Title: Jagannath
Author: Karin Tidbeck
First published September 1, 2011
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.03
Overview
Karin Tidbeck invites you once again to explore the bizarre and mesmerizing realm of her imagination with her collection of short stories, “Jagannath.” You’ll embark on a journey like no other, encountering the strange creatures of Swedish folklore, including the enigmatic “Pyret.” You’ll also witness the creation of life in a tin can, and encounter a biological ark in a distant future. Each story is a marvel in its own right, blending the surreal with the unsettling, and leaving you both amused and entranced.
With Tidbeck’s rising stardom in Sweden, having won a prestigious literary grant and published a collection in Swedish, it’s no wonder that “Jagannath” is set to be one of the most talked-about short story collections of the year. So come, step into the world of Karin Tidbeck, and experience the wonders that await within.
Editoral Review
Karin Tidbeck’s Jagannath is a beautifully written and surreal collection of short stories that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. Originally published in 2011, the book features 13 stories that showcase Tidbeck’s skill as a writer and her vivid imagination.
Tidbeck is a Swedish author with an international reputation, known for her unique take on speculative fiction and her exploration of themes of identity and belonging. The stories in Jagannath are set in a variety of locations, including Sweden, Japan, and the United States, but they all share a sense of otherness and unease.
Whether Tidbeck is depicting a suburban family dealing with a mysterious visitor or a woman who finds herself trapped in a surreal version of her own home, her writing is vivid and compelling. The characters in the collection are complex and nuanced, with many of them struggling with loneliness or isolation.
One of the standout stories in Jagannath is “Rebecka,” which tells the story of a young girl living on a farm in Sweden who discovers a strange creature living in the woods. Tidbeck’s prose is lyrical and haunting, and she does an excellent job of balancing the fantastical elements of the story with the emotional journey of the protagonist.
Another noteworthy tale is “Augusta Prima,” which is set in a fantastical version of Japan where the gods have taken over the world. The story is both strange and beautiful, with a powerful ending that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
Despite the strength of the stories in Jagannath, the collection is not without its flaws. Some of the stories feel underdeveloped, lacking the emotional weight and depth of others.
Additionally, Tidbeck’s writing style can be challenging at times, with her use of surreal imagery and metaphors sometimes feeling overwhelming. However, these issues are minor in the grand scheme of things, and do not detract from the overall quality of the collection.
Overall, Jagannath is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of stories that will appeal to fans of speculative fiction and magical realism. Tidbeck’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, and her exploration of themes of identity and belonging is both timely and relevant.
While not every story in the collection is a masterpiece, the majority are memorable and impactful, and make this a book that is well worth reading. As such, I would highly recommend Jagannath to anyone looking for a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
