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I'm Fine, But You Appear to Be Sinking
In I’m Fine, But You Appear to Be Sinking the strange and the mundane collide. These are stories of strange experiences set in familiar places, and of familiar experiences set in strange places. Many of the pieces in I’m Fine take place close to home, in suburban neighborhoods, or rural communities. The settings are conventional, yet something unexpected, or even magical, is occurring. In one piece, a couple speculates about random objects that appear without reason in their backyard. In another, neighbors try to figure out if a local meth dealer is keeping a live tiger captive on his property. In other pieces, it’s the setting that’s fantastical, but the characters’ reactions that remain ordinary, like in the titular story where a journalist lost at sea and hunted by a mythical ocean creature admits to struggling with loneliness and isolation in much the same way he does even when he’s safe at home.
Although they are not directly linked by any specific character, the pieces in this collection are bound through reoccurring imagery and a shared theme of protagonists in emotional peril. There are unexpected appearances and disappearances, movement of inanimate objects, the search for something lost, the finding of something unusual. There are prophesies, dreams, unidentifiable creatures, and environmental catastrophes on a scale both large and small. There are action figures and octopuses, sullen teenagers and missing cats. At their core, these stories are imbued with mystery, oddity, humor, and empathy. They each stand on their own, but mean considerably more when read together.
Although they are not directly linked by any specific character, the pieces in this collection are bound through reoccurring imagery and a shared theme of protagonists in emotional peril. There are unexpected appearances and disappearances, movement of inanimate objects, the search for something lost, the finding of something unusual. There are prophesies, dreams, unidentifiable creatures, and environmental catastrophes on a scale both large and small. There are action figures and octopuses, sullen teenagers and missing cats. At their core, these stories are imbued with mystery, oddity, humor, and empathy. They each stand on their own, but mean considerably more when read together.
180 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2017
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2420 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 11, 2023
This collection quietly snuck up on me and completely took me by surprise. Leyna Krow's stories are wonderfully strange and quirky, occupying the tiny, unexplored vestiges of memory and human connection. Her characters are adrift, unmoored like anchorless ships lost at sea but there's always that hope to be carried someplace familiar by the currents that undulate them.
The settings vary from suburban towns to ocean depths to outer space. In End Times, a woman with prophetic sight foresees the apocalypse and recounts the exact scenes her husband and son would be involved in as it occurs. The story is told in an interesting infusion of scenes from the past, present, and future. In the title story, I'm Fine But You Appear to be Sinking, two men and a dog are lost at sea. It's written in a journal format from one man's perspective, narrating their last few days with uncanny humor and emotional depth. The alternating Spud and Spud II stories, follow an astronaut on a mission that goes awry, while his clone develops in a lab on earth. In Disruption, a woman's kitchen falls apart every time a particular button is pushed in another city. In Mr. Stills' Squid Days, an elderly disabled woman desperately tries to recount a dream, a memory that she believes to be true. Her resolve to prove it ultimately leads to an unlikely friendship.
Her stories aren't particularly plot-centric. They are instead character-driven, intimately human and wonderfully expansive. The writing style is gorgeous, brimming with gentle humour, emotional resonance and originality. There's this languid, melancholic tone to her story-telling that drills down to the very core of what it means to be human. As one review aptly describes it, 'I'm Fine, But You Appear to Be Sinking, is an antidote to every cynical, self-centred impulse.'
The settings vary from suburban towns to ocean depths to outer space. In End Times, a woman with prophetic sight foresees the apocalypse and recounts the exact scenes her husband and son would be involved in as it occurs. The story is told in an interesting infusion of scenes from the past, present, and future. In the title story, I'm Fine But You Appear to be Sinking, two men and a dog are lost at sea. It's written in a journal format from one man's perspective, narrating their last few days with uncanny humor and emotional depth. The alternating Spud and Spud II stories, follow an astronaut on a mission that goes awry, while his clone develops in a lab on earth. In Disruption, a woman's kitchen falls apart every time a particular button is pushed in another city. In Mr. Stills' Squid Days, an elderly disabled woman desperately tries to recount a dream, a memory that she believes to be true. Her resolve to prove it ultimately leads to an unlikely friendship.
Her stories aren't particularly plot-centric. They are instead character-driven, intimately human and wonderfully expansive. The writing style is gorgeous, brimming with gentle humour, emotional resonance and originality. There's this languid, melancholic tone to her story-telling that drills down to the very core of what it means to be human. As one review aptly describes it, 'I'm Fine, But You Appear to Be Sinking, is an antidote to every cynical, self-centred impulse.'
March 4, 2019
5
I can't recall how I found this short story novel by Leyna Krow, but I'm really glad I had the library purchase this one. Leyna crafts interesting stories and I can't fault any of them. I have found a new love for these short story novels, something that had faded with numerous bad and bold choices in the last year. Some authors have a knack for the short form, but others have pretentious ways of storytelling, which I can't stand. I'm fine, but you appear to be sinking is one of the best short novels I have read, hands down.
