Rare Birds by L. S. Johnson

Traversing Z Press, 2019

ISBN 978-0-9988936-4-8

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition

I must confess that I was not familiar with L. S. Johnson and her previous work. Thus, when starting to read this collection  (featuring eight longish stories) I had no idea of what to expect. Certainly, I was not expecting such a strong, vivid narrative style, or her bold way of addressing thorny and tricky subjects with apparent ease, and of handling hot topics with a steady hand. Blending graphic horror and unrestrained sexual drive with an insightful view of human deepest feelings, Johnson produces strong fiction unsuitable both for the squeamish and the cursory reader. You may love or hate her stories, but they will never leave you indifferent.

Among the included tales my favorites are: “Rare Birds, 1959”, a gloomy story of rape with an unexpected, surreal outcome; “Marigolds”. a dark, disquieting tale of lesbian love set in 1775, and taking place in a Parisian brothel; and  “A Harvest Fit for Monsters”, a memorable dystopian story set in a grim future where an old woman takes revenge on a war criminal.

The highlight of the book is “The Queen of Lakes”, an outstanding tale masterfully depicting the life of a clever peasant girl, who is forced to leave school to allow her dumb brother to go to college, and finds a devoted friend in a dangerous creature dwelling by a lake.

I’m strongly recommending this collection, while I’m getting ready  to secure a copy of the author’s other books if still available.

Contains: rape, sex, explicit violence

Reviewed by Mario Guslandi