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Where There Are Monsters
In these carefully crafted stories, with room for humour, though of a distinctly gothic kind, Breanne Mc Ivor reaches deep into the roots of Trinidad folk narratives to present us with very modern versions of our troubled selves.
Breanne Mc Ivor is a bold new voice in Caribbean fiction. The Trinidad of her stories is utterly contemporary but also a place defined by its folk mythologies and its cultural creations, its traditions of masking and disguises. Her stories confront the increasing economic and cultural divisions between rich and poor, the alarming rise in crime, murders and an alternative economy based on drug trafficking. Their daring is that they both look within the human psyche and back in time to make sense of this reality. The figure of the loup-garou, the hyperbolically violent rhetoric of the Midnight Robber of the carnival parade – or even cannibalism taking place far off the beaten track – have become almost comic tropes of a dusty folklore. In Mc Ivor’s stories they become real and terrifying day-light presences, monsters who pass among us.
Her great gift as a writer is to take us to unexpected places, both to seduce us into a kind of sympathy for her monsters of greater and lesser kinds, and sometimes to reveal a capacity for redemption amongst characters we are tempted to dismiss as shallow, unlikable human beings. The problem, in a world of masks and disguises, is how to tell the difference.
Breanne Mc Ivor is a bold new voice in Caribbean fiction. The Trinidad of her stories is utterly contemporary but also a place defined by its folk mythologies and its cultural creations, its traditions of masking and disguises. Her stories confront the increasing economic and cultural divisions between rich and poor, the alarming rise in crime, murders and an alternative economy based on drug trafficking. Their daring is that they both look within the human psyche and back in time to make sense of this reality. The figure of the loup-garou, the hyperbolically violent rhetoric of the Midnight Robber of the carnival parade – or even cannibalism taking place far off the beaten track – have become almost comic tropes of a dusty folklore. In Mc Ivor’s stories they become real and terrifying day-light presences, monsters who pass among us.
Her great gift as a writer is to take us to unexpected places, both to seduce us into a kind of sympathy for her monsters of greater and lesser kinds, and sometimes to reveal a capacity for redemption amongst characters we are tempted to dismiss as shallow, unlikable human beings. The problem, in a world of masks and disguises, is how to tell the difference.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2019
4 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Breanne Mc Ivor
4 books191 followersBreanne Mc Ivor is an award-winning writer. Her short story collection, Where There Are Monsters, was published in 2019. Mc Ivor holds degrees in English from the universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh and has a certificate in Advanced Professional Makeup Artistry. She lives in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago. The God of Good Looks, her debut novel, was published by William Morrow/ HarperCollins (North America) and Fig Tree/ Penguin Random House (UK & Commonwealth) in summer 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 21, 2020
Updated July 2020
After reading Where There Are Monsters in January I felt the need to not stop talking about it and that I needed people to talk about it with so, I made it a BookOfCinz pick. In re-reading this collection I have to say I made a great choice. So many different themes, so many stories to discuss at lengths. Hands down one of my favorite collection of Caribbean stories.
January 2020
I will admit, I took my time getting around to this book for a lot of reasons. My top being, in the blurb it said folklore and the title said monsters so I was expecting a lot of magical realism based on Folklore from Trinidad and Tobago. Let me tell you, when hear about a Trini folklore, your pores will raise, I am VERY afraid of hearing about them, hence my reason for not putting this book to the top of my list. I will admit, it is a silly reason but.... yah girl lives alone.
The entire time I was reading this book I kept thinking to myself "Cindy, WHY did you wait so long to read it?!!!" This is a brilliant collection of short stories- absolutely brilliant. I rated each story in this collection and only one was below three stars. McIvor did a great job of showcasing Trinidad and Tobago in a contemporary way and from a myth and folklore perspective. I also feel that even if you are not from the Caribbean you will appreciate a lot if not all the stories in this collection.
Where There Are Monsters a debut collection of twelve stories. Mc Ivor plays on the title throughout the novel and makes us aware that monsters are not just the creepy crawly thing we so often hear about but also the people around us. The collection explores so many themes that are timely and relevant including mental illness, dating in the 21st century, domestic abuse, heartbreak, betrayal, infidelity and love.
Your heartbreaks for so many of the characters and what they are going through because of the “monsters” in their lives. From the young man who is struggle to catch a break and go out on a date with his crush, to the woman who was forced to have an abortion because her husband gaslight the hell out of her, to the woman whose husband mistress showed up pregnant at her door… the list goes on. As much as some of these stories are heart-breaking they are somehow also uplifting. You feel for the characters, sometimes pity but mostly pride.
My absolute stand out reads were:
Ophelia
The Course
The One Night Stand
Things We Don’t Say
Kristoff and Bonnie
Robber Talk
Overall, a solid collection of short stories and I highly recommend you give it a read. Also, lets support new and upcoming writers. I love the refreshing perspective Mc Ivor brought to this collection/ Caribbean literature.
After reading Where There Are Monsters in January I felt the need to not stop talking about it and that I needed people to talk about it with so, I made it a BookOfCinz pick. In re-reading this collection I have to say I made a great choice. So many different themes, so many stories to discuss at lengths. Hands down one of my favorite collection of Caribbean stories.
