Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Ananda Lima’s "Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil" is a bold and evocative anthology that delves deep into themes of oppression, immigration, and identity, particularly focusing on Brazilian American experiences. This collection of short stories, interspersed with interludes from the perspective of a fictional author who has slept with the devil, offers a unique exploration of desire, sin, and the power of storytelling.

From the very beginning, Lima hooks readers with her lyrical prose and intriguing premise. The devil, depicted as a complex character who is not outright evil but exudes a palpable sense of danger, brings a compelling tension to the narrative. His declaration that "stories were more than knowing things, facts. There was no soul in that. It was in the telling and the words, the spaces between them," highlights the collection’s thematic core and sets the tone for the poetically tense nature of the stories.

Lima’s depiction of the devil as someone who "tends to want most what he can’t have" ties desire intricately with Christian notions of sin, which adds nuance to the storytelling. The political themes woven throughout the anthology, such as antiracism and anticapitalism, are handled with finesse, making the collection not just a literary work but a socio-political commentary.

However, not all stories hit the mark. Some seem disjointed and fail to fit cohesively within the collection. Despite this, Lima's exploration of the devil’s love for stories and her humorous yet critical depiction of America offer fresh and thought-provoking perspectives.

Overall, while "Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil" excels in its poetic prose, political themes, and vivid imagery, it occasionally falters in coherence. Some stories shine brilliantly on their own but feel disconnected from the central narrative thread. Nonetheless, Lima’s anthology is a significant contribution to contemporary literature, offering a rich tapestry of stories that challenge and provoke.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of lyrical and politically charged short stories, Enthusiasts of Brazilian American representation, Admirers of mythological and supernatural elements in fiction.

🔑 Key Themes: Political Liberation and Anti-Fascism, The Complexity of Desire and Sin, Anti-Racism and Anti-Capitalism,The Power of Storytelling and Narrative, Cultural and National Identity.