35 Comments
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Eleni D. Vlachos's avatar

Beautiful work! Case in point to the author's noted interest in gender essentialism, I assumed throughout I was reading a woman author, since the character's perspective felt so realized. Thanks for publishing/sharing.

Plangdi Neple's avatar

I'm so glad the character felt that real. Thank you for reading!

Eleni D. Vlachos's avatar

Definitely. I look forward to more of your writing!

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Yes, isn't that amazing! Thank you for reading Eleni 💙

sanahk's avatar

I was going to say the same thing! Such strong character work.

Plangdi Neple's avatar

Thank you so much!

Harrison Gambelli's avatar

Very cool to see you’ve been shaped by Octavia Butler. The balancing of the thoughtful themes and the horror reminded me of her work.

Plangdi Neple's avatar

Thanks you so much! That's such a lovely compliment

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Octavia Butler is ceaselessly inspiring!!

Chinonso's avatar

This was a stunning read that I thoroughly enjoyed

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Thank you for reading Chinonso!

Plangdi Neple's avatar

Thank you for reading and enjoying!

Rhiannon's avatar

WOW. This kind of makes me want to be brave and speak my own truth. Truly mesmerized and wishing I was as brave as you. Thank you.

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Good literature has an amazing way of moving us to be better

Michele Peters's avatar

What a raw and visceral piece. Beautiful. Well done, Plangdi & Strange Pilgrims.

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Thank you for being an amazing reader Michele!

Plangdi Neple's avatar

Thank you very much

This May Be Art's avatar

Riveting!

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Thank you for reading Christine!

Lisa Graham Parson's avatar

So interesting. Were there multiple stories/men with Plangnan being the agent of vengeance in them all?

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Thank you for reading, Lisa!

Plangdi Neple's avatar

Thank you! And yes, that's the idea. I was loosely inspired by Giulia Tofania, who I actually mention in the story. She created/sold Aqua Tofana to help women escape abusive marriages

Lisa Graham Parson's avatar

Yes, I remember.

Be like Beatrice Achike, like Giulia Tofania.

Francis Dylan Waguespack's avatar

WOW.

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Thank you Francis!

Dorian Burden's avatar

Gripping story made more so by the dramatic reader and beautiful art!

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Thank you Dorian! We love pairing the published work with art

CHIDERA ANIKPE's avatar

A chilling read and and a stellar performance of prosaic prowess. Loved (and hated) every bit of this story.👏

Plangdi Neple's avatar

Thank you for the kind words Dera 🙇🏾‍♂️

Kaléah's avatar

This was a beautiful story. Initially I was hesitant because of its dual narrative, but as I kept reading it, the story was really engaging and reflective.

Plangdi Neple's avatar

The dual narrative in this style was definitely a risk, and I'm glad you enjoyed it

dazzlemoss's avatar

Nice read! The pieces come together well as the story progresses. Two quotes I want to pick out that I really like:

"It’s fine babe, Rhonda had said. No one will know. Yet, there the two of you were imprisoned on his phone [...]"

This moment in the story is so strong. The choice of the word 'imprisoned' in particular, had great impact, given how in the story we are meant to feel "caught/criminal" in the revealing of the display of love with Rhonda.

"[...] that her daughter’s scars lay in her bones, swam in her blood."

I think this is another cool line, making the daughter's pain so alive inside Plangnan. It connects well to the violent action she takes soon after.

Plangdi Neple's avatar

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. This was a very intentional piece, and I'm happy that it translates well

Samuel R Holladay's avatar

Would have enjoyed this more if someone had edited it for grammar and spelling