Woman with Dark Horses

Woman with Dark Horses Aimee Parkison Starcherone Books Fearless and surprising, Parkison's stores are not meant to be summarized, analyzed, or categorized. Rather, like the most memorable pleasures, these dream paintings told with vivid color and startling images, must be experienced. For example, from "Collecting": ". . . the case bounced hard on her right knee. Inside, the lemon seeds poured out of the pouch and trickled over her mother's wedding ring, the dog's tooth, the blue bottle, and one of Shane's eyelashes. When she lifted the case over her head to put the strap around her neck she heard the woman who used to live in the burned house pouring cereal into a bowl before the storm." As readers are taken on a wild ride into the subconscious, they learn that even as Parkison reveals her characters1 darkest secrets, holding nothing back, she also protects them. The character in Baroness with Strange Eyes tells readers: "Not even Mother knows what it1s like for me walking from one mirror to another . . . Whenever I1m alone, I undress in front of the long mirror in my room and confirm my darkest suspicions. My breasts are gone. . . . Scrutinizing my thighs and stomach, I cup the small weight of my hips in my hands and chastise myself for what food I1ve eaten." Parkison's faith in readers is deep and wide and, as she earns readers' trust, they will trust her in return, because she deserves it. A stunning collection.