January 2020
I will admit, I took my time getting around to this book for a lot of reasons. My top being, in the blurb it said folklore and the title said monsters so I was expecting a lot of magical realism based on Folklore from Trinidad and Tobago. Let me tell you, when hear about a Trini folklore, your pores will raise, I am VERY afraid of hearing about them, hence my reason for not putting this book to the top of my list. I will admit, it is a silly reason but.... yah girl lives alone.
The entire time I was reading this book I kept thinking to myself "Cindy, WHY did you wait so long to read it?!!!" This is a brilliant collection of short stories- absolutely brilliant. I rated each story in this collection and only one was below three stars. McIvor did a great job of showcasing Trinidad and Tobago in a contemporary way and from a myth and folklore perspective. I also feel that even if you are not from the Caribbean you will appreciate a lot if not all the stories in this collection.
Where There Are Monsters a debut collection of twelve stories. Mc Ivor plays on the title throughout the novel and makes us aware that monsters are not just the creepy crawly thing we so often hear about but also the people around us. The collection explores so many themes that are timely and relevant including mental illness, dating in the 21st century, domestic abuse, heartbreak, betrayal, infidelity and love.
Your heartbreaks for so many of the characters and what they are going through because of the “monsters” in their lives. From the young man who is struggle to catch a break and go out on a date with his crush, to the woman who was forced to have an abortion because her husband gaslight the hell out of her, to the woman whose husband mistress showed up pregnant at her door… the list goes on. As much as some of these stories are heart-breaking they are somehow also uplifting. You feel for the characters, sometimes pity but mostly pride.
My absolute stand out reads were:
Ophelia
The Course
The One Night Stand
Things We Don’t Say
Kristoff and Bonnie
Robber Talk
Overall, a solid collection of short stories and I highly recommend you give it a read. Also, lets support new and upcoming writers. I love the refreshing perspective Mc Ivor brought to this collection/ Caribbean literature.
May 22, 2019
I was to stop driving and write a poem called “Red”, about the real Carribean - beating, bleeding, claws and all.
Where There Are Monsters is the debut collection of stories by Trinidadian author (and Arsenal fan) Breanne McIvor.
Four of the stories have been published previously in earlier version - notably ‘Kristoff and Bonnie’ which won the 2015 Caribbean Writer’s David Hough Literary Prize and ‘The Boss’ which was shortlisted for the 2018 Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
Previewing the book in Galley Beggar's wonderful indie picks series (https://www.galleybeggar.co.uk/indie-...) the publisher summed it up perfectly:
One of my favourites was One Night Stand, where a self-confident successful businessman is surprised how trusting and attached a girl with whom he has a one-night stand becomes, despite his indifferent treatment of her: doesn't she realise he could be a monster:
This he decides is the problem with women today. They've gorged on Facebook and Isntagram where emotions are performative. They're bludgeoned by books and TV series and movies that celebrate men's borderline sociopathic behaviour. Men are raised to be monsters and if they rein in the worst parts of themselves, that's all women can expect. These women will grasp at any humanity to hold it up as evidence of romance.
And yet ultimately it is his facade of male indifference that cracks.
The book is published by the exciting small independent Peepal Press, also publishers of the Republic of Consciousness Prize shortlisted Kitch: A Fictional Biography of a Calypso Icon and the excellent Tracing Ja Ja. Their mission statement (https://www.peepaltreepress.com/about...
A strong read. 3.5 stars.
Where There Are Monsters is the debut collection of stories by Trinidadian author (and Arsenal fan) Breanne McIvor.
Four of the stories have been published previously in earlier version - notably ‘Kristoff and Bonnie’ which won the 2015 Caribbean Writer’s David Hough Literary Prize and ‘The Boss’ which was shortlisted for the 2018 Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
Previewing the book in Galley Beggar's wonderful indie picks series (https://www.galleybeggar.co.uk/indie-...) the publisher summed it up perfectly:
Where There Are Monsters lifts the tropes and characters of Caribbean folklore and places them among the concrete and glass of a crime-ridden urban Trinidad. A young man, consumed by his inner monster – a loup garou – destroys the woman whose love sustains him. A mother confronts her daughter who is about to marry the kind of man who, she fears, will turn out to be a ‘monster’, like the girl’s father. These are not just modernised folktales, but contemporary stories that ask to what extent do we become victims of the violence we inflict on others.These are stories set in modern-day Trinidad, often centered on dysfunctional relationships, although others that are functioning despite past traumas, often across socio-economic divides (see e.g. Ophelia http://www.addastories.org/ophelia/), some with the folklore monsters of the title (see e.g. this piece of flash fiction not in the collection http://www.akashicbooks.com/pray-for-...), and others entirely realist (e.g. The Boss - http://www.twistandtwain.com/literary...).
One of my favourites was One Night Stand, where a self-confident successful businessman is surprised how trusting and attached a girl with whom he has a one-night stand becomes, despite his indifferent treatment of her: doesn't she realise he could be a monster:
This he decides is the problem with women today. They've gorged on Facebook and Isntagram where emotions are performative. They're bludgeoned by books and TV series and movies that celebrate men's borderline sociopathic behaviour. Men are raised to be monsters and if they rein in the worst parts of themselves, that's all women can expect. These women will grasp at any humanity to hold it up as evidence of romance.
