Barcode

Barcode is a collection of fifteen short stories by Krisztina Toth, written from a young, unnamed female narrator's point of view. The stories are poetic and intensely intimate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Jantar Publishing Ltd

Barcode, Krisztina Toth's first substantial work in prose after four volumes of remarkable verse, comprises fifteen exquisitely written and incredibly sensual short stories. Each story, except for one, is told with poetic intensity and intimacy from the perspective of a young, unnamed female narrator.

The collection opens with "Barcode," a haunting tale of a young woman's journey through a desolate and dystopian world. The story is told with a sense of foreboding and mystery, as the narrator navigates through a series of strange and surreal encounters.

"The Garden" is a poignant story about a young girl's relationship with her grandmother and the struggles they face as they try to maintain their bond in the face of illness and loss. The story is filled with tenderness and emotion, as the narrator explores the complexities of love and grief.

"The Dress" is a dark and twisted tale of a woman's obsession with a beautiful dress that she believes will bring her happiness. The story is filled with suspense and tension, as the narrator descends into a world of obsession and self-destruction.

"The Mirror" is a surreal and dreamlike story about a woman's journey through a mysterious and magical mirror. The story is filled with symbolism and metaphor, as the narrator explores the depths of her own psyche and the nature of reality.

"The Lake" is a quiet and introspective story about a woman's relationship with her husband and the struggles they face as they try to navigate the complexities of their marriage. The story is filled with tenderness and honesty, as the narrator explores the nuances of love and commitment.

"The Library" is a fascinating story about a woman's obsession with books and the power they hold over her. The story is filled with wit and intelligence, as the narrator explores the complexities of human nature and the nature of knowledge.

"The Necklace" is a poignant story about a woman's loss and the ways in which she tries to cope with her grief. The story is filled with emotion and introspection, as the narrator explores the complexities of memory and loss.

"The Party" is a dark and satirical story about a group of friends who gather for a dinner party and find themselves caught up in a web of lies and deceit. The story is filled with humor and social commentary, as the narrator explores the darker side of human nature.

"The Pool" is a quiet and introspective story about a woman's relationship with her son and the struggles they face as they try to navigate the complexities of their relationship. The story is filled with tenderness and emotion, as the narrator explores the complexities of motherhood and fatherhood.

"The Road" is a haunting and poetic story about a woman's journey through a desolate and barren landscape. The story is filled with symbolism and metaphor, as the narrator explores the depths of her own soul and the nature of existence.

"The Window" is a dark and twisted tale of a woman's obsession with a neighbor and the lengths she will go to to gain his attention. The story is filled with suspense and tension, as the narrator descends into a world of obsession and self-destruction.

In conclusion, Barcode is a stunning collection of short stories that showcase Krisztina Toth's exceptional talent as a writer. Each story is filled with depth and emotion, as the narrator explores the complexities of human nature and the nature of existence. The collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature and the power of storytelling.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914990168