Leyna Krow has a knack for characters, and the book uses each story to tell a honest tale for each of them. The Spud and Spud II is one of my favourite stories as it slices in between the other stories, it is set in the future. The characters are raw and real, something not every author can accomplish, but Leyna does this with limited space. Another story that stands out from the rest is about a man and a strange animal. The character here is lonely and lost. He is about to end his job due to technology forcing him out and takes refuge with a strange animal, that may or may not be eating the local cat population.
Spud and Spud II is set between 2077 and 2090 and is the ongoing story in between the other short stories. It is an interesting one as it gains momentum towards its conclusion. Excitable Creatures is about a lonely worker who befriends a creature who may be the culprit of the decline of the local cat population. I'm fine, but you appear to be sinking is the central story of the book and the very first of book. It introduces a woman, a man and a dog who are stranded and are going to die at sea. The finale is Mr Stills' Squid Day and leaves you with a broken fragile mind who is attempting to find truth in her memories. They change with each dream, confusing her family and the marine expert who is attempting to help her.
Why the 5?
I'm a character devoted person, and this book succeeds with every story. The plots are outlandish, but every story has the depth of character and it's here the book thrives. The stories contain humour and the while we don't have a true resolution to the overall arc of the storylines, the characters are the ones who find a conclusion of some sorts. Leyna Krow is destined for great things, some of these stories could easily be turned into a longer storyline. I can't recall reading a book with this much depth of character, I was actually shocked. The writing is clever and you have to finish the story in one sitting, it's just one of those books. I am still thinking about Habitat and that moment in the basement, but the overall arc of the brother and sister coming to terms with the loss of their house growing up, as well as the brother planning to move away. It's these raw underlining beats that are the core of the book and I cannot recommend this highly enough.
I can't recall how I found this short story novel by Leyna Krow, but I'm really glad I had the library purchase this one. Leyna crafts interesting stories and I can't fault any of them. I have found a new love for these short story novels, something that had faded with numerous bad and bold choices in the last year. Some authors have a knack for the short form, but others have pretentious ways of storytelling, which I can't stand. I'm fine, but you appear to be sinking is one of the best short novels I have read, hands down.
Leyna Krow has a knack for characters, and the book uses each story to tell a honest tale for each of them. The Spud and Spud II is one of my favourite stories as it slices in between the other stories, it is set in the future. The characters are raw and real, something not every author can accomplish, but Leyna does this with limited space. Another story that stands out from the rest is about a man and a strange animal. The character here is lonely and lost. He is about to end his job due to technology forcing him out and takes refuge with a strange animal, that may or may not be eating the local cat population.
Spud and Spud II is set between 2077 and 2090 and is the ongoing story in between the other short stories. It is an interesting one as it gains momentum towards its conclusion. Excitable Creatures is about a lonely worker who befriends a creature who may be the culprit of the decline of the local cat population. I'm fine, but you appear to be sinking is the central story of the book and the very first of book. It introduces a woman, a man and a dog who are stranded and are going to die at sea. The finale is Mr Stills' Squid Day and leaves you with a broken fragile mind who is attempting to find truth in her memories. They change with each dream, confusing her family and the marine expert who is attempting to help her.
Why the 5?
I'm a character devoted person, and this book succeeds with every story. The plots are outlandish, but every story has the depth of character and it's here the book thrives. The stories contain humour and the while we don't have a true resolution to the overall arc of the storylines, the characters are the ones who find a conclusion of some sorts. Leyna Krow is destined for great things, some of these stories could easily be turned into a longer storyline. I can't recall reading a book with this much depth of character, I was actually shocked. The writing is clever and you have to finish the story in one sitting, it's just one of those books. I am still thinking about Habitat and that moment in the basement, but the overall arc of the brother and sister coming to terms with the loss of their house growing up, as well as the brother planning to move away. It's these raw underlining beats that are the core of the book and I cannot recommend this highly enough.
December 9, 2017
One of my favorite books from 2017. Weird, funny, smart, and warm.
August 15, 2020
Science fiction, cephalopods and authentic emotion are deftly woven into each of these quirky and utterly human stories. I laughed, I cried, I didn’t want it to be over.
March 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3
This was a particularly slow read for me. For a book consisting of short stories, it’s not abnormal to fall prey to favoring some stories over others. Frankly, a couple lost me.
To start with the good: I appreciated the variety Krow offered within the pages. The stories were original and had a peculiar flare. The inclusion of fantastical elements that drew the reader in were a nice touch and offered detailed imagery. Some stories captivated me and had me pondering a deeper meaning that could be present, and to that point, I believe some of them held exactly that.
What lost me: This isn’t so much the story itself, but I suppose my expectations. I assumed this book would create more in-depth thought for me based on some reviews I read, so I think I allowed myself to get a little let down. Based on personal preference, I don’t believe this book amounted to my taste in literature. I felt a lot of the stories had so much potential for a more jaw-dropping realization, but they didn’t amount to what I believed they were capable of. The stories almost felt unfinished, and at some points this irritated me. I wanted to read more and discover the underlying themes/content of it all.
What to gather: I don’t think this book is bad by any means. I think it is an acquired taste, and it simply wasn’t for me. If you’re a fan of short stories, a hint of weirdness, thought-provoking narratives, and shock factor, this is for you. I’d recommend giving it a try to because the concept behind the stories is a lovely idea, it just wasn’t executed the best in my opinion.
This was a particularly slow read for me. For a book consisting of short stories, it’s not abnormal to fall prey to favoring some stories over others. Frankly, a couple lost me.
To start with the good: I appreciated the variety Krow offered within the pages. The stories were original and had a peculiar flare. The inclusion of fantastical elements that drew the reader in were a nice touch and offered detailed imagery. Some stories captivated me and had me pondering a deeper meaning that could be present, and to that point, I believe some of them held exactly that.
What lost me: This isn’t so much the story itself, but I suppose my expectations. I assumed this book would create more in-depth thought for me based on some reviews I read, so I think I allowed myself to get a little let down. Based on personal preference, I don’t believe this book amounted to my taste in literature. I felt a lot of the stories had so much potential for a more jaw-dropping realization, but they didn’t amount to what I believed they were capable of. The stories almost felt unfinished, and at some points this irritated me. I wanted to read more and discover the underlying themes/content of it all.
What to gather: I don’t think this book is bad by any means. I think it is an acquired taste, and it simply wasn’t for me. If you’re a fan of short stories, a hint of weirdness, thought-provoking narratives, and shock factor, this is for you. I’d recommend giving it a try to because the concept behind the stories is a lovely idea, it just wasn’t executed the best in my opinion.
May 7, 2023
3.5 stars that I’m rounding up. A lot of these were close to what I’d like but not quite there, so just kind of fine. But there were a few stand outs.
My favorites were:
Tiger, Tiger - Strange happenings with a neighbor. Feels just a little unreal.
Excitable Creatures - Great, sharp ending. Just weird enough with this odd pet.
Disruption - Gave me so much to ponder in terms of themes and meaning and what might have happened. The right kind of ambiguous.
But others were completely forgettable. The Spud interludes I could have done without, they did nothing for me!
I preferred the ones that felt a bit weird. She also has stories that are just realism in this collection which I liked less, and it was odd to have them mixed together. I didn’t quite know how to ground myself as I read through it.
But one of her strengths is writing focused stories. I get frustrated when a short story meanders too much, and in this case the contents of each story felt mostly relevant to the themes and plot. I appreciated that.
My favorites were:
Tiger, Tiger - Strange happenings with a neighbor. Feels just a little unreal.
Excitable Creatures - Great, sharp ending. Just weird enough with this odd pet.
Disruption - Gave me so much to ponder in terms of themes and meaning and what might have happened. The right kind of ambiguous.
But others were completely forgettable. The Spud interludes I could have done without, they did nothing for me!
I preferred the ones that felt a bit weird. She also has stories that are just realism in this collection which I liked less, and it was odd to have them mixed together. I didn’t quite know how to ground myself as I read through it.
But one of her strengths is writing focused stories. I get frustrated when a short story meanders too much, and in this case the contents of each story felt mostly relevant to the themes and plot. I appreciated that.
February 3, 2024
Entirely incongruous amount other leisurely books I’ve indulged in, I’m Fine is a peculiar way to spend an afternoon. A bizarre cross between a novel and a short story anthology, this book has frayed threads of motifs interwoven between its pages. Ultimately, the reader is left with more questions than answers. This is part of the book’s incessant charm; the series of magically mundane and melancholy events are oddly unnerving and instinctual.
It’s perhaps impossible to really summarize the book without simply telling the story, and I can best summarize by simply saying that squids, spuds, and impending sorrow tie all of humanity together, regardless of the timeline(s) in which we live.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read largely due to the familiar, intimate writing styles the author employed. The author is highly skilled at making each sentence believable and striking, and the entirety of the text can be read as if you are reading letters from old friends.
Many of the books plot lines can stand alone proudly, though they are definitely best when consumed together. Some of the author’s favored motifs make the book flow together like the songs of a concept album. My only regrets are few in number. For one, my favorite plot lines end abruptly, offering little closure beyond the expanse of your imagination. I relished in the West Coast Grotesque thematics of each tale, each embellished with elements of existentialism and gothic indulgence and simply wanted more of a tease. Otherwise, my complaints are petty. An element here and there I felt the stories could live without, like curiosities about minor characters’— minor both in role and age— sexualities.
There were many instances in which adolescent cynicism is prodded, which (to me) read a bit like a criticism of the way older generations inspired gloominess and survivalism in many young people. I enjoyed this particular theme.