And yet ultimately it is his facade of male indifference that cracks.
The book is published by the exciting small independent Peepal Press, also publishers of the Republic of Consciousness Prize shortlisted Kitch: A Fictional Biography of a Calypso Icon and the excellent Tracing Ja Ja. Their mission statement (https://www.peepaltreepress.com/about...
Peepal Tree aims to bring you the very best of international writing from the Caribbean, its diasporas and the UK. Our goal is always to publish books that make a difference, and though we always want to achieve the best possible sales, we're most concerned with whether a book will still be alive in the future.It is also the third book in the new Republic of Consciousness Prize bookclub which curates some of the finest fiction from small independent presses in the UK and Ireland and helps raise funds for this wonderful literary prize. See https://www.republicofconsciousness.c... and https://www.patreon.com/republicofcon...
A strong read. 3.5 stars.
June 7, 2019
3.5 stars. This debut collection of stories primarily set in Trinidad is a mix of romantic tales, often with a unexpectedly positive, if not entirely happy, endings and gothic horror with folk themes. McIvor is a strong storyteller, making this an enjoyable read, but as is common with debut collection, there is a sameness to some of the stories that risks becoming tiring. I will be writing a longer review for publication.
My review is now live at 3:AM Magazine, part of our RoC Book of the Month Club series: https://www.3ammagazine.com/3am/in-th...
My review is now live at 3:AM Magazine, part of our RoC Book of the Month Club series: https://www.3ammagazine.com/3am/in-th...
August 27, 2019
I started reading this book , and finished it within 24 hours; I couldn’t put it down! These stories are captivating, and captures Trinidadian culture in a way that would appeal not just to locals, but to an international audience as well. A thoroughly enjoyable read, only missing a star because I wish there was more of it!
August 27, 2020
Despite my initial qualms regarding the physical descriptions of most, if not all of the female characters, and the recurring wealthy Trinidadian stereotype, in retrospect I came to realize that there's a lot to appreciate about this book. I would not hesitate to recommend this intriguing, easy to read, and at times unsettling (terrifying to some) anthology.
Mostly set in Trinidad, except for one story I think, we are shown a part of the country that isn't often depicted in local literature, I suppose because it isn't seen as interesting or exotic enough. I haven't read much literature set in modern day or contemporary Trinidad so reading about the present day popular spots, our malls, and theaters was refreshing. Admittedly, I have never paid much attention to the stories of middle to upper class Trinidadians, neither have I cared to see them on the shelves of bookstores. The author however has shown me what I have been missing in the best way. I would have liked however to see more dimension in these characters.
My favorite horror stories are the ones that aren't far-fetched and there's an almost subtle menace to the characters and the plot. The author gave this to me in the story 'Robber Talk', which is one of my faves from the collection.
My other faves were Pembroke Street, The Course and Things We Do Not Say.
'Things we do not say' is such an epic title for a novel or short story by the way!
Mostly set in Trinidad, except for one story I think, we are shown a part of the country that isn't often depicted in local literature, I suppose because it isn't seen as interesting or exotic enough. I haven't read much literature set in modern day or contemporary Trinidad so reading about the present day popular spots, our malls, and theaters was refreshing. Admittedly, I have never paid much attention to the stories of middle to upper class Trinidadians, neither have I cared to see them on the shelves of bookstores. The author however has shown me what I have been missing in the best way. I would have liked however to see more dimension in these characters.
My favorite horror stories are the ones that aren't far-fetched and there's an almost subtle menace to the characters and the plot. The author gave this to me in the story 'Robber Talk', which is one of my faves from the collection.
My other faves were Pembroke Street, The Course and Things We Do Not Say.
'Things we do not say' is such an epic title for a novel or short story by the way!
January 21, 2021
Peepal Tree Press is an indie publisher that specialises in publishing Black British writing and fresh talent from The Caribbean and have been doing so for the past 33 years. As I have said many times on this blog, I support independent presses due to the fact that they manage to publish interesting books. Since I know nothing about Caribbean literature, save Edwidge Danticat, I was excited to read Trinidadian Breanne Mc Ivor’s debut short story collection, Where There Are Monsters.
I always like it when an author evokes the place they are writing about. In this case the Trinidad of Breanne Mc Ivor is not the sunny and bright tourist area that we see in the media, rather is is a place that is occasionally violent, full of tempestuous relationships and has got a dark side steeped in witchery.
One could divide the stories into two main themes: one is about how the environment can turn people into monsters and the other is how people’s innermost feelings make them monsters. In fact the collection divided into two parts, one named after the books’ title and the other called Where We Are Monsters.
There are many fantastic stories in here. My favourites are the more supernatural ones; The Course, which is about a possessed man and the lengths his girlfriend goes through to cure him and The Cannibal of Santa Cruz, a revenge tale that will make the reader squirm a bit.
