Bad City by Paul Pringle

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24

brilliant 4.00

The reviewer praises Karen Russell's collection of fantastical fairy-tales, noting her use of magical realism and elegant prose. They highlight the unique perspectives of young narrators and the enchanting nature of the stories.

Karen Russell's collection of stories is a delightful blend of magical realism and fairy-tale elements. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to create peculiar circumstances for her young protagonists, making the stories both thought-provoking and imaginative. The use of first-person narration adds a sense of innocence and freedom to the tales, even if the prose sometimes seems too mature for the young narrators. Fans of Angela Carter will likely enjoy Russell's witty and enchanting fiction. The reviewer also notes the impressive accolades Russell has received, including being named one of New York magazine’s “25 under 25 to Watch” at the age of 24. Overall, the collection is praised for its imaginative and surrealistic storytelling.

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This impressive collection of wicked, fantastical fairy-tales has already garnered much praise; at the age of 24, when the book was first published in hardback, author Karen Russell was included in the New York magazine’s “25 under 25 to Watch”.

At the heart of Russell’s stories are children who all find themselves in peculiar circumstances.

Russell’s elegant prose may seem a little too mature for such young narrators, but if you can suspend your belief for a moment you will not fail to become completely enchanted by her witty, imaginative fiction.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2022-07-22

thought-provoking 4.50

The review explores Karen Russell's short story 'St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves,' highlighting its use of magical realism to address real-world issues of cultural assimilation and identity loss. The story's somber tone and engaging concept make it a valuable piece for discussing difficult topics.

The review delves into Karen Russell's short story 'St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves,' praising its ability to tackle real-world issues through magical realism. The story follows girls raised by wolves who are taken in by nuns and forced to assimilate into human society, leading to a loss of their wolf identities. The review highlights the different ways the characters adapt to their new lives, with some struggling more than others. The somber tone of the story emphasizes the characters' restless existence between two cultures, making it a powerful exploration of identity and cultural assimilation. The review also recommends Russell's other works for those interested in similar themes.

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Congratulations! Being human is like riding this bicycle. Once you’ve learned how, you’ll never forget.

Why you cry? I asked her, instinctively reaching over to lick Jeannette’s cheek and catching myself in the nick of time.

My mother recoiled from me, as if I was a stranger.

alwayswithabook.com · Unknown · 2022-07-18

good 3.50

The reviewer praises Karen Russell's debut collection of stories, St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, for its vivid depictions of adolescent characters and their unique environments. However, they note that some of the characters' perspectives seem too mature for their age, which can be jarring.

The reviewer highlights the strengths of Karen Russell's debut collection, St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, particularly its imaginative exploration of childhood and adolescence. The stories are praised for their vivid descriptions and unique settings, drawing inspiration from Russell's own upbringing in the Florida Everglades. The reviewer appreciates Russell's ability to capture the complexities of adolescent experiences, such as the struggle for independence and the grappling with parental authority. However, they also note that some of the characters' perspectives seem too mature and self-aware, which can be jarring and disrupts the suspension of disbelief. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledges Russell's talent for insightful and exuberant writing, and hopes that in future works, she will allow her characters to speak more authentically.

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The reviewer highlights the strengths of Karen Russell's debut collection, St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, particularly its imaginative exploration of childhood and adolescence.

The stories are praised for their vivid descriptions and unique settings, drawing inspiration from Russell's own upbringing in the Florida Everglades.

The reviewer appreciates Russell's ability to capture the complexities of adolescent experiences, such as the struggle for independence and the grappling with parental authority.

cravenwild.com · Unknown · 2022-07-16

intriguing 4.00

The reviewer is captivated by the horror-literary fiction blend in 'Bad City', praising its fearless exploration of power and peril in Los Angeles. They appreciate the book's depth and the author's ability to weave together complex themes, though they note some plot points feel thin.

The reviewer is deeply impressed by 'Bad City', highlighting its fearless approach to fiction and its exploration of power and peril in Los Angeles. They appreciate the book's depth and the author's ability to weave together complex themes, though they note some plot points feel thin. The reviewer finds the book's narrative compelling and its themes thought-provoking, making it a standout in the genre. They also mention that the book's exploration of the city's underbelly is both harrowing and intriguing, leaving a lasting impact.

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The reviewer's opinion is best captured by these quotes:

The book's fearless approach to fiction is commendable.

The exploration of power and peril in Los Angeles is both harrowing and intriguing.

Some plot points feel thin, but the overall narrative is compelling.

Bad City

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