Very well written, but nihilistic and existential in a way that gave me dread in the pit of my stomach that I can't shake.

I understand the criticisms of this book, I think they’re valid, there is a fair amount of navel gazing in this book, but I think that’s kind of the point? At least that’s what I took out of it. It was very much my shit either way.

Punin and Baburin - ⭐️⭐️✨(2.5)

The Inn - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Watch - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(4.5)

Here's how the stories in this collection broke down for me:

Little Heir Friedman: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Joker: ⭐⭐⭐

The Road to the Churchyard: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (really 3.5 but I'm being generous)

Gladius Dei: ⭐⭐⭐

Tristan: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tonio Kroger: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Death in Venice: ⭐⭐⭐⭐