This collection of short stories is not for everyone. And here I mean, reader beware! The stories in Cursed Bunny are confronting, often horrifying and brutal, in many parts, incredibly repulsive. But personally, I haven’t read anything so profoundly different and creative in many years. It virtually blew my mind.

Chung is a South Korean writer who teaches Russian Literature and Science Fiction studies at Yonsei University. This will already give you an idea on what to expect … the most out-there stories, delivered in a controlled, matter of fact way. With every page the stories become more bizarre, yet their humanity beams out, making the reactions and emotions of the characters so incredibly believable. And layered in these stories are comments about capitalism and patriarchy that are so clever and brutal. One story had me weeping on a plane.

If you want to experience this short story collection at its best, read it quickly and in order. The first two stories are challenging. But don’t make any assumptions about what you think is coming next. One of the stories reads like a fantasy fable, another like pure science fiction, another like a gothic ghost story. And the final two stories tie up the collection perfectly.

If you love short stories and genre fiction you’ll love this book. If you’re intrigued but a little hesitant as I was, borrow it from your local library and give it a try. You might love it or you might hate it but I guarantee you are going to feel something about it and you are not going to forget it. I found it wonderous, and thrilling, and one of the most unique and powerful short story collections I have read in a long time.

Reviewed by Anabel Pandiella