There are other gems; The Boss, a story about a boy who tries to escape an abusive household by setting up a juice stand only to make startling discoveries about certain people he knows. The opening story Ophelia is the ultimate date disaster scenario. Pembroke Street is a tale about a gay man reminiscing about the troubles he had with his partner. This is just a small sample about the brilliance of these stories. The quality level is high so really every piece is a stunner.
Ultimately all these stories are about love. It is love that drives these characters to commit altruistic or selfish acts. Mc Ivor REALLY knows how to write about love’s different forms without ever veering into melodrama. Her style is economic and yet rolls off the page. I also like my stories with a bit of a sting at the end, Breanna Mc Ivor’s ending stings are brilliant.
I used to have a problem with short story collections as I felt that they tend to be inconsistent but lately I have been proved wrong. Where There Are Monsters is a sterling collection and gives a picture of Trinidad beyond the travel brochures.
I always like it when an author evokes the place they are writing about. In this case the Trinidad of Breanne Mc Ivor is not the sunny and bright tourist area that we see in the media, rather is is a place that is occasionally violent, full of tempestuous relationships and has got a dark side steeped in witchery.
One could divide the stories into two main themes: one is about how the environment can turn people into monsters and the other is how people’s innermost feelings make them monsters. In fact the collection divided into two parts, one named after the books’ title and the other called Where We Are Monsters.
There are many fantastic stories in here. My favourites are the more supernatural ones; The Course, which is about a possessed man and the lengths his girlfriend goes through to cure him and The Cannibal of Santa Cruz, a revenge tale that will make the reader squirm a bit.
There are other gems; The Boss, a story about a boy who tries to escape an abusive household by setting up a juice stand only to make startling discoveries about certain people he knows. The opening story Ophelia is the ultimate date disaster scenario. Pembroke Street is a tale about a gay man reminiscing about the troubles he had with his partner. This is just a small sample about the brilliance of these stories. The quality level is high so really every piece is a stunner.
Ultimately all these stories are about love. It is love that drives these characters to commit altruistic or selfish acts. Mc Ivor REALLY knows how to write about love’s different forms without ever veering into melodrama. Her style is economic and yet rolls off the page. I also like my stories with a bit of a sting at the end, Breanna Mc Ivor’s ending stings are brilliant.
I used to have a problem with short story collections as I felt that they tend to be inconsistent but lately I have been proved wrong. Where There Are Monsters is a sterling collection and gives a picture of Trinidad beyond the travel brochures.
July 14, 2019
I grew up on Caribbean books - undoubtedly my favorite genre. I feel like the genre experienced a bit of a lull and is now being revitalized. This book is undoubtedly a part of that revitalization! It’s a profound yet easy read of short stories which really leave you thinking after. I’m not a fan of heavily descriptive books- McIvor gives you enough to suck you in but not too much so you’re not skipping over descriptive passages. So many of the stories have stayed with me since I first read it. It’s really a refreshing take on the contemporary Caribbean- the society we live and makes you think deeply about the monsters that surround us today and the way our monsters plague and affect modern day living in the region. A must read for any Caribbean book lover!
August 27, 2019
As a Caribbean person, these stories are easy to jump into and can be quite gripping. The characters feel real as they seem to be accurate representations of what modern Caribbean people have become.
Particularly, the story about the young woman who has to deal with mental illness. It felt real, the manner in which she would go through her thoughts to justify her actions.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Particularly, the story about the young woman who has to deal with mental illness. It felt real, the manner in which she would go through her thoughts to justify her actions.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
Review forthcoming!
August 27, 2019
Amazing storytelling. The way she draws us in , and is able to make the connections she does is nothing short of amazing. Looking forward to many more pieces from this author.
June 9, 2021
First June #ReadCaribbean finished and delighted to have picked this one to kick things off.
I found these 12 short stories to be a great introduction into Caribbean literature and folklore. Set mostly in Trinidad, the stories explore monsters living within us and also the ones we fear. The darker the stories were, the more I liked them!!😂 The gothic narratives were terrifyingly brilliant and I loved the way most stories would leave you wondering or guessing.
I found myself looking up places and cultural figures to get a real sense for the setting or the myths which were discussed. I felt this was done really well without ever feeling like it was a social or history lesson on Trinidad.
My favourites short stories were:
⭐️Things We Do Not Say
⭐️The Course ( Salt Slow fans would love this one)
⭐️The Boss
⭐️The Cannibal of Santa Cruz
⭐️Pembroke Street
⭐️Never Have I Ever
Hmmm, did I just copy the table of contents??!😆
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congratulations to Breanne Mc Ivor on her debut collection and thanks to @bookofcinz for praising it so much, it should definitely be read more widely.
🏝Book 1 of #ReadCaribbean 2021.
I found these 12 short stories to be a great introduction into Caribbean literature and folklore. Set mostly in Trinidad, the stories explore monsters living within us and also the ones we fear. The darker the stories were, the more I liked them!!😂 The gothic narratives were terrifyingly brilliant and I loved the way most stories would leave you wondering or guessing.
I found myself looking up places and cultural figures to get a real sense for the setting or the myths which were discussed. I felt this was done really well without ever feeling like it was a social or history lesson on Trinidad.
