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'Heart-shaped Keystrokes' I absolutely loved this book. I lied. But yet, it moved me. And why else do we read books, but to be moved. Emoted by psychotically-portrayed oppositional acquaintances or lovers intertwined for an eternity. Struck by all-knowing trees that know nothing at all beyond their existence. Struck down, with the realization that that day will come for all of us, whether we take time to love before it does. Reminded that time stands still for no one, yet all pass over time. Or
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Esther Pearl has collected several short, not-quite-flash-fiction pieces, and despite their brevity each is like a slender slice carefully pared from a clove of garlic, full of flavor. While these brief pieces may leave you craving more, and maybe that more would be better, she knows what she has given you is enough and to add anything else would be overdoing it.
Pearl is a good parent who understands the gastrointestinal consequences of too much garlic.
Pearl starts her collection strong, with an ...more
Pearl is a good parent who understands the gastrointestinal consequences of too much garlic.
Pearl starts her collection strong, with an ...more
Esther Pearl’s Heart-Shaped Keystrokes is a collection of poignant and sometimes sad, short stories of existential ideas. I found it a difficult read as I had to really think about the nuances and metaphors. It’s sparsely written in a ‘poetic prose’ style and covers the fantastical nature of feelings and states of emotion. Not an easy subject matter to be sure, but Pearl takes the challenge to the next level to share with the reader: the perspective of an old tree, the surreal feeling of a night
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A truly unique reading that brought to mind the profound beauty of Ted Chiang's Exhalation. The author masterfully uses minimal words to conjure intense emotions. Deep, resonant themes emerge from surprisingly light, self-contained story vignettes. There's a beautiful sense of hopeful mysticism that gently contrasts with an undercurrent of sadness. And love, in its many forms (not just romantic), is a central, comforting presence. Because of their emotional depth, these short pieces are best con
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Each poetic like story starts with a sketch. I like that. This collection of short stories, some very short, are an array of thought-provoking topics ranging from the intricate fascination of nature to the woes of unspoken love, and even supernatural visits. You might possibly find yourself flashing back to one of your own forgotten thoughts, good or bad.
Esther writes beautifully pulling you into the imagination, or description thereof. My favorite? "Girl in the Rafters." Ghost friends can be f ...more
Esther writes beautifully pulling you into the imagination, or description thereof. My favorite? "Girl in the Rafters." Ghost friends can be f ...more
I loved all the short stories in the book. The first story, A Lie, especially stood out — it brilliantly captures the parodical dynamic between two characters: one who can never tell the truth, and the other who only speaks in facts. As both confront their fading affection for each other, the author’s powerful storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own lives — on how, ultimately, we must face our true feelings and stop lying to ourselves.
Mar 16, 2025
Brittany A Tilley
marked it as to-read
