In particular, the title story “The Woman Dies” explores the common trope where Hollywood movies, TV shows, and comic books use the female character to propel the story forward. The bare-bone structure of the story really reveals how many stories require women as a prop or a tool for the male protagonist. It’s also fascinating how the story ends with an unexpected twist.
Another story “The Masculine Touch” imagines a world where male voices are marginalized and only the bravery of certain individuals can begin to change public perception and the need to consider the masculine point of view. It’s a send-up of male-centered narratives that seem to be prevalent right now, as certain conservative and religious sectors of society are working to chip away at the rights women have fought for.
One of the more disturbing stories is “Dissecting Misogyny,” which describes what appears to be a dissection. As the main character describes her dissection, she keeps commenting on how members of the audience keep fainting or collapsing throughout her demonstration. It’s viscerally unnerving and somehow even gets darker in a really unexpected way.
I also loved “Reflections,” which imagines a character who keeps missing all the action. Everything is happening just behind them or to the side. It’s a delightful send-up of narrative devices where characters happen upon important events or overhear crucial comments. For instance, one line bemoans: “There seemed to be an important conversation taking place between some of the characters, but a nearby car sounded its horn just at that time, and I didn’t hear it.” Chef’s kiss!
While some stories go to dark, dark places, some stories are quite playful and humorous. For instance, there’s “Bond” which imagines a regular get-together of all the Bond Girls from the James Bond movies. Oh the stories they tell! And the shade they throw!There are some weird stories narrated by inanimate objects like the National Anthem and a sweater.
All in all, if you are in the mood for some short, strange, and surreal story collection, The Woman Dies is the perfect one for you.
If you want more short story collections, check out: