Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fu

Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fu is … weird. But in the very best way. As a matter of personal preference, I don’t tend to gravitate toward speculative fiction, unless it’s exceptionally well done. But Fu is no slouch and may have finally converted me. This author can be counted among some of the best: Carmen Maria Machado, Ted Chiang, and Haruki Murakami come to mind. The stories included in this collection are literary gems, each one phenomenally well-crafted. They blend realism with a slight turn toward the strange, the creepy, and at times, the grotesque.

“Scissors” and “June Bugs” are particular favorites; I keep reading and re-reading to uncover how the author was able to achieve such incredible tension. The former story is an erotic thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seat while the latter depicts the insidiousness of domestic abuse and gaslighting tactics. And while these are standouts for me, every story is meritorious. The creep factor is amped to the max and yet each story finds a satisfying resolution. The dialogue is tight, the prose spare—nothing is wasted on the page. Once again, I am gobsmacked at how some writes can achieve such precision and well-crafted works of art.

Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century is a marvel and a definite must-read for EVERY reader, stubborn literary snobs (like me) and speculative junkies (well, now, I guess like me, too) alike. A perfect selection for the 2022 Giller shortlist.

 Thank you to Coach House Books for sending me a copy to read and review!

Lesser Known Monster of the 21st Century By Kim Fu Coach House Books, 2022, pp. 176 ISBN: 9781552454367