"I felt lonelier out there, surrounded by all those people chasing ideas of happiness that weren't even theirs."

Speak Gigantular is a dark and disturbing examination of sexuality, bodies and loneliness explored through a variety of short stories. Okojie relies heavily on magical realism to cross boundaries, challenge our views of society and detail her stories. There were honestly points where I felt a little lost in some of her stories, as the metaphors went beyond my understanding, however, I overall really loved this blend of magical realism into her stories.

I felt deeply absorbed in the focus on sexuality, bodies, and the narrators mental state specifically. I felt like I was falling and unravelling alongside the various characters. Many of the narrators fall into the category of an unreliable narrator as the reader struggles to distinguish between make-believe and reality, right and wrong, certainty and uncertainty. This really gave the short stories an edge and a real chaotic feel at times. I really enjoyed this uncertainty and unknownness as I never knew what to expect from each story and what dark twist and turn Okojie would take me down next.

Beneath the magical realism and disturbing nature of these stories is a real dark humour and social critique which I thought was so brilliant.

Okojie's approach to short story telling is incredibly refreshing and unique. Whilst I didn't love every story and I got entirely lost in what some meant, I think there are some really stand out pieces in this collection. My favourites would probably be Fractures and The Thumbnail Interruptions. This definitely feels like a darker autumnal read and I can't wait to pick up Nudibranch soon!