Cursed Bunny

by Bora Chung
Cursed Bunny cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Short Story Collections
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Technical
  • ID: 2210
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781643755007
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2022-12-06
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4

Cursed Bunny is a wildly original debut from Bora Chung, a rising star in Korean literature. This collection of stories defies categorization, blending horror, sci-fi, fairy tales, and speculative fiction into a haunting and thought-provoking universe. Each story is unique, featuring monsters that take the shapes of woodland creatures and danger lurking in everyday settings. The titular story centers on a cursed lamp in the shape of a rabbit, while other tales explore dystopian gynecology offices and underground fight rings. Translated by the acclaimed Anton Hur, Chung's work is both stomach-turning and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of the strange and powerful./n/nThe stories in Cursed Bunny are designed to be read late into the night and passed on to the nearest set of hands the very next day. With its absurdist humor and frenetic energy, this collection is a finalists for the 2023 National Book Award in Translated Literature. Chung's imaginative and unique voice has been compared to the works of Carmen Maria Machado and Aoko Matsuda, making this a collection that is not to be missed.

Reviews
Reddit - r/horrorlit · 2025-10-13
disturbing 4.75

The collection is praised for its grotesque and effective horror elements, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer found the stories to be both disturbing and captivating.

This reviewer was genuinely impressed by the horror elements in 'Cursed Bunny', finding some parts so grotesque that they had to pause reading. They see this as a mark of great horror, as it evokes a strong emotional response. The collection's ability to blend surrealism with horror was particularly effective, creating a sense of unease that lingered long after each story. They appreciated how the stories pushed boundaries and delivered a unique and chilling experience, making it one of the best short story collections they've read.

Quick quotes

    One of the best short story books I've read.

    Some parts are so grotesque I had to pause reading, which for me is a mark of a great horror book.

    The collection's ability to blend surrealism with horror was particularly effective.

I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2024-04-16
exciting 4.50

The collection offers a diverse range of stories that surprise and delight with their variety. The reviewer was impressed by the seamless transitions between different genres and tones.

This reviewer was genuinely surprised by the breadth of styles and themes within 'Cursed Bunny'. They found that each story offered something unique, making the collection feel fresh and exciting. The blend of horror, humor, and social commentary was particularly noteworthy, as it kept them engaged throughout. They appreciated how the stories challenged their expectations and provided a rich, varied reading experience. Overall, they found this to be one of the most eclectic and satisfying short story collections they've encountered.

Quick quotes

    This is the most varied assortment of stories I've ever encountered in one book!

    I thought I knew what I was getting into with this collection, but I was pleasantly surprised.

    The seamless transitions between terrifying and wryly humorous moments are a testament to Chung's skill.

ArtReview · 2022-08-02
thought-provoking 4.00

The stories blend genres to critique societal norms, offering a unique and thought-provoking read. The reviewer found the social commentary to be both insightful and unsettling.

This reviewer was struck by how 'Cursed Bunny' weaves together magical realism, horror, and folklore to create a tapestry of social critique. They found the stories to be deeply unsettling, not just because of their supernatural elements, but because of their sharp commentary on modern society. The collection's ability to blend genres while maintaining a cohesive theme of capitalism and its consequences was particularly impressive. They felt that Chung's work challenges readers to reflect on their own roles within these systems, making for a thought-provoking and memorable reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The fictional short-stories blend the genres of magical realism, horror, fantasy and folklore, with some of those reading like critiques of social standards.

    Chung's work challenges readers to reflect on their own roles within these systems.

    The collection's ability to blend genres while maintaining a cohesive theme of capitalism and its consequences was particularly impressive.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2021-07-15
captivating 4.50

The book is a unique blend of fairy tale and cautionary story, with a focus on the consequences of unethical behavior. The grotesque elements are a standout feature.

Tony describes 'Cursed Bunny' as a kind of fairy tale told by a fetish maker, blending magical realism, horror, and folklore. They highlight the book's exploration of a company that doesn't play by the rules and the dire consequences that follow. The grotesque and surreal elements are particularly noteworthy, making the stories both unsettling and captivating. Tony appreciates the book's ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a unique reading experience.

Quick quotes

    It's a kind of fairy tale told by a fetish maker, a cautionary story of a company that doesn't play by the rules, and the consequences that ensue.

    The grotesque and surreal elements are particularly noteworthy, making the stories both unsettling and captivating.

    The book's ability to blend genres seamlessly creates a unique reading experience.

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