(reviewed by JD Jung)
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Those who enjoy eclectic short stories that explore human nature are sure to relish the stories in Many People Die Like You. From bizarre relationships to unexpected power dynamics, this collection of fourteen stories takes readers on a journey through unconventional narratives that readers will not expect.
The book opens with “No Man’s Land,” a story that immediately sets the tone for the entire collection. The author ingeniously crafts endings that leave readers pleasantly surprised, a trait echoed in the title story, “Many People Die Like You,” where a professor taking his advantage is fooled in the end.
Set predominantly in Madrid and Valencia, Spain, with a standout tale “Misery Porn” rooted in Sweden, the stories offer a unique blend of settings that enhance the plot. Swedish author Lina Wolff, who use to live in Spain, does a magnificent job of exploring the weirdness of human relationships. While many stories feature misogynistic male characters grappling with the limits of their power over women, Wolff adeptly flips these power dynamics, revealing deeper truths about control and influence. This is often accomplished using dark humor. This is not to say that either gender always winds up the victor in these stories.
I wish I could say that every story is breathtaking, but unfortunately that is not the case. Some are so exceptional that they overshadow a few that are lackluster. This creates a contrast in the overall impact of the book. Despite this, Wolff’s skill in unraveling the peculiarities of human relationships remains consistently impressive.
Though Many People Die Like You features stories of strange lovers in even stranger relationships, I think that most readers will be able to relate to this collection on some level. After all, life and relationships can be complicated.