My favourites short stories were:
⭐️Things We Do Not Say
⭐️The Course ( Salt Slow fans would love this one)
⭐️The Boss
⭐️The Cannibal of Santa Cruz
⭐️Pembroke Street
⭐️Never Have I Ever
Hmmm, did I just copy the table of contents??!😆
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congratulations to Breanne Mc Ivor on her debut collection and thanks to @bookofcinz for praising it so much, it should definitely be read more widely.
🏝Book 1 of #ReadCaribbean 2021.
November 16, 2021
It is possible I may have appreciated this collection even more if I knew more of the cultural and socioeconomic history of Trinidad. But even without this knowledge, I easily gave this collection 5 stars because it is brilliantly written.
Content-wise, many of these stories are a commentary about class, crime, monsters within and the monsters we fear around us, and more. But it was the atmosphere of the stories and of the writing that blew me away. The first story in the collection is fairly benign from a tension standpoint and yet something about the way the story was written left me feeling incredibly uneasy. So much so that I put the book down for a couple weeks before engaging again. And yet, nothing happened that really warranted that unease. The next story in the collection is subtle but ultimately brutal and yet was written in almost a matter of fact way that didn't make me feel the same unease. Back and forth the stories would go, building tension and unease. In my opinion, this is the beauty of this masterfully written short story collection.
I am curious to read more by this author and I have a feeling that I will come back to this collection again sometime in the future.
Content-wise, many of these stories are a commentary about class, crime, monsters within and the monsters we fear around us, and more. But it was the atmosphere of the stories and of the writing that blew me away. The first story in the collection is fairly benign from a tension standpoint and yet something about the way the story was written left me feeling incredibly uneasy. So much so that I put the book down for a couple weeks before engaging again. And yet, nothing happened that really warranted that unease. The next story in the collection is subtle but ultimately brutal and yet was written in almost a matter of fact way that didn't make me feel the same unease. Back and forth the stories would go, building tension and unease. In my opinion, this is the beauty of this masterfully written short story collection.
I am curious to read more by this author and I have a feeling that I will come back to this collection again sometime in the future.
June 26, 2020
Where There Are Monsters by Breanne Mc Ivor is the kind of book that reminds you how much you love short story collections. Just wow! Every story had a quite intense and often eerie element and I caught myself holding my breath more than a few times. Almost every story was set in Trinidad and went from strength to strength, and it was so fun to identify the "monster" in each story. While I loved every story for its surface content, they each also had a level of social commentary about class, crime, mental health, homosexuality, and more. My favourites were the more gruesome in the collection "The Course" and "The Cannibal of Santa Cruz". Also, am I just making up a connection between "Never Have I Ever" and " Robber Talk"? I love a bit of connection between stories in a collection. Definitely pick this one up from Peepaltree Press or your local indie. Well worth the read!
September 22, 2023
This is book #46 in my read a book from every country project (Trinidad).
Mc Ivor’s stories combine magical realism, haunting, and folklore. The stories focus on everyday Trinidadians in both the most ordinary, intimate scenarios and extremes. A couple of the stories didn’t land for me, but on the whole this is a unique and compelling collection. I’m excited to read more of Mc Ivor’s work.
Mc Ivor’s stories combine magical realism, haunting, and folklore. The stories focus on everyday Trinidadians in both the most ordinary, intimate scenarios and extremes. A couple of the stories didn’t land for me, but on the whole this is a unique and compelling collection. I’m excited to read more of Mc Ivor’s work.
May 1, 2020
What an incredibly sensational debut novel from Breanne Mc Ivor!
I was hesitant to begin this read, mostly because I don't generally enjoy books of short stories. However, every single story in this book was masterfully written and had me enraptured with the plot lines. The stories explored themes ever present in Trinidadian/Caribbean life, but also themes that any reader can relate to. From love, loss, hope, poverty and courage to broader commentaries on sexuality, adultery and gender-based violence.
What I loved most about this book, as a Trinidadian reader, was how she expertly wove folklore characters and stories that we were told about as children (to frighten us) into seemingly regular people's lives. It was a reminder that these "stories" and characters are based on the primal nature of human beings, and on evil that can be found lurking around any corner.
Some special stories that need extra recognition are:
Ophelia: the book's opening story told a tale of young love and hope, marred by the unfairness of class hierarchies. It was a reminder of just how cycles of poverty can be a real spoke in the wheel of intrinsic hopefulness. This story hooked me immediately.
The Course: this story read like a complete novel. Short story writing is a talent by itself and "The Course" showed that Mc Ivor has clearly mastered it. She painted complete characters, a full plot line, and filled the few pages with suspenseful moments and unexpected twists and turns. Possibly the best short story I've EVER read!
Pembroke Street: an unprecedented and untold story about homosexuality set in the heart of Catholic and colonial Trinidad. A reminder that stories that are untold are not non-existent, and from time immemorial we have all existed alongside one another.
All in all, a book well deserving of five stars. It covered every base that one hopes for in a good novel - strong story lines and equally strong and vibrant characters that resonated with me and left me thinking about even after the book was done. 5/5 - HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I was hesitant to begin this read, mostly because I don't generally enjoy books of short stories. However, every single story in this book was masterfully written and had me enraptured with the plot lines. The stories explored themes ever present in Trinidadian/Caribbean life, but also themes that any reader can relate to. From love, loss, hope, poverty and courage to broader commentaries on sexuality, adultery and gender-based violence.
