Book Review: We Are Wolves Anthology
We Are Wolves
Edited by Gemma Amor, Laurel Hightower and Cynthia Pelayo
Bringing together some fantastic names from the Horror Community, We Are Wolves is a women-only anthology, one which really doesn’t hold back. The stories in these pages really dig under the skin of what it means to be a woman. They shine a light on the daily horrors we face, whether it’s the phrases men use, the small microaggressions, emotional or physical abuse, rape, and more.
There is power in words, demonstrated brilliantly in what these women have laid out in this anthology. Each one is carefully crafted, each one resonates, each one has some aspect most women will relate to deeply. And whether you are a man or woman, this is well worth a read.
Actually, I want to put an emphasis on this point: cis men, read this. Read it, because these women have laid out on the page the ways in which we, as women, are often harmed. From daily microaggressions most men see as ‘innocent’, to larger, life-changing actions which can have lasting physical and mental impacts.
Laurel Hightower’s “Though Your Heart is Breaking” is powerful and memorable and will make so many women stop and think. S.H. Cooper’s “A Key for any Lock” has imagery that’ll remain with you, taking an absolutely infuriating phrase, and twisting it in a brilliant way. Cynthia Pelayo’s “The Black Wallpaper” takes Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s well-known story and puts a strong twist on it, delving into mental health and self-harm. “Angel” by Gemma Amor is heart-breaking in its strength and likely to produce tears. And those are just four of the stories in this collection.
As a whole, the anthology itself is really strong, each story providing something different, each author playing to their own strengths, and with such a variety of styles, including poetry, the anthology hangs together well. It’s enough to leave one feeling sad yet hopeful at the same time, and each author involved deserves major credit for the way they skillfully take their pain and that of others and put it on the page.
I read a lot of anthologies and collections, and pretty much enjoy them all, but this really is a standout book, so definitely get your hands on this one.
Grade: A
Review by Elle Turpitt
I received this e-book from author Gemma Amor for review consideration.