Review by Dimi1 -- The VD Anthology by Various
-
Dimi1
- Posts: 410
- Joined: 11 Jan 2021, 04:36
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 28
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dimi1.html
- Latest Review: One Woman's Long and Lonely Walk by Gail Hart
Review by Dimi1 -- The VD Anthology by Various
[Following is a volunteer review of "The VD Anthology" by Various.]
The VD Anthology Vol 2 by Various writers consists mostly of short stories and a few poems written by people that seem willing to expose a bit of their soul. There is no thematic structure of the book’s chapters; everyone is provided a podium to tell a story. In this context, one reads stories from parallel universes (e.g. ‘From: Remember How to Forget’ by Iris Sala), personal stories that are highly emotional or nostalgic (e.g. ‘North East to North Africa’ by Sophia Rainbow Hadad), adjusted-to-the-era stories (e.g. ‘Dear Corona’ by Frank Wood), sad stories (e.g. ‘Rendition of a Life, Transposed’ by Eliot Bryder), funny stories (e.g. ‘The Last Supper (at Breakfast)’ by Black Cab Mark), sad-funny stories (e.g. ‘Britney Spears 2.0’ by Valentina Valentini) and a bit of poetry (e.g. ‘Short but Sweet’ by Robert Hennebry). It’s a mix of writings swinging between a mix of moods.
All authors seem to give their best at writing. In this effect, an informal competition seems to underlie between the different voices. However, this probably works in favor of the reader since small diamonds have been created. I pretty much enjoyed the combination of slang in ‘Green Fragility’ by Brian Kelly and the phlegmatic humor in ‘Dear Corona’ by Frank Wood while the plot twists in a series of readings (i.e. ‘Britney Spears 2.0’ by Valentina Valentini and ‘From: Big Cats of Cactus Creek’ by Cheryl Baden-Powell) and the intense emotions of ‘Rendition of a Life, Transposed’ by Eliot Bryder are providing a palette of feelings for book lovers. There is also a palette of different command of literature, which is also quite interesting for the reader. Strong, verbal language is followed by more sophisticated writing (e.g. ‘A Herman Melville Cinderella’ by Alexandra Liedinger) that, together with a de facto gentleness of poetry are covering all tastes. I could not locate any typos or errors in the text; some expressions seem to be intentionally written wrongly in dialogues (e.g. “if you was”) but only to give character to the person speaking. Considering this, the book’s editing seems perfect.
Given that the book consists of writings having as a single common element the fact that they are short, I consider that its negative point is that this glimpse at different styles and different language creates a lack of identity for the book. Poetry lovers will gain access to a small sample of poems, romance lovers will have to search in-between for a romantic story, fiction lovers will also have to distinguish the stories that fit them and the whole thing goes on until a sense of unfulfillment prevails for everyone. On the other hand, people struggling to find some time to read during the day will probably enjoy this book since the standalone stories provide the chance for a short pleasant break.
Overall I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars for the decent effort of all writers, for the stories that, either way, are highly interesting, well-written, and for a fine editing quality that shows professionalism.
This book can be read by a series of people but I find it ideal for book lovers having a limited amount of time during the day. Strong language and sexual content in some of the stories render the book inappropriate for minors and devoutly religious people.
******
The VD Anthology
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The VD Anthology Vol 2 by Various writers consists mostly of short stories and a few poems written by people that seem willing to expose a bit of their soul. There is no thematic structure of the book’s chapters; everyone is provided a podium to tell a story. In this context, one reads stories from parallel universes (e.g. ‘From: Remember How to Forget’ by Iris Sala), personal stories that are highly emotional or nostalgic (e.g. ‘North East to North Africa’ by Sophia Rainbow Hadad), adjusted-to-the-era stories (e.g. ‘Dear Corona’ by Frank Wood), sad stories (e.g. ‘Rendition of a Life, Transposed’ by Eliot Bryder), funny stories (e.g. ‘The Last Supper (at Breakfast)’ by Black Cab Mark), sad-funny stories (e.g. ‘Britney Spears 2.0’ by Valentina Valentini) and a bit of poetry (e.g. ‘Short but Sweet’ by Robert Hennebry). It’s a mix of writings swinging between a mix of moods.
All authors seem to give their best at writing. In this effect, an informal competition seems to underlie between the different voices. However, this probably works in favor of the reader since small diamonds have been created. I pretty much enjoyed the combination of slang in ‘Green Fragility’ by Brian Kelly and the phlegmatic humor in ‘Dear Corona’ by Frank Wood while the plot twists in a series of readings (i.e. ‘Britney Spears 2.0’ by Valentina Valentini and ‘From: Big Cats of Cactus Creek’ by Cheryl Baden-Powell) and the intense emotions of ‘Rendition of a Life, Transposed’ by Eliot Bryder are providing a palette of feelings for book lovers. There is also a palette of different command of literature, which is also quite interesting for the reader. Strong, verbal language is followed by more sophisticated writing (e.g. ‘A Herman Melville Cinderella’ by Alexandra Liedinger) that, together with a de facto gentleness of poetry are covering all tastes. I could not locate any typos or errors in the text; some expressions seem to be intentionally written wrongly in dialogues (e.g. “if you was”) but only to give character to the person speaking. Considering this, the book’s editing seems perfect.
Given that the book consists of writings having as a single common element the fact that they are short, I consider that its negative point is that this glimpse at different styles and different language creates a lack of identity for the book. Poetry lovers will gain access to a small sample of poems, romance lovers will have to search in-between for a romantic story, fiction lovers will also have to distinguish the stories that fit them and the whole thing goes on until a sense of unfulfillment prevails for everyone. On the other hand, people struggling to find some time to read during the day will probably enjoy this book since the standalone stories provide the chance for a short pleasant break.
Overall I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars for the decent effort of all writers, for the stories that, either way, are highly interesting, well-written, and for a fine editing quality that shows professionalism.
This book can be read by a series of people but I find it ideal for book lovers having a limited amount of time during the day. Strong language and sexual content in some of the stories render the book inappropriate for minors and devoutly religious people.
******
The VD Anthology
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: One Woman's Long and Lonely Walk by Gail Hart