What I loved most about this book, as a Trinidadian reader, was how she expertly wove folklore characters and stories that we were told about as children (to frighten us) into seemingly regular people's lives. It was a reminder that these "stories" and characters are based on the primal nature of human beings, and on evil that can be found lurking around any corner.
Some special stories that need extra recognition are:
Ophelia: the book's opening story told a tale of young love and hope, marred by the unfairness of class hierarchies. It was a reminder of just how cycles of poverty can be a real spoke in the wheel of intrinsic hopefulness. This story hooked me immediately.
The Course: this story read like a complete novel. Short story writing is a talent by itself and "The Course" showed that Mc Ivor has clearly mastered it. She painted complete characters, a full plot line, and filled the few pages with suspenseful moments and unexpected twists and turns. Possibly the best short story I've EVER read!
Pembroke Street: an unprecedented and untold story about homosexuality set in the heart of Catholic and colonial Trinidad. A reminder that stories that are untold are not non-existent, and from time immemorial we have all existed alongside one another.
All in all, a book well deserving of five stars. It covered every base that one hopes for in a good novel - strong story lines and equally strong and vibrant characters that resonated with me and left me thinking about even after the book was done. 5/5 - HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 17, 2020
I believe this is my first experience with short stories and I am pleasantly surprised. Breanne Mc Ivor's writing was captivating. I felt connected to the subjects of most of the stories and genuinely intrigued to discover the direction that each story was going. Beautiful book and I would recommend it.
July 22, 2019
The monsters are the same wherever in the world you live and remain so though centuries change. Sometimes they live in us, at other times they are those closest to us, or they may be situations in which we find ourselves. Then, again, they can also be nightmare creatures from Trinidad and Tobago folklore. Sometimes we win against them, sometimes we don’t.
Breanne Mc Ivor’s compilation of short stories brings those monsters to life. Her themes are wide ranging: young men desperate to change their circumstances - one falls prey to the sly lure of easy money, the other uses his ingenuity and determination; a cheating wife whose husband forgives everything; a paralyzing mental illness; a widow who finally gets the courage to psychologically break free of an abusive marriage. Later, we encounter love, risky sex, betrayal, heartbreak, evil incarnate. At the end, there is hope with the possibility of redemption.
If you’re willing to engage with real and imagined monsters, to take a sometimes wild ride, then this book is a highly recommended read. You’ll be thinking about it long after the last page is read.
Breanne Mc Ivor’s compilation of short stories brings those monsters to life. Her themes are wide ranging: young men desperate to change their circumstances - one falls prey to the sly lure of easy money, the other uses his ingenuity and determination; a cheating wife whose husband forgives everything; a paralyzing mental illness; a widow who finally gets the courage to psychologically break free of an abusive marriage. Later, we encounter love, risky sex, betrayal, heartbreak, evil incarnate. At the end, there is hope with the possibility of redemption.
If you’re willing to engage with real and imagined monsters, to take a sometimes wild ride, then this book is a highly recommended read. You’ll be thinking about it long after the last page is read.
June 29, 2020
Trinidadian writer Breanne Mc Ivor has curated a strong collection of short stories, writing her modern version on Trinidadian folklore characters, family and romantic relationships, and even mental health. Her strongest pieces center around the Midnight Robber, the Lagahoo, cannibalism, and the son of a notorious drug lord; but Mc Ivor also touches on poverty, crime, homosexuality, friendship, suicide, desperation, wealth, and privilege. There is Trini dialect in some stories, but not all.
Being Trinidadian myself I feel this book does a great job of retelling the story of our folklore characters with a modern twist. I loved Robber Talk and the way she used a split personality characteristic to bring out the Midnight Robber, who is unapologetic about his actions. In Ophelia, a young man struggles with his feelings for a woman he feels is out of his league, but he is also being held back by forces in his family and community. Of the 12 stories, my top six are:
Robber Talk
Ophelia
The Course
The Cannibal of Santa Cruz
The Boss
The One Night Stand
If you’re into Caribbean short stories by a contemporary writer, this is a great addition to your collection.
Being Trinidadian myself I feel this book does a great job of retelling the story of our folklore characters with a modern twist. I loved Robber Talk and the way she used a split personality characteristic to bring out the Midnight Robber, who is unapologetic about his actions. In Ophelia, a young man struggles with his feelings for a woman he feels is out of his league, but he is also being held back by forces in his family and community. Of the 12 stories, my top six are:
Robber Talk
Ophelia
The Course
The Cannibal of Santa Cruz
The Boss
The One Night Stand
If you’re into Caribbean short stories by a contemporary writer, this is a great addition to your collection.
December 7, 2020
A beautifully written collection of short stories with accurate and engaging portraiture of contemporary Trinidad & Tobago. A wonderful read recommended for mature teens and adult readers. The future of Caribbean literature is in good hands!
June 3, 2019
Such great talent coming out of Trinidad! A beautiful fusion of Caribbean folklore and grim reality.
August 27, 2019
This book was captivating from the first story to the last. Each story left you wanting more. A modern twist to traditional folklore.
