Around a Dark Corner
Jeani Rector (the author) is destroying me. Around a Dark Corner is the second book I have reviewed for Jeani and I will note, as I did in reviewing Open Grave, Jeani’s first book - I am not generally a fiction fan. What fiction I do read is generally reserved for Wes Craven so Jeani, you’re in good company. That said, I blew through Around a Dark Corner in 2 days. Finishing it standing in the kitchen after work - I had to know how the final story ended.
Around a Dark Corner consists of 9 short stories and a final 12 chapter novela. Something that really stands out when looking at Jeani’s writing as a whole are the sometimes identical descriptions of environments, objects and even some characters from story to story. When reviewing Jeani’s first book this was something I didn’t appreciate for what it provided to the book as a whole. After reading Around a Dark Corner I am a fan of the method. Not being the astute critic of literature, I am unsure whether this method is something that is good, bad or indifferent. All I know is I like it and enjoy how it intertwines all the stories and provides a constant familiarity.
I truly enjoy Jeani’s writing and the only consistent negative aspect I have come up in her books is cover design and a lack of bicycles throughout each story. While the bikes really don’t make a damn bit of difference, I feel the cover has a high school art class quality to it and could ultimately keep it on the shelf at a bookstore which is a shame. However, what the hell do I know about fiction books… this may be the norm.
As with her last book, Jeani relies on a lot of religion through out her stories, but not so much as it doesn’t have a place or that it ever references how you should live your life. And like Open Grave, the final novela in Around a Dark Corner titled “A Teenage Ghost Story” was the one that I couldn’t seem to put down before finishing. This has lead me to wonder what Jeani could be capable of if she set out to assemble a full on novel. I hope we find out.
In full disclosure, Jeani has been an advertiser in Lattitude Zine. You may feel this sways my critique of her books while I may feel you’re an asshole. My reviews are honest and true, if something sucks I’ll let you know. If Jeani didn’t want to advertise because I was giving my honest opinion - I wouldn’t want to help promote her products in the first place.
To find out more visit: aroundadarkcorner.com and be sure to tell Jeani we sent you. You can also check out Jeani’s previous book at opengravenovel.com
Tags: Around a Dark Corner, fiction, Jeani Rector, novel, Open Grave, short story
