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The Semplica Girl Diaries, By George Saunders (2012)

The Semplica Girl Diaries, By George Saunders (2012)

Rating: 9/10

It was a really refreshing story, I think if I had to choose one story that represents Saunders' writing style the most, I would choose this out of other Saunders stories. Saunders' style of describing wealth and social status is very odd, and creepy which differs from other authors. In this story, the symbol of wealth is Semplica girls, slaves hang on gardens for ornamental purposes. We can notice two types of reactions from people towards this weird so-called, 'culture'. I thought the author wanted us to focus on Eva's reaction, who questioned the morality of this behavior by saying "Just because everyone is doing it, that makes it right?" unlike the father, who tried to justify them. The story ends in an open conclusion, but I do believe the ring that Eva rang on adults who have become numb towards this social practice. Overall throughout the story, I enjoyed the gruesome symbols the author used, and also a tragic, but a meaningful ending that leaves a question mark for the readers.

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