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The Stories of Devil-Girl

Anya Achtenberg
Loving Healing Press (2009)
ISBN 9781932690620
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (10/09)

“The Stories of Devil-Girl” by Anya Achtenberg is Book #1 in the Reflections of America Series of books published by Loving Healing Press.  This series “highlights autobiography, fiction, and poetry which express the quest to discover one’s context within modern society.”  Achtenberg’s book fits the series description to a tee, completely embodying the entire statement.

The book is “dedicated to all who were easily discarded, demonized, and widely underestimated.”  It is explained that the stories are prose fiction with much being autobiographical.  A lot of the content is sad and disturbing such as the author stating that her first memory is of someone trying to strangle her in her crib when she was a baby. 

Achtenberg’s style of writing is quite unique and just to give you a feel for her originality here is an excerpt from one of the stories entitled “Pictures”:  “There are things that even I can’t say, Devil-mouth, Devil-tongue, from the dictionary of barb and heat and nakedness.  Born in a cab, but I can’t get one these days.  My harpy cry of ‘Taxi!’ falls flat, as if being born once- in the big old Checker- were enough.  One look back at my costume, and most know I am no paying customer.  Pouches of pockets swaying open with shadow.  Soles of my shoes racing to catch up with my stride.  Others raise one arm and the journey swings open the door to its sweet center, but all I can do is turn my back and allow the world its ride.” (p. 41)

The entire book is composed of artistic passages such as this one.  Each individual story is filled with intensity and depth.  Achtenberg’s writing is powerful and really commands the reader’s attention.  The poetic language can be difficult to decipher at times and I did end up re-reading a few stories here and there to try and fully comprehend the author’s meaning.  I really enjoyed the originality though and if you are looking for something different, not another “cookie-cutter” book, then “The Stories of Devil-Girl” would definitely be one to try!   


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