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Porcelain: A Novelette
As you take a step, a crack slithers up the glass floor, forcing you to hesitate to step again. You realize, however, it's not the floor that's made of glass, but it's your own feet.
A porcelain doll made to run isn't supposed to be possible, but she was created by the Professor against all odds. This doll, destined to leap into life, has her freedom threatened by those lost on dusty shelves . How could a doll as delicate as she, be able to run on glass feet? The other dolls - stuck up on their boxes - do everything they can to destroy any hope she may have. When the little girl she was supposed to be given to dies, The Doll is lost of hope of ever being of use to anyone. She must determine how much she is willing to give to reach this potential, but she first needs to decide... is she willing to take a jump into the dark when a fall could shatter her?
A porcelain doll made to run isn't supposed to be possible, but she was created by the Professor against all odds. This doll, destined to leap into life, has her freedom threatened by those lost on dusty shelves . How could a doll as delicate as she, be able to run on glass feet? The other dolls - stuck up on their boxes - do everything they can to destroy any hope she may have. When the little girl she was supposed to be given to dies, The Doll is lost of hope of ever being of use to anyone. She must determine how much she is willing to give to reach this potential, but she first needs to decide... is she willing to take a jump into the dark when a fall could shatter her?
64 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 2, 2025
A whimsical and sweet novelette that reminds me of The Velveteen Rabbit, a favorite story of mine as a child.
As the story’s theme says, “True Strength is Delicate”. Creating something that didn’t exist before, such as a book, and then putting that out into the world requires strength because it is such a vulnerable and delicate act. Congratulations to the author on this, their first piece! I look forward to seeing her skill, creativity, and STRENGTH grow amid the delicacy of vulnerability in the years and projects to come. 🩵
As the story’s theme says, “True Strength is Delicate”. Creating something that didn’t exist before, such as a book, and then putting that out into the world requires strength because it is such a vulnerable and delicate act. Congratulations to the author on this, their first piece! I look forward to seeing her skill, creativity, and STRENGTH grow amid the delicacy of vulnerability in the years and projects to come. 🩵
December 3, 2024
I find this piece to be severely misunderstood from what the author was wanting to portray. The Professor character has a creepy almost Stockholm Syndrome relationship with the automaton Walking Girl. She constantly begs for his adoration, but it is made clear, even after he learns of her sentience that he would be perfectly fine selling her off. He also shows a level of blissful ignorance towards the other dolls that he has entrapped for countless years. These dolls are considered the villains when they themselves are also victims.
It smacks of religious elitism that the doll believes she is the Professors special creation. When it is easy to see towards the end of the book that he is already looking to make another creation and forget about her.
I would also like to mention the disrespectful themes about ableism, and vilifying others in hard and similar situations to us.
I don’t think young women should base their journey for identity on this novelette as the doll only accepts what others tell her to be her purpose.
It makes me sad that many powerful messages could have been explored for young women, but instead the author hoped to make Christ-like comparisons to a doll-maker that cares not for his dolls and admits that he “forgets about them”
I hope the author also learns to make sure to proofread, as there are many inconsistencies, too many to possibly list on here and still seem cordial. All this is shared with the hope that the author can grow for later works, as critique and adversity are important. A lesson that the almost entirely Mary Sue and entitled main character sadly never truly learned.
It smacks of religious elitism that the doll believes she is the Professors special creation. When it is easy to see towards the end of the book that he is already looking to make another creation and forget about her.
I would also like to mention the disrespectful themes about ableism, and vilifying others in hard and similar situations to us.
I don’t think young women should base their journey for identity on this novelette as the doll only accepts what others tell her to be her purpose.
It makes me sad that many powerful messages could have been explored for young women, but instead the author hoped to make Christ-like comparisons to a doll-maker that cares not for his dolls and admits that he “forgets about them”
I hope the author also learns to make sure to proofread, as there are many inconsistencies, too many to possibly list on here and still seem cordial. All this is shared with the hope that the author can grow for later works, as critique and adversity are important. A lesson that the almost entirely Mary Sue and entitled main character sadly never truly learned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Porcelain: A Novelette is a quiet but powerful exploration of vulnerability, memory, and emotional resilience. Kaylee Vernice Long crafts her words with the delicacy of fine porcelain every sentence feels intentional, every scene designed to stir something deeper.
What I appreciated most was how the author weaves depth into such a short format. The characters are well -drawn, the emotional undercurrents are compelling, and the pacing feels just right for a novelette.
While the ending left me wanting just a bit more closure, the story lingers in the best way. This is a short read that stays with you, and fans of emotionally reflective fiction will find a lot to love here.
Looking forward to reading more from Kaylee Vernice Long!
What I appreciated most was how the author weaves depth into such a short format. The characters are well -drawn, the emotional undercurrents are compelling, and the pacing feels just right for a novelette.
While the ending left me wanting just a bit more closure, the story lingers in the best way. This is a short read that stays with you, and fans of emotionally reflective fiction will find a lot to love here.
Looking forward to reading more from Kaylee Vernice Long!
September 13, 2025
Porcelain: A Novelette is a hauntingly beautiful story that feels both fragile and unbreakable at the same time. Kaylee Vernice Long has crafted a world where glass feet carry not just a doll, but a soul full of longing and courage. It’s a story about resilience, about finding freedom even when you feel bound by the delicate pieces that make you who you are. I was captivated by the imagery, the symbolism, and the emotions woven into every page. This isn’t just a story you read it’s one you feel long after the last word.
November 1, 2025
Fantastic book!
I was completely shocked by this book. I loved every minute of it! It was refreshingly creative and such a cool perspective shift. I loved the world and I especially love the creepy bits. I highly recommend this book!
I was completely shocked by this book. I loved every minute of it! It was refreshingly creative and such a cool perspective shift. I loved the world and I especially love the creepy bits. I highly recommend this book!
November 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this short story. It was meaningful and touching. I'd love to see a cute little children's cartoon based on it.
December 3, 2024
The book is incredibly inconsistent. Many of the characters in the book come across as ableist and elitist. The mc of the story has no redeeming qualitys and shows zero growth throughout the story.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews