quick quotes

    This collection was my favorite book of last year and my favorite short story collection in more than a decade.

    Most of the stories are brilliant, but a few are just very good.

    Machado's writing is sharp, insightful, and deeply affecting.

The White Review · 2017-10-14
provocative 4.50

The collection is described as furious and unflinching, tackling themes of violence and societal neglect. The narratives are noted for their raw and unapologetic portrayal of women's experiences.

The reviewer highlights the collection's intense and unrelenting exploration of women's lives and the violence they endure. The stories are depicted as both powerful and unsettling, with a focus on the harsh realities faced by women. The reviewer appreciates the boldness of the narratives, which refuse to shy away from difficult topics. The collection is seen as a significant contribution to feminist literature, offering a stark and necessary perspective on societal issues.

Quick quotes

    It's a furious story in which a prostitute dismisses her own life as insignificant, where nepotism is an open joke, where the city is always hungry.

    Machado bends genre to shape startling narratives that map the realities of women's lives and the violence visited upon them.

    The collection is a powerful and necessary read, offering a stark and unflinching look at the realities of women's lives.

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