It’s perhaps impossible to really summarize the book without simply telling the story, and I can best summarize by simply saying that squids, spuds, and impending sorrow tie all of humanity together, regardless of the timeline(s) in which we live.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read largely due to the familiar, intimate writing styles the author employed. The author is highly skilled at making each sentence believable and striking, and the entirety of the text can be read as if you are reading letters from old friends.
Many of the books plot lines can stand alone proudly, though they are definitely best when consumed together. Some of the author’s favored motifs make the book flow together like the songs of a concept album. My only regrets are few in number. For one, my favorite plot lines end abruptly, offering little closure beyond the expanse of your imagination. I relished in the West Coast Grotesque thematics of each tale, each embellished with elements of existentialism and gothic indulgence and simply wanted more of a tease. Otherwise, my complaints are petty. An element here and there I felt the stories could live without, like curiosities about minor characters’— minor both in role and age— sexualities.
There were many instances in which adolescent cynicism is prodded, which (to me) read a bit like a criticism of the way older generations inspired gloominess and survivalism in many young people. I enjoyed this particular theme.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2021
Weird and wonderful
November 8, 2021
I loved these weird , magicial, sneaky little stories that took place down the road, on the ocean and in outer space. Adventure and memory, squids, snakes and spuds, they are both strange and familiar at the same time. and the book itself is a gorgeous thing.
December 2, 2017
It's been said that nonfiction deals with facts, but fiction deals with truth. That statement rings true for me in this collection, which is chock full of compelling stories that are whimsical, strange, and often surprising -- and sometimes surprising in the emotional punch they pack. No matter where or when these characters' stories took place, they were all packed with enough humanity to keep you thinking about them long after you've finished the book.
October 26, 2017
One of my aunts sometimes used to say, "Doesn't that just hug the heart." I guess that's how I felt while reading this collection of (wonderful) short stories. They hugged my heart, sometimes too firmly, which I think is not quite what my aunt meant. Anyway, shout out to "End Times," "Excitable Creatures," and "Mr. Stills' Squid Days" for leaving bruises.
March 12, 2018
I enjoyed this book a lot! All of the quirky stories were really amusing and fun, although the last story did leave me feeling a bit confused. I think the length of the stories are perfect for commuters to pass the time.
June 27, 2017
Adored this. Gorgeous, warm, perfect. Such magical childlike wonder, and gentleness amid chaos. Lovely recurrent themes of space and marine creatures and pure honest human love.
September 21, 2017
weird & wonderful
May 25, 2018
*4.25/5 stars.
May 1, 2019
I’m Fine, But You Appear to Be Sinking by Leyna Krow has many interesting features making it an original short story collection:
1. In the beginning there’s an “index of things to come”, which lists different words and the pages where they are mentioned. It felt like such a fun way to set up the mood for the upcoming stories!
2. Every other story in the collection is part of a same story that’s broken into pieces. I was truly fascinated by it, and wanting to get to the next part, I was more inclined to keep reading than I would have otherwise – I could never limit myself to read just one story at a time.
3. The printing of the book has some nice details that didn’t go unnoticed, like the title pages for the stories.
4. Speaking of titles, they are amazing! Who wouldn’t want to read stories like “Katie Eats Boston Cream Pie at a Motel Diner in Southeast Portland”, “Mr. Stills’ Squid Days”, or the title story.
5. And speaking of the title story, I found it unusual that it’s the first one in the collection. It ended up being one of my favourites, yet I didn’t feel like the quality decreased towards the end. Although as is often the case with short story collections, there were a few that prevented me from giving this five stars.
But overall, a fantastic collection! I tried to enjoy the atmosphere of the stories without overanalyzing too much, which sometimes spoils short stories for me. I don’t really know how to explain the collection (you should read the synopsis, which is very eloquent), but to give an idea of the prose I’ll end this review with a short quote:
“Aaron will want to tell his son that with the Earth shifting beneath them, night and day blurring into one, and a host of displaced sea creatures residing in the living room, every situation is, in fact, an emergency situation.”
1. In the beginning there’s an “index of things to come”, which lists different words and the pages where they are mentioned. It felt like such a fun way to set up the mood for the upcoming stories!
2. Every other story in the collection is part of a same story that’s broken into pieces. I was truly fascinated by it, and wanting to get to the next part, I was more inclined to keep reading than I would have otherwise – I could never limit myself to read just one story at a time.
3. The printing of the book has some nice details that didn’t go unnoticed, like the title pages for the stories.
4. Speaking of titles, they are amazing! Who wouldn’t want to read stories like “Katie Eats Boston Cream Pie at a Motel Diner in Southeast Portland”, “Mr. Stills’ Squid Days”, or the title story.
5. And speaking of the title story, I found it unusual that it’s the first one in the collection. It ended up being one of my favourites, yet I didn’t feel like the quality decreased towards the end. Although as is often the case with short story collections, there were a few that prevented me from giving this five stars.
