Review: "Walking Practice", by Dolki Min, 2023

Walking Practice by Dolki Min
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Walking Practice": A Deep Dive into Gender, Alienation, and the Quest for Acceptance

Dolki Min's "Walking Practice" is a masterclass in speculative fiction, weaving a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is darkly humorous. At its core, the novel delves into the intricacies of gender identity, societal norms, and the ever-present human yearning for acceptance and belonging.

Min's protagonist, Mumu, a shape-shifting extraterrestrial, serves as a mirror to our society's rigid

constructs. Stranded on Earth and navigating the complexities of human interactions, Mumu's experiences underscore the challenges faced by those who don't fit neatly into societal boxes. The novel's exploration of gender is particularly poignant, highlighting the fear and discrimination faced by those who defy traditional gender norms. Min's astute observation that anything not immediately classifiable as male or female is met with prejudice is a stark reminder of the deep-seated biases that persist in our society.

Drawing parallels with Michel Faber's "Under the Skin," both novels center on extraterrestrial beings preying on humans, only to find themselves grappling with unexpected empathy for their victims. While Faber's protagonist discovers the humanity within her prey, Min's Mumu undergoes a similar journey of self-discovery, challenging its own beliefs and perceptions.

Comparatively, the novel's exploration of gender fluidity is reminiscent of Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Left Hand of Darkness." However, where Le Guin's work is subtle and philosophical, "Walking Practice" is more direct, confronting the reader with the stark realities of discrimination against anything that doesn't fit neatly into binary categories.

The narrative is enriched with Min's unique voice, blending wry humor with profound insights. Readers are treated to Mumu's candid observations on the absurdities of human behavior, especially concerning body standards and gender performance. The alien's perspective, both humorous and heart-wrenching, offers a fresh lens through which to view our own world.

While the novel boasts intricate black and white illustrations, some readers might find them leaning more towards the serious side, contrasting with the story's whimsical undertones. The artwork by Ian Mackay, as highlighted in a New York Times review, seems to capture the essence of the story more fittingly, merging absurdity with depth.

"Walking Practice" is an essential read for a broad spectrum of readers, from LGBTQIA advocates and bizarro fiction aficionados to those with a penchant for dark comedy, science fiction, and tales infused with absurdity. Dolki Min's storytelling prowess ensures that even the most bizarre premises can offer deep insights into the human psyche, making "Walking Practice" a standout in contemporary speculative fiction.

I rate the novel a 4.9 out of 5.

#BookRecommendation #WalkingPractice #SpeculativeFiction #LGBTQIA #Bookstagram #QueerLit #BizzaroFiction #ScienceFiction #DolkiMin #VictoriaCaudle #KoreanBooks #TranslatedLiterature

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"The Hanover Block" by Gregor Xane, 2014

"The Hanover Block" by Gregor Xane, 2014

The Hanover Block by Gregor Xane is a novella released in November 2014. I only recently discovered it through a random booktuber's post that was one (1) year old. What made me decide to read it? That's easy, that weird thing on the front cover. Describing what the heck that thing is on the front cover will ruin the story. It's best for you to start the book knowing nothing about it. There is definitely a bizarro genius mindset at work here. I gravitate mostly to science fiction, and there's enough of it here, and this was funny in a seriously warped kind of way.

Marion is an office worker, he catches the bus to and from work, and we live his life, meet his friends, his neighbors. Smoke a joint with him, have a couple of beers, you know the score; while almost unnoticed, his neighborhood is changing in a stealthy, shady fashion from one day to the next. People start behaving strangely; dodgy constructions appear in people's back gardens, from sheds to climbing domes.

It's not until halfway in that we learn about that thing on the front cover and normality leaves on the last train out of fucksville. We're left with what can only be described as a bizarro mindshagging with thoughts, interspersed with laughter along the way. It's buckets of mental fun, and I  enjoyed it; just don't let that cover picture put you off.

If you're wondering, Bizarro Fiction is a genre that often uses absurdism, satire, and grotesque elements to create subversive, weird, and entertaining fiction. That describes the Hanover Block perfectly, so approach with an open mind.

And if you need some **SPOILERS** to convince you to pick up the book, the basic premise is those weird fleshy things appear in backyards. Men who encounter them are compelled to stick their penises in them and do nasty things.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5.

#BizarroFiction