Wayward Girls & Wicked Women: An Anthology of Stories

In this anthology Angela Carter has gathered the best tales of "bad girls." The stories focus less on women as being bad in a sexual way. Rather the tales range from stories of women who fail to comply with society to gothic horror. As with most story collections I've read, there are stories I love and stories that I'm not that crazy about. This collection was about 90% all luv from me with only a couple stories I didn't care for. Here is a breakdown of a few of my favorites: "The Debutante" by Leonora Carrington - A girl sends a hyena to her coming out ball with (obviously) bloody results. From The Gloria Stories by Rocky Gamez - A friend of the narrator wants to be a man and believes that she can impregnate her female lover. "The Loves of Lady Purple" by Angela Carter - My Favorite! This gothic tale is of a life size "Venus of the Orient" puppet controlled by an old puppeteer. That is, until, the dreaded Lady Purple comes to life. So much to discuss with this tale: feminism, sex, aspects of Carnival, vaginal imagery, power, etc.... "The Oke of Okehurst" by Vernon Lee - Another great gothic tale! This tale is narrated by an artist visiting a very strange couple plagued by the past. Ghosts, jealousy, and weird women - an excellent combination! I highly recommend this collection. It is out of print but I was able to get it through Inter-Library Loan. As Angela Carter concludes her introduction to this volume; "they [the heroines] know they are worth more than that which fate has allotted them (Carter, xii)." You go, girl(s)!

This was an excellent collection. The stories are full of strong women, complex characters, dark eroticism, and lush prose.Like all anthologies there are some stories that are weaker than others but on the whole it is a wonderful collection and a must for any Angela Carter fan!