November 3, 2021
My favourite stories were:
Ophelia
Things We Do Not Say
Pembroke Street
Robber Talk
June 29, 2023
Breanne Mc Ivor’s WHERE THERE ARE MONSTERS is a strong and engaging collection of contemporary short stories set in Trinidad. A variety of topics are explored in these stories—mental health, familial relationships, motherhood, queerness, and love. Several characters feel the need to find themselves and break free from the expectations others place on them, while other characters contemplate the lengths they’d go to to get what they want. This collection comments on the duality of humanity and monstrosity, and the struggles that accompany the choices we make. Trinidad has a clear and memorable presence in this book, and it adds an atmospheric layer to every story.
This book is an intriguing exploration of masks and disguises; of embracing your truth vs. hiding it. Within these stories I found quiet feelings and familiar truths. Some of the characters feel suffocated by their circumstances and long for a different life. Some characters hide their truths out of fear, while others confront or embrace their monsters. Regardless, these stories will keep you on your toes and ask you to reflect on the monsters in your own life.
For a contemporary collection that’s not considered SFFH, I wasn’t expecting some of these stories to be so horrifying and dark but I was pleasantly surprised to see the author go in this direction and make my skin crawl. Mc Ivor’s writing is sharp and captivating, and I love the way Trinidadian folklore is woven into these tales, with some stories being more heavily inspired by folklore than others. It was easy for me to be invested in these stories because of Mc Ivor’s writing, and I love how there was a mix of the types of monsters on display.
I’m so glad I finally read this, and I can’t wait to read the author's new book!
Rating: 4.25/5
This book is an intriguing exploration of masks and disguises; of embracing your truth vs. hiding it. Within these stories I found quiet feelings and familiar truths. Some of the characters feel suffocated by their circumstances and long for a different life. Some characters hide their truths out of fear, while others confront or embrace their monsters. Regardless, these stories will keep you on your toes and ask you to reflect on the monsters in your own life.
For a contemporary collection that’s not considered SFFH, I wasn’t expecting some of these stories to be so horrifying and dark but I was pleasantly surprised to see the author go in this direction and make my skin crawl. Mc Ivor’s writing is sharp and captivating, and I love the way Trinidadian folklore is woven into these tales, with some stories being more heavily inspired by folklore than others. It was easy for me to be invested in these stories because of Mc Ivor’s writing, and I love how there was a mix of the types of monsters on display.
I’m so glad I finally read this, and I can’t wait to read the author's new book!
Rating: 4.25/5
June 12, 2020
This was very good, very gripping
Pros:
- McIvor's writing is excellent - sharp, well paced, gorgeous, irreverent, powerful
- all the stories were different but with common themes: the monstrosities of humanity, how men treat women, the supernatural and the natural. My favourites were: Things we do not say, The course, Present, The boss, Red, Pembroke Street, and Robber talk.
- The descriptions were lovely, very vivid, the dialogue great
- The stories were genuinely creepy and suspenseful, rarely ending "well" but I always hoped they would. Some of the characters were very sympathetic
- Really loved the folklore and how it was interpreted, and how it became very creepy in a modern setting
Cons:
- Some of the stories were pretty graphic, or from the POV of a gross, misogynistic man, which was uncomfortable to read, but not necessarily a negative about the book itself - they were still gripping and well written.
Really enjoyed this collection, McIvor is a tremendous writer and I'll definitely look out for more books by her
- also a minor point but the paper of the book feels so nice, it's really thick :3
Pros:
- McIvor's writing is excellent - sharp, well paced, gorgeous, irreverent, powerful
- all the stories were different but with common themes: the monstrosities of humanity, how men treat women, the supernatural and the natural. My favourites were: Things we do not say, The course, Present, The boss, Red, Pembroke Street, and Robber talk.
- The descriptions were lovely, very vivid, the dialogue great
- The stories were genuinely creepy and suspenseful, rarely ending "well" but I always hoped they would. Some of the characters were very sympathetic
- Really loved the folklore and how it was interpreted, and how it became very creepy in a modern setting
Cons:
- Some of the stories were pretty graphic, or from the POV of a gross, misogynistic man, which was uncomfortable to read, but not necessarily a negative about the book itself - they were still gripping and well written.
Really enjoyed this collection, McIvor is a tremendous writer and I'll definitely look out for more books by her
- also a minor point but the paper of the book feels so nice, it's really thick :3
July 6, 2020
In this collection of short stories, Mc Ivor takes readers on a journey through Trinidad (even when a story is not set there), exposing them to the concept of who and what, are monsters, where and when do monsters begin and end.
Each story stands as an allegory for the definition of monster and tell a story of just how real monsters are, even when we grow up on folkloric tales, warnings and superstitions of the kind of monsters that stalk the night; rarely are we ever told to watch out for the very real, very present monster-human.
I also love how certain societal norms and mores were interwoven throughout each story: familial expectations and pressure, economical struggle, financial stability and solvency, and the differing elements that define and encapsulate the male-female relationship.
Mc Ivor reveals the monster in the way her characters exist, how their circumstances, how they talk, treat, think about each other and themselves; how actions, and inaction as well, lead to the making of monsters. The stories are simple in the way they are relayed, but the underlying messages couldn't have hit any harder.
