Unwelcome Bodies

by Jennifer Pelland

Book Overview

Pain. Pleasure. The sensation of touch...we feel everything through our skin, that delicate membrane separating "I" from "other," protecting the very essence of self. Until it breaks. Or changes. Or... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0978867688
• ISBN13: 9780978867683
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Apex Book Company
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Must Read!

I was intrigued by the themes and whole concept of the work. The cover is very stark and fitting. I thought the whole package-the art, the stories and ideas behind them, as well as the author's comments-really gave a first rate experience. "For the Plague Thereof Was Exceeding Great" was one of my two favorites. It was disturbingly close to misconceptions of today and while it was sci fi, it also required little thought to make the leap. Replace AIDs with any unknown future virus, the rantings of the priests and doomsayers with those of today and it makes for a truly frightening picture. But it was so well done and so moving...a wonderful piece. "Brushstrokes" was my other favorite. I loved the starcrossed lover approach but with a unique and modern twist. It too was so close to sentiments of today that it made me angry at the citizens of that world, as well as happy that someone has the courage to write about it. The tale was beautifully written and very poignant. "Last Bus" was another I enjoyed, simply because it felt like a mid 20th century play. Sorrow and starkness combined (storytelling and plot-wise), but over all, hopeful. "Immortal Sin" was fascinating. Maybe it's because I could understand how the man came to those assumptions being Catholic myself (seeing how people are able to twist words in the name of religion or how `guilt' feeds into a person's everyday thought process). Or maybe because I saw it, not so much as a sci-fi story, but as a thriller. Sane people find it hard to understand how anyone could make such a jump as the main character did with the waitress; reading as the character, though, it was obvious he was obsessive, off-kilter, and able to twist words and intentions in his own mind. "Captive Girl" was enjoyable in its own twistedness. Definitely not the typical love story. It's not something most of us could relate to...but it certainly gave me pause for thought and I always enjoy stories that do that. "Firebird" amused me, simply because as a fan, I was able to relate to it...and was yet utterly turned off by that fan fanaticism as much as I was by the religious and bigoted fanaticism of the other stories. Overall, this collection is stunning. I can't recommend it enough. I think any reader of sci-fi or horror will completely enjoy it. For those not inclined towards short stories, this very well may change your mind. Additionally, the author is not only a wonderful writer, but genuinely interested in the process and her fans. She's given several great Q & A's.

Captivating and thought provoking science fiction

Wow. I was blown away by this collection. It kept me turning pages long into the night. Each story got better and more intriguing than the last. Not for the faint of heart, a dark look at human fears, motives and a thoroughly thought provoking ride. Can't wait to see what's next.

Powerful, clear and compelling writing.

UNWELCOME BODIES is the perfect blend of science fiction and horror, a walk through futures alternately beautiful and hideous, with characters we can see, hear and yes, touch. Pelland's clear, concise style draws us in without distraction and twists on a single note. Much like its striking white cover, this collection is something far different than the usual fare. I will definitely be looking for more of Pelland's work in the future. [...]

Great Collection!!

UNWELCOME BODIES is a short-story collection that focuses on a variety of issues: the environment, religion, and terrorism, and the one thing that unites these stories is the character's body image and how they fit into the world/society around them. Each of the stories are different and unique, and most all of the stories balance a wonderful blend of science fiction and horror. This collection is an easy one to recommend. Pelland has a smooth, clean writing style, and the ideas that fuel each story really make you sit up and take notice.

Deep and powerful fiction

Pelland is one of the most powerful writers crafting short fiction today. "Unwelcome Bodies" is a welcome addition to anyone's collection.