The reviewer appreciates Neil Gaiman's ability to create compelling characters and explore existential themes, but finds the short story format less engaging than his novels. They highlight the novella 'The Monarch of the Glen' and the story 'The Problem of Susan' as standouts, praising Gaiman's unique storytelling style and experimental structures.
The reviewer has a long-standing admiration for Neil Gaiman's work, particularly his novels like 'American Gods' and 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane', which feature deeply engaging characters and existential themes. However, they find that 'Fragile Things', a collection of short stories, doesn't resonate as strongly with them. The short story format, while clever and sometimes brilliant, doesn't align with their preference for longer narratives. The novella 'The Monarch of the Glen' is a highlight, offering a continuation of the 'American Gods' universe and showcasing Gaiman's ability to blend fantasy with reality. Another standout is 'The Problem of Susan', which explores complex themes of purity and original sin through a unique lens. The reviewer appreciates Gaiman's experimental approach to storytelling, even if some stories leave them slightly frustrated due to their ambiguous nature. Overall, while 'Fragile Things' offers a curated selection of Gaiman's shorter works, the reviewer finds it less satisfying than his novels and would recommend starting with his longer fiction for new readers.
Quick quotes
The star of this book, if there is one, has to be the novella at the end, The Monarch of the Glen.
I also remembered “The Problem of Susan” from my first reading all those years ago, and I was happy to revisit it.
It’s a nice way to dip back into the mind of Neil Gaiman, though I think I’d prefer re-reading any of his novels instead.