So, I have said, when I had read four of the eleven stories in STRANGER THINGS HAPPEN by Kelly Link, that is was too surrealistic for my taste, and that I preferred more linear narrative. And these things are still true.

However, having just finished the entire collection I'm not sure I can give a coherent response to how I feel about the writing. Yes, it's surrealistic, (not necessarily bad), and yes, I found it confusing and sometimes pointless. And yet, the writing style as a whole and certain stories in particular keep tugging at the corners of my mind. I just can't stop trying to understand them, trying to get beneath all the layers. I'm pretty sure I never will get there. But, the fact that I keep trying means there has to be something there that makes the writing exceptional, and not just that Link is a master of using structure.

It's almost like the stories are emotional vents. I can't follow the plot exactly, but the tone evokes sensations, emotions. It's almost like I would imagine tapping into racial memories would be like. Foggy, unclear, but pervasive and persistant, and most of all powerful. I don't get it, but I feel it. And I can't stop thinking about it.

Which, to be honest is annoying the crap out of me.

So, the summary is I hate it, I like it, I'm ambivalent, I love it. I just plain don't know how I feel about this writing. I just know it has had an impact. I think it's good, even great writing.

Whether I like it or not.