But overall, a fantastic collection! I tried to enjoy the atmosphere of the stories without overanalyzing too much, which sometimes spoils short stories for me. I don’t really know how to explain the collection (you should read the synopsis, which is very eloquent), but to give an idea of the prose I’ll end this review with a short quote:
“Aaron will want to tell his son that with the Earth shifting beneath them, night and day blurring into one, and a host of displaced sea creatures residing in the living room, every situation is, in fact, an emergency situation.”
March 26, 2024
Magical and wonderful and so beautifully written!!! From the 'Index of Things to Come' to the very end I absolutely devoured it.
These short stories have just the right mix of real and surreal and I loved how they bled into each other and complimented each other.
There's one slightly bigger story (Spud & Spud II) which is set in the future and told in alternate chapters though different characters' perspectives. That made it a bit choppy to read but it did make the whole thing feel more like a book than a collection of short stories.
It's hard to choose a favourite but End Times and Mr Stills' Squid Days are up there. I also loved the first one, I'm Fine, But You Appear To Be Sinking, but I wasn't yet in short story mode so it felt like it ended too suddenly!
These short stories have just the right mix of real and surreal and I loved how they bled into each other and complimented each other.
There's one slightly bigger story (Spud & Spud II) which is set in the future and told in alternate chapters though different characters' perspectives. That made it a bit choppy to read but it did make the whole thing feel more like a book than a collection of short stories.
It's hard to choose a favourite but End Times and Mr Stills' Squid Days are up there. I also loved the first one, I'm Fine, But You Appear To Be Sinking, but I wasn't yet in short story mode so it felt like it ended too suddenly!
August 3, 2023
“End Times”, “Disruption”, and “Mr. Stills’ Squid Days” were all so good and will definitely stick with me. the interconnected spud stories were also so interesting. i feel like this strikes a perfect balance between weird and mundane— a lot of things try for this vibe, i think, but i’ve never really read anything before this that pulled it off without just being boring.
September 17, 2024
a lovely lovely collection of stories. The End Times had me crying on the commute home. Feeling very lucky to have chanced upon this work; a beautiful and comfortable blend of humor, unreality, and compassion.
April 18, 2020
An interesting set of stories, a little different, but I enjoyed them.
September 27, 2022
3.5
Melancholic character studies
Melancholic character studies
October 18, 2023
so good so weird so hard to put down. and set in the pacifc northwest/california. this book felt a little bit like it was written for me specifically.
April 11, 2024
A beautiful collection of stories. Easily devoured.
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August 13, 2019helveti hyvä
January 6, 2023
I’d read a full novel for each of these stories, I never wanted them to end! After each one I would just be sitting there begging the characters to continue on so I can know what happens next, and I’ll be thinking about all the possibilities for a long long time. I really hope more people find this book because it was a hit!
December 16, 2022
really strange but wonderful collection of stories
September 12, 2017
This book is full of whimsical and memorable short stories that I eagerly devoured while riding the train to and from my everyday destinations. I spent a lot of time after I finished reading this specific book thinking about all the ways fictional tales and characters have such a strong influence over the way I feel and think about ordinary moments in my days. This collection of short stories is full of vibrant tales that seem to become even more saturated with color with each turn of the page. Short and sweet, each story gets to the climax without leaving you yearning or wondering when it's going to come. Leyna Krow has unforgettable characters, each who have a yearning for something beyond their own souls, and she turns each of the characters' yearning into navigable stories where you can almost feel yourself exploring their tales right alongside them.
Definitely a recommendation for those who dream of searching for their own life's stories.
Definitely a recommendation for those who dream of searching for their own life's stories.
September 10, 2022
What to say about a short story collection that you had high expectations for and then upon finishing are awestruck because it absolutely delivered?
Well for starters, I absolutely love the cover. Everything about it speaks to me on subconscious and conscious level because it implies that the synopsis is going to deliver on the promises it’s made. And there’s an Index. AT THE BEGINNING. Why isn’t this something I’ve ever come across before in a short story collection? It’s fantastic, and reminds me of the tag system in AO3 which I also am a giant fan of.
So it should be no surprise that after the first couple stories, I had preemptively rated this 5 stars. And well deserved because I have never been this happy to own a physical copy of a book before even having read the thing. Like at all. And who cares if the overall rating (if averaging each individual story) closes out at 4.472 stars because it’s all about the vibes with this one, and the vibes scream 5s all around.
This is a collection of stories that would lend itself so well to an audiobook and it is a travesty that one does not currently exist. There’s a not small part of me that is willing to read them aloud and record it because the humour in this just begs to be read aloud.
I’m of the mindset that Leyna Krow can write whatever the fuck she wants as long as I’m first in line to read it. She has not reached favourite author status yet only because she has just two published works out. And this one? This was, simply put, an amazing collection, and I cannot even begin to express my feelings on it.