Favourites were:
The Course
The Cannibal of Santa Cruz
Robber Talk
The Boss
Kristoff and Bonnie
The One Night Stand
Each story stands as an allegory for the definition of monster and tell a story of just how real monsters are, even when we grow up on folkloric tales, warnings and superstitions of the kind of monsters that stalk the night; rarely are we ever told to watch out for the very real, very present monster-human.
I also love how certain societal norms and mores were interwoven throughout each story: familial expectations and pressure, economical struggle, financial stability and solvency, and the differing elements that define and encapsulate the male-female relationship.
Mc Ivor reveals the monster in the way her characters exist, how their circumstances, how they talk, treat, think about each other and themselves; how actions, and inaction as well, lead to the making of monsters. The stories are simple in the way they are relayed, but the underlying messages couldn't have hit any harder.
Favourites were:
The Course
The Cannibal of Santa Cruz
Robber Talk
The Boss
Kristoff and Bonnie
The One Night Stand
July 26, 2020
This book features a series of short stories set on the island of Trinidad. I’ve never been a big fan of short stories in general, but I actually enjoyed most of these.
There was a nice sequence of contemporary stories mixed with old folk lore. I loved that we got a wide view of Trinidadian society, from rich to poor, black, indian and white, lgbt and straight ... it’s all represented in this book. I also really liked that a non Trini reader would get glimpses of contemporary and urban Trinidad. Often caribbean writers focus on the past, or write solely about rural caribbean narrative and international readers get one perception of the caribbean.
Fave stories: ‘things we do not say’, ‘Pembroke Street’, ‘never have I ever’, ‘kristoff and Bonnie’ and ‘one night stand’ (especially since I’m a trini married to a romanian and this girl mother was Romanian).
My main critique? I wish the cover was nicer, more inviting.
There was a nice sequence of contemporary stories mixed with old folk lore. I loved that we got a wide view of Trinidadian society, from rich to poor, black, indian and white, lgbt and straight ... it’s all represented in this book. I also really liked that a non Trini reader would get glimpses of contemporary and urban Trinidad. Often caribbean writers focus on the past, or write solely about rural caribbean narrative and international readers get one perception of the caribbean.
Fave stories: ‘things we do not say’, ‘Pembroke Street’, ‘never have I ever’, ‘kristoff and Bonnie’ and ‘one night stand’ (especially since I’m a trini married to a romanian and this girl mother was Romanian).
My main critique? I wish the cover was nicer, more inviting.
October 18, 2020
I don't often write reviews but this book warranted an exception. Where There Are Monsters came onto my radar via @BookOfCinz and while I'm always eager to find a Trini bred author, the theme of folklore isn't one of my preferred genres. So I was a bit skeptical venturing in.
I expected deeply mythical folklore-type stories and instead was greeted with these wonderful tales of everyday Caribbean life as the focal point. The Caribbean flavour was very present but never overwhelmed the narratives. The characters are people you can automatically relate to because you already know them as your boss, next door neighbour, your bestie or even in traces of yourself.
I also appreciated the tone that her stories ended with. While the story was finished on paper, it was left open in your imagination as to the future of the characters. I was left thinking of the endless possibilities with each story and mentally writing my own happy (or not so happy for some individuals) endings!
I expected deeply mythical folklore-type stories and instead was greeted with these wonderful tales of everyday Caribbean life as the focal point. The Caribbean flavour was very present but never overwhelmed the narratives. The characters are people you can automatically relate to because you already know them as your boss, next door neighbour, your bestie or even in traces of yourself.
I also appreciated the tone that her stories ended with. While the story was finished on paper, it was left open in your imagination as to the future of the characters. I was left thinking of the endless possibilities with each story and mentally writing my own happy (or not so happy for some individuals) endings!
May 22, 2020
Mc Ivor's great strength is that she pays attention. She observes how people behave because of (or in spite of) their status, their background and even the names they carry. At the same time, she trusts me as the reader to fill in unspoken truths that she knows and that I know but was unaware of. Her writing is nuanced and thoughtful, so many of her monsters are given the chance to fight for our understanding.
Folklore stories can be repetitive but in modernizing them and bringing them into contemporary context, the characters feel fresh and more importantly, real. I know her characters even when I have never met them.
Stand outs for me are: Ophelia, Things We Do Not Say, Red and Kristoff and Bonnie.
Folklore stories can be repetitive but in modernizing them and bringing them into contemporary context, the characters feel fresh and more importantly, real. I know her characters even when I have never met them.
Stand outs for me are: Ophelia, Things We Do Not Say, Red and Kristoff and Bonnie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2021
Breanne Mc Ivor’s first short story collection is full of monsters. But these monsters aren’t always dreadful creatures. They sometimes come from childhood traumas, an abusive husband, the possibility of losing a marriage, a stepfather, the resemblance with the biological father, or the revelation of a partner’s infidelity. Other times they’re creatures that come straight from Trinidadian folklore and mythology... This is definitely a great read to start 2021. Mc Ivor’s fast-paced stories, her style, and characters captivated me every single time. I really really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
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