Harlan Ellison’s "Angry Candy" is a masterclass in short fiction, brimming with razor-sharp wit, inventive storytelling, and his trademark intensity. Fans of speculative fiction and dark themes will feel right at home - especially readers who appreciate stories that linger on your mind long after the final page. The anthology’s focus on death and loss is balanced by moments of humor, surreal imagination, and Ellison’s skillful character building. If you enjoy thought-provoking stories and don’t mind being challenged or even unsettled, you’ll love this ride.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone clicks with Ellison’s voice. Some readers feel that his presence overshadows the stories, sometimes intruding with political commentary or reminders of his own cleverness. If you prefer subtle or detached narration - or dislike when personal beliefs bleed into fiction - you might find these stories occasionally grating. A few reviewers also felt the stories, while well-crafted, weren’t ultimately memorable enough for their tastes.

Bold, biting, and brimming with style - this is Ellison at (or near) his best. If you like your short stories smart and uncompromising, "Angry Candy" deserves a spot on your shelf.

About:

'Angry Candy' by Harlan Ellison is a collection of 18 short stories centered around the theme of death and dying. The stories range from deeply moving to hilarious to disturbing, showcasing Ellison's wide variety of storytelling abilities and vivid imagination. The book is described as a triumph of beauty over loss, guiding readers through dreamscapes remarkable for their brilliance and vitality.

Characters:

The characters are often intelligent and self-aware, although some critiques highlight moments of authorial intrusion that impact their realism.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style showcases Ellison's imaginative prose and unique metaphors, blending intellectual engagement with immersive storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is characterized by various stories that explore the theme of death, offering both humor and poignant reflections on mortality.

Setting:

The setting is abstract and thematic, primarily revolving around the concepts of death and emotional introspection rather than specific locations.

Pacing:

The pacing varies across stories, allowing for concise reading experiences, yet can occasionally feel slowed by authorial commentary.

Notes:

Harlan Ellison is regarded as one of the finest storytellers.

His unique metaphors create immersive reading experiences.

The collection contains 18 short stories, many dealing with themes of death.

The story 'Paladin of the Lost Hour' is particularly notable and gripping.

Ellison's writing features a mix of humor and intellectual challenge.

Readers have mixed feelings about his overt political views in his stories.

Many find his works essential for fans of speculative fiction.

Some stories are so impactful that they stay with readers for a long time, while others fade quickly from memory.

Fans of Ellison often seek out all of his works and editions.

The book is out of print, but many readers still cherish it.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of death, grief, and loss.

From The Publisher:

Sixteen stories by an innovative and visionary writer stretch across the farthest reaches of space and time, conjuring often bleak landscapes salvaged by faith in the future

1988

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344 pages

Reader Stats (3):

Want To Read (3)

What can you read after
Angry Candy?

See the list (14 books)

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Angry Candy

Harlan Ellison

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