It has this soft melancholy to it, as if it’s a hollow story of angst that aches to be filled but burns anything that attempts to breach it’s covers. It’s the beauty in stagnancy; it is being frozen in time and forced to watch the world pass you by without notice, without a care, without judgement. It is the dark bits of humour that ring true at 4AM, it is laughter amongst the helplessness, and smirks to divert the hopelessness of one’s demise. There has got to be a German word, akin to schadenfreude, that perfectly describes the feeling that this short story collection evokes in me and I hate that I’m at a loss as to what it is. All I can say is that there’s this mundane sort of despondency that permeates every story and is offset by such touching introspection; sometimes moving, sometimes hopeful, but always wistful and always with the sentiment that when loneliness is near, there is always a chance you are not really alone in the world and I adored it for that.
Some thoughts on each tale as single entities:
I’m Fine, But You Appear to Be Sinking: 5/5
- I loved the narrative. I loved the journal entry format, the characters, the setting, the names, the hopelessness, all of it. It is completely re-read worthy and I can see myself partaking in it often in the future.
- And the unnamed narrator! Their voice was hilarious and striking all in one go and this is easily my favourite short story of the collection.
- The titular tale is absolutely everything I’ve been looking for in a short story that I didn’t know was possible to dream of; extreme and sarcastically dry humour, a nautical melancholy in competition with a call of the void and the desperate lunacy borne from watching your days waste away because death is near but it’s a slow decline of the mind you should be worrying about.
Tiger, Tiger: 4.25/5
- Krow manages to take the mundane and then mold it into something completely different and equally as absurd but also exciting. She makes the mundane exciting and I am so here for it because she pairs oddity with ordinary as easily as a pair of socks. Except the socks are perfectly mismatched. It’s like maple syrup and grilled cheese, or relish on rice. They don’t normally go out with one another, but you sure as heck notice when they do.
- Also the humour? It’s so my brand. I felt like a million bucks when I read it because it was like it was catered for me specifically.
- This story is what letting your imagination run wild as an adult feels like: wonky, ill fitting and untethered. It’s not freedom, but it is freeing.
Spud & Spud II: 5/5
- I’m not sure why the first instalment didn’t clue me into the fact that this story is about clones, but it is. And I pretty much despise clones. But I’m liking this story anyways because the cloning is not the focus. It's spread out in instalments from three varying perspectives between each short story which is neat and I like the kind of orbital nature to it, how we keep returning to the story as we progress through the whole volume.
- The illustrations with the slow progression of Spud and Spud II getting increasingly closer and closer to each other and then missing each other and passing by without so much as wave between their orbits; they are two ships in the night, a missed connection that makes those who witness it wish they had never been born, and make no mistake, they were brilliant.
- The callbacks between Caroline and Parker Jr in their first segments are glorious. And the sexual overtones throughout were both weird and banal at the same time which worked.
End Times: 5/5
- I don’t think I’ve truly expressed how much I enjoy a good story set in footnotes, but I do. I freaking love them.
- Tragicomedy? I think that’s what this is. And I’m thoroughly convinced that this is a subgenre that I was meant to read and consume and breathe until it all becomes one with my soul because I live for this.
- Ugh, that last line? Flawless. I need to recommend this short story specifically to so many people.
Katie Eats Boston Cream Pies at a Motel Dinner in Southeast Portland: 3.75/5
- I cannot express how strange this story was to me, nor whether that fact is a positive or negative.
- It was basically a sort of dissection into a few fleeting moments of the main character, Katie.
- Creepy and yet poignant stalker vibes? It’s a weird combo I’ll admit, but that’s what this was putting down and I had no problem picking it up.
Habitat: 3.5/5
- This is my least favourite of the stories in this collection, not because of the serpents but because the main character harboured this sort of delusional depression and while it was effective, it was also wearisome.
- Also, just not a fan of the name Kenton, which is a me problem.
- The struggle with trying to hold onto the past because change is scary and we’re not all suited to moving on at the same pace as everyone else or in the same manner was really prevalent, and I think it was captured well.
Excitable Creatures: 4.25/5
- This one has got me asking so many questions that will go unanswered for eternity and I both hate and love that. Like, what animal is Walter?
- The justification for the lies the second person narrator spins is so true and made me smirk in agreement when I read it. The narrator themselves is kind of morose, dealt with a shitty hand when it comes to her job, or rather, eventual lack of one, and I think it’s incredibly relatable.
- And the ominous tone of the ending? Here for it.
Disruption: 4.5/5
- The opening of this story is great. Like we’re talking immediately eye-catching as it sets the tone for strangeness in this tale.
- And I love how the full circle moment is warped in that the main character lives with this reoccurring inconvenience and is worried at the end that her husband will return to find it because she is afraid to let go and accept how things have ended.
- But also, what did Barrett do?!? I NEED TO KNOW.
Mr. Stills’ Squid Days: 5/5
- This was a tale of growing old and slowly losing connection with the world only to find that sometimes the world just wants to connect with you in a different way. It’s a story rooted in disability but doesn’t dwell on it, just accepts it as another way of going through life. And the parallels between aging and how one connects with the world around them and Dahlia’s lack of working limbs below her torso were perfectly set up to show how everything above her torso was magnified in use, from her heart, to her mind to her open arms.
