A very special mini review of INFERNO

[ellen_datlow]

Some background. Although I don't write, my parents have always been supportive of my editing work, even if they may not understand exactly what that entails. My dad has embarrassed me in the past by going into bookstores and introducing "his daughter, the editor who has a bunch of anthologies" to the clerks.
My mom reads all my anthologies. In fact, she tried to read Neuromancer because she knew that I'd published Bill in OMNI. But alas, she couldn't get into it. In fact, she usually tells me she doesn't like most of my anthologies--and I finally understood why when she told me that the only story she enjoyed in The Del Rey Book of Science Fiction and Fantasy was "Jimmy" by Pat Cadigan--and it was "because it was set in the real world and she knew a boy like Jimmy."....

So...when, the other day we were on the phone and she raved about how much she enjoyed Inferno and why, I asked her to email me what she thought about it. And she did:


"I loved the book. It's the best one you've ever done.
Maybe I liked it so much because the stories seem grounded in real emotions and events. For people who may shun horror, science fiction, or fantasy, this could be the graceful introduction to the genre.

So many of the stories start off in a familiar, though interesting place and drop you into the dark hole that curdles the blood. What could more fun?

As always, the literary quality is wonderful. Sometimes, poetic. I look forward to all your future stuff. I'm really proud of this one!"
Love,
Mom


(sorry to the contributors to ALL my other anthologies ;-) )

Comments

Awww!

[themadblonde]

Is there ANYTHING sweeter than having a parent say s/he is proud of one? Glad to hear she enjoyed the anthology. I hear it's a firecracker. ;-)

Re: Awww!

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Well, it got two reviews in the current NYRSF--one reviewer hated the whole book, the other loved the whole book. And their reviews read as if they each experience entirely different books.

[stevenagy.livejournal.com]

Very nice. I can't think of a better review. :-)

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

And you know she's not biased--she hates all the others (well, maybe not hates, but they obviously haven't made the same impression)

[nihilistic-kid.livejournal.com]

I hope you have a favorite uncle who likes ghost stories, or I'm gonna CRY!

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I have to ask my mom if she read my other ghost story antho THE DARK! ;-)

How about you?

[ecmyers.livejournal.com]

That's great! I think you have a good blurb for your next anthology.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Maybe I can persuade Jim to use it on the paperback ;-)

[livia-llewellyn.livejournal.com]

My parents won't read anything I write. My father ONLY reads non-fiction, and my mother ONLY reads Agatha Christie-type mysteries - they refuse to read anything else, and their daughter is no exception to the rule. Sometimes it frustrates me, but then I'll read over my erotica stuff and realize it's probably for the best. :P

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Still.
If it makes you feel better, my dad doesn't read my books.

[csecooney.livejournal.com]

Ha! What a great review! And from a loyal but discerning source, too. You must be very proud. Makes me want to read Inferno... I shall research further. Thanks!

[vee-ecks.livejournal.com]

The only review that matters.

[shvetufae.livejournal.com]

How lovely. I bet you're glowing right now; I would be! :)

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I was when she first told me --and the glow lasted awhile!

[jplangan.livejournal.com]

Congrats! I suspect you've achieved something the vast majority of those of us who publish secretly long for but seldom see.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

I suspect you're right.

[xjenavivex.livejournal.com]

That is an awesome review. I love the conclusion she drew. It seemed dead-on. May I post a link to this in lobo_luna tomorrow? That is the day we promote reviews of the work of our friends and other talented folks in the writing community.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Sure! Just make sure you credit to my mom, Doris Datlow :-)

[marlowe1.livejournal.com]

I suppose I should join that community, eh?

I also have book_pimp so if you want to cross promote, go for it.

Especially with the Wednesday Book Promotions that I keep doing.

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

That's the best review ever.

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Congrats on the great review!

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Thank you! It's the BEST.

[clockwork-zero.livejournal.com]

This review really made me smile. My father - whom I adore very much - looks at my jewelry with complete confusion. He is though impressed with every sale, but occasionally drops treasures like, "wow, another sale! I'm really amazed anyone would buy it! and they wear it too??" Its really very funny, and just writing that made me giggle.

I think its a great review. In fact it is the kind of review that makes me want to give a copy to someone! The line, "this could be the graceful introduction to the genre." is a wonderful statement. Getting more people into the genre is a real trick. She should put that on an Amazon review. It would make me take notice :D

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

Isn't it great?

It would look weird as an amazon review--nepotism :-)

[ianrandalstrock.livejournal.com]

Wow, your mother sounds just like mine: "That's great. I don't understand it, but it's wonderful. And why doesn't science fiction on television have more trees and grass?"

[doortoriver.livejournal.com]

AWWW! Wow, what a great compliment!

[foresthouse.livejournal.com]

See, that's one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much too! :)

Glad your mom liked it.

[ellen-datlow.livejournal.com]

She finally came by to look at my blog post with her review --I told her she could comment if she wanted. But...

She wrote me:

"Found the blog and I'm a celebrity!

I didn't want to add a comment as I'm afraid my audience will think I've a swelled head.

I have loved many of your stories in various anthologies. *Remember the fairies in the pocketbook?

Love and kisses"


*"The Faery Handbag" by Kelly Link.