I have repeatedly said that I much prefer single author short story collections to anthologies because, among other things, the quality of the work is usually more consistent and there’s less tonal whiplash. However, even in the best collections, there are often stories that are weaker or don’t work as well for an individual reader. But sometimes, once in a blue moon, you get a collection where every story is amazing. Letters from an Imaginary Country by Theodora Goss is one of those rare collections.
I first encountered Theodora Goss with her Athena Club series, which I adored. I still remember the first time I read them, rocking my baby to sleep in a beachside hotel and then sneaking out to the terrace to read and listen to the ocean.
The tales in this short story collection felt magical in just the same way. The final story was mesmerizing and haunting and I absolutely adored the footnotes. Highly recommended!
I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