- It was heartfelt and touching and sad and even just thinking about it I can feel a little pit behind the bottom of my sternum that just aches for how hopeful this ends.
- The only thing that would’ve made it better is if we got some semblance of if Cyril and Madison end up together because of Dahlia. I like to think it happens.
All this to say I will be picking up whatever Leyna Krow decides to publish next, no questions asked.
I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.
Well for starters, I absolutely love the cover. Everything about it speaks to me on subconscious and conscious level because it implies that the synopsis is going to deliver on the promises it’s made. And there’s an Index. AT THE BEGINNING. Why isn’t this something I’ve ever come across before in a short story collection? It’s fantastic, and reminds me of the tag system in AO3 which I also am a giant fan of.
So it should be no surprise that after the first couple stories, I had preemptively rated this 5 stars. And well deserved because I have never been this happy to own a physical copy of a book before even having read the thing. Like at all. And who cares if the overall rating (if averaging each individual story) closes out at 4.472 stars because it’s all about the vibes with this one, and the vibes scream 5s all around.
This is a collection of stories that would lend itself so well to an audiobook and it is a travesty that one does not currently exist. There’s a not small part of me that is willing to read them aloud and record it because the humour in this just begs to be read aloud.
I’m of the mindset that Leyna Krow can write whatever the fuck she wants as long as I’m first in line to read it. She has not reached favourite author status yet only because she has just two published works out. And this one? This was, simply put, an amazing collection, and I cannot even begin to express my feelings on it.
It has this soft melancholy to it, as if it’s a hollow story of angst that aches to be filled but burns anything that attempts to breach it’s covers. It’s the beauty in stagnancy; it is being frozen in time and forced to watch the world pass you by without notice, without a care, without judgement. It is the dark bits of humour that ring true at 4AM, it is laughter amongst the helplessness, and smirks to divert the hopelessness of one’s demise. There has got to be a German word, akin to schadenfreude, that perfectly describes the feeling that this short story collection evokes in me and I hate that I’m at a loss as to what it is. All I can say is that there’s this mundane sort of despondency that permeates every story and is offset by such touching introspection; sometimes moving, sometimes hopeful, but always wistful and always with the sentiment that when loneliness is near, there is always a chance you are not really alone in the world and I adored it for that.
Some thoughts on each tale as single entities:
I’m Fine, But You Appear to Be Sinking: 5/5
- I loved the narrative. I loved the journal entry format, the characters, the setting, the names, the hopelessness, all of it. It is completely re-read worthy and I can see myself partaking in it often in the future.
- And the unnamed narrator! Their voice was hilarious and striking all in one go and this is easily my favourite short story of the collection.
- The titular tale is absolutely everything I’ve been looking for in a short story that I didn’t know was possible to dream of; extreme and sarcastically dry humour, a nautical melancholy in competition with a call of the void and the desperate lunacy borne from watching your days waste away because death is near but it’s a slow decline of the mind you should be worrying about.
Tiger, Tiger: 4.25/5
- Krow manages to take the mundane and then mold it into something completely different and equally as absurd but also exciting. She makes the mundane exciting and I am so here for it because she pairs oddity with ordinary as easily as a pair of socks. Except the socks are perfectly mismatched. It’s like maple syrup and grilled cheese, or relish on rice. They don’t normally go out with one another, but you sure as heck notice when they do.
- Also the humour? It’s so my brand. I felt like a million bucks when I read it because it was like it was catered for me specifically.
- This story is what letting your imagination run wild as an adult feels like: wonky, ill fitting and untethered. It’s not freedom, but it is freeing.
Spud & Spud II: 5/5
- I’m not sure why the first instalment didn’t clue me into the fact that this story is about clones, but it is. And I pretty much despise clones. But I’m liking this story anyways because the cloning is not the focus. It's spread out in instalments from three varying perspectives between each short story which is neat and I like the kind of orbital nature to it, how we keep returning to the story as we progress through the whole volume.
- The illustrations with the slow progression of Spud and Spud II getting increasingly closer and closer to each other and then missing each other and passing by without so much as wave between their orbits; they are two ships in the night, a missed connection that makes those who witness it wish they had never been born, and make no mistake, they were brilliant.
- The callbacks between Caroline and Parker Jr in their first segments are glorious. And the sexual overtones throughout were both weird and banal at the same time which worked.
End Times: 5/5
- I don’t think I’ve truly expressed how much I enjoy a good story set in footnotes, but I do. I freaking love them.
- Tragicomedy? I think that’s what this is. And I’m thoroughly convinced that this is a subgenre that I was meant to read and consume and breathe until it all becomes one with my soul because I live for this.
- Ugh, that last line? Flawless. I need to recommend this short story specifically to so many people.
Katie Eats Boston Cream Pies at a Motel Dinner in Southeast Portland: 3.75/5
- I cannot express how strange this story was to me, nor whether that fact is a positive or negative.
