Celia Fremlin's short story collection is praised for its twisted and suspenseful tales, often exploring themes of marriage and mother-child relationships. The stories are imaginative, creepy, and unexpected, with a domestic setting that adds to the tension. Fremlin's writing is compared to Shirley Jackson's, though her style is plainer.
Celia Fremlin's collection of short stories, 'Don't Go to Sleep in the Dark,' is a compelling read that showcases her skills in psychological suspense. The stories are set within the domestic sphere, where gendered expectations and familial pressures take a toll on the characters. Some tales have a supernatural edge, while others are more psychological, but all explore themes of marriage and mother-child relationships. The writing is imaginative and often unexpected, with a strong sense of tension and unease. Fremlin's ability to create chilling and thrilling narratives without graphic violence is noted, and her stories offer authentic snapshots of life during her time. The collection is praised for its strong writing and the ability to keep readers on edge.
Quick quotes
Twisted and twisty, these take place within the domestic sphere where the pressures of gendered expectations take their toll on women.
Importantly, they almost all explore issues around marriage or mother-child relationships.
The overarching feeling one gets from Don't Go to Sleep in the Dark is an unsettling one, with something sinister waiting just around the corner.