Peach Pit

A collection of short stories featuring fierce and dangerous women, written by various award-winning and bestselling authors. The stories explore themes of revenge, escape, competition, and love, showcasing women at their most monstrous.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 231 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Dzanc Books

A captivating collection of fierce and formidable women, curated by acclaimed and bestselling authors, including Lauren Groff, Deesha Philyaw, K-Ming Chang, and thirteen other distinguished names, takes center stage in this mesmerizing anthology. Within these pages, readers are invited to embark on a thrilling journey through the lives of these remarkable characters, who are portrayed as powerful, resilient, and unyielding.

The first story, "The Lady in the Window," introduces us to a middle-aged Black woman named Maya, who embarks on a mission of revenge against the aggressively average men she encounters on dating sites. Fueled by a deep-seated frustration and a thirst for justice, Maya orchestrates a series of intricate plots and manipulations to exact her desired retribution. Through her cunning and determination, Maya reclaims her power and proves that even in the face of adversity, she can overcome and triumph.

In the second tale, "Under the Apple Tree," a young girl named Lily finds solace in a hole beneath an apple tree, where she buries pieces of herself in an attempt to escape the harsh realities of her mother's life of struggle and servitude. As she buries her hopes and dreams, Lily forms a unique connection with the tree, which becomes a symbol of her resilience and determination to break free from the chains that bind her. However, her quest for freedom is not without its challenges, as she must confront the demons of her past and the expectations of her community.

The third story, "Worst Girl in America," takes us into the world of a group of teenage girls who are determined to win the coveted title of "Worst Girl in America." These girls, each with their own unique flaws and quirks, engage in a fierce competition to outdo each other in a variety of devious and destructive activities. Their actions are both shocking and entertaining, as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and strive to gain attention and validation in the most unconventional ways possible.

The fourth story, "A Love Letter from a Ghost," introduces us to a young woman in Taiwan named Mei, who becomes infatuated with a female scam caller. Mei, who is lonely and longing for love, finds herself drawn to the mysterious caller, who seems to offer her a glimpse of a love that transcends time and space. However, as Mei delves deeper into the relationship, she begins to realize that the caller is not who she claims to be, and that she is being used for her own purposes.

The fifth story, "The Dream Man," follows a wealthy woman named Caroline, who goes to extraordinary lengths to find her dream man. Caroline, who has always been driven by her desire for wealth and status, is willing to do anything to achieve her goals, even if it means crossing ethical boundaries and resorting to unconventional methods. Her journey is filled with suspense and intrigue, as she navigates the murky waters of the dating scene and encounters a series of unexpected obstacles and challenges.

In the remaining nine stories, we witness women at their most monstrous, as con artists and murderers, cutthroats and scalpers, ruled by ambition and grief and spite. These characters are not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what is acceptable, and their actions are both captivating and chilling. Each story is distinct, unsettling, and sharp enough to rip out a throat, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the intricate web of lies and deceit that surrounds these women.

Contributors to this anthology include Alice Ash, Alicia Elliott, Alison Rumfitt, Aliya Whiteley, Amanda Leduc, Chana Porter, Chantal V. Johnson, Chaya Bhuvaneswar, Deesha Philyaw, K-Ming Chang, Lauren Groff, Maisy Card, Megan Giddings, Sarah Rose Etter, Vanessa Chan, and Yah Yah Scholfield. Each author brings their unique perspective and writing style to the table, creating a tapestry of stories that are both compelling and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, "Monstrous Women" is a stunning anthology that showcases the strength, resilience, and complexity of women. Through these sixteen captivating stories, readers are invited to explore the darker side of humanity and witness the monstrous women who inhabit it. This collection is a must-read for anyone who loves to be entertained, challenged, and inspired by the power of storytelling.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781950539871