- It was basically a sort of dissection into a few fleeting moments of the main character, Katie.
- Creepy and yet poignant stalker vibes? It’s a weird combo I’ll admit, but that’s what this was putting down and I had no problem picking it up.
Habitat: 3.5/5
- This is my least favourite of the stories in this collection, not because of the serpents but because the main character harboured this sort of delusional depression and while it was effective, it was also wearisome.
- Also, just not a fan of the name Kenton, which is a me problem.
- The struggle with trying to hold onto the past because change is scary and we’re not all suited to moving on at the same pace as everyone else or in the same manner was really prevalent, and I think it was captured well.
Excitable Creatures: 4.25/5
- This one has got me asking so many questions that will go unanswered for eternity and I both hate and love that. Like, what animal is Walter?
- The justification for the lies the second person narrator spins is so true and made me smirk in agreement when I read it. The narrator themselves is kind of morose, dealt with a shitty hand when it comes to her job, or rather, eventual lack of one, and I think it’s incredibly relatable.
- And the ominous tone of the ending? Here for it.
Disruption: 4.5/5
- The opening of this story is great. Like we’re talking immediately eye-catching as it sets the tone for strangeness in this tale.
- And I love how the full circle moment is warped in that the main character lives with this reoccurring inconvenience and is worried at the end that her husband will return to find it because she is afraid to let go and accept how things have ended.
- But also, what did Barrett do?!? I NEED TO KNOW.
Mr. Stills’ Squid Days: 5/5
- This was a tale of growing old and slowly losing connection with the world only to find that sometimes the world just wants to connect with you in a different way. It’s a story rooted in disability but doesn’t dwell on it, just accepts it as another way of going through life. And the parallels between aging and how one connects with the world around them and Dahlia’s lack of working limbs below her torso were perfectly set up to show how everything above her torso was magnified in use, from her heart, to her mind to her open arms.
- It was heartfelt and touching and sad and even just thinking about it I can feel a little pit behind the bottom of my sternum that just aches for how hopeful this ends.
- The only thing that would’ve made it better is if we got some semblance of if Cyril and Madison end up together because of Dahlia. I like to think it happens.
All this to say I will be picking up whatever Leyna Krow decides to publish next, no questions asked.
I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.
November 25, 2018
In "I'm Fine," Leyna Krow does something I haven't commonly seen. She takes a series of linked vignettes and threads them throughout the story collection. These stories are about an astronaut who dies in space and the cloned child he leaves back home on earth. Yes, these vignettes are science fiction, but the emphasis here, as with other stories in Krow's collection, is on the fiction rather than the science. With that said, the author obviously has a more than casual interest in science. The title story involves some Greenpeace types lost at sea. Another story, "End Times," concerns itself with the apocalypse. The story uses David Foster Wallace-style footnotes and a character who appears capable of reincarnation. In this collection there are star maps and meetings of amateur astronomers, snake infestations, an undefinable creature (in "Excitable Creatures") who makes for a good companion except for his habit of eating the neighborhood pets. And, in the last two stories, characters who may or may not be 100% sane. One protagonist believes that when an auto worker in Detroit pushes a button, all the stuff in her California kitchen crashes to the floor. In the final story, the disabled widow becomes convinced her dreams of a Squid Days celebration from her youth are actual memories despite no external proof of the celebration's existence. These loosening grips on reality appear to be caused by loneliness and grief. There's a low-level weirdness to the stories, but they're not randomly experimental or quirky for quirkiness's sake. In fact, the science (and sci-fi) elements of the stories make the collection more cohesive. Krow's collection is a welcome departure from the suburban realism of so much short fiction these days. The author has a talent for creating complex characters who invite our sympathy in the span of a few short pages. Krow is not a prose stylist, but she more than compensates for this through her inventiveness in terms of story ideas and structure. I did find her story endings a bit abrupt, as if the ideas she came up with were unresolvable in the space of a short story, but this could also have come from me simply being drawn in by the stories, wanting them to continue. "I'm Fine" is a promising debut for this author. I'm anxious to see what comes next. In an aside, the book itself is beautifully produced. It's a paperback with a heavy-stock cover and vintage wraparound cover art. Featherproof Books is coming out with some compelling books and producing them in an artful way. "I'm Fine" is a worthy addition to their catalog.
August 2, 2017
Krow's elegance in her approach to each story told is unparalleled. The divided chapters of 'Spud & Spud II' as the book progresses drives the overall theme of this collection of stories: human connection. The need for something more, a final hurrah, explored in 'Mr. Stills Squid Days' details the acceptance of age and the drive to discover more about ourselves. The banality of suburban existence in 'Tiger, Tiger' further dives into human obsession and the reach for something beyond our own boredom. Unsurprisingly, reading other reviews it seems that 'End Times' is a favourite. It's tale of pure love in the realm of science fiction draws comparisons to Kurt Vonnegut's writing, and it's message of both despair and complete heart could bring you to tears. I would recommend this book to anybody.
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