In Bora Chung's new short story collection, "The Midnight Timetable", the boundaries between reality and nightmare are blurred. This dark and sinister tale takes place in a mysterious research facility known only as "the Institute", where employees work long graveyard shifts amidst an eerie atmosphere of cursed objects.
Chung skillfully weaves together classic horror tropes with modern themes, creating a sense of unease that permeates every story. The objects within the Institute hold secrets and terrors of their own, from a single shoe to an embroidered handkerchief, each with its own spectral weight. Every room in the building holds a story, and the lines between reality and fiction are constantly blurred.
The author's use of horror as a tool for social commentary is reminiscent of writers like Mariana Enriquez and Ottessa Moshfegh, who also explore the darker corners of modern life. In "The Midnight Timetable", Chung examines the effects of capitalism and precarity on individuals, crafting a world where the slow grind of work erodes the soul.
While the collection has its standout stories, such as the haunting tale of "the Blue Bird" and the unsettling story of "the bodysnatching sheep", the overall effect is that of a "monster-of-the-week" format, with each tale feeling more like an isolated case than part of a cohesive whole. The Institute's sinister atmosphere feels somewhat generic, leaving the reader wondering if it's truly home to the darkness that Chung so skillfully crafts.
Ultimately, "The Midnight Timetable" becomes both its own architecture and the building it describes. It is a collection that defies containment, with stories that seep in from every corner of the Institute. If you dare to enter this haunted world, be prepared for a journey into the very depths of human horror.
Chung skillfully weaves together classic horror tropes with modern themes, creating a sense of unease that permeates every story. The objects within the Institute hold secrets and terrors of their own, from a single shoe to an embroidered handkerchief, each with its own spectral weight. Every room in the building holds a story, and the lines between reality and fiction are constantly blurred.
The author's use of horror as a tool for social commentary is reminiscent of writers like Mariana Enriquez and Ottessa Moshfegh, who also explore the darker corners of modern life. In "The Midnight Timetable", Chung examines the effects of capitalism and precarity on individuals, crafting a world where the slow grind of work erodes the soul.
While the collection has its standout stories, such as the haunting tale of "the Blue Bird" and the unsettling story of "the bodysnatching sheep", the overall effect is that of a "monster-of-the-week" format, with each tale feeling more like an isolated case than part of a cohesive whole. The Institute's sinister atmosphere feels somewhat generic, leaving the reader wondering if it's truly home to the darkness that Chung so skillfully crafts.
Ultimately, "The Midnight Timetable" becomes both its own architecture and the building it describes. It is a collection that defies containment, with stories that seep in from every corner of the Institute. If you dare to enter this haunted world, be prepared for a journey into the very depths of human horror.
! Bora Chung's "The Midnight Timetable" is like stepping into a dark fairy tale that'll haunt your dreams 
. I love how she weaves together old-school horror with modern themes, it's so fresh and terrifying at the same time 
. The way she uses everyday objects as vessels for supernatural terror is GENIUS 
. And while some stories feel like standalone cases, the whole collection feels like this eerie, pulsing entity that gets under your skin 
. Trust me when I say you'll be sleeping with the lights on after reading this one 
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but some of these modern tales just feel like theyre relying too heavily on tropes and generic atmospheres 
. Like what really sets "The Midnight Timetable" apart from all those other spooky research facility stories? Is it just the author's writing style or are there actually some real depth to this place 
? I was kinda underwhelmed by the overall feel of it, but I guess that's just me 
. Still, if you're into that sorta thing, its definitely worth checking out... just don't say Im not warning you 
. Guess you'll just have to go in blind (pun intended) and see if it's worth your sanity... or not 
it feels like you're trapped in that creepy institute with the characters. the way she weaves together classic horror tropes with modern themes is pure genius 
. but what really got me was how she uses horror to comment on our society - capitalism and precarity are so relatable and unsettling 
. still, it's an incredible collection that'll leave you sleeping with the lights on 
I mean don't get me wrong "the Blue Bird" and "the bodysnatching sheep" were literally HAUNTING 
but some of the other tales felt like they were just tacked on 
also I'm still kinda confused about the Institute's atmosphere 
is it supposed to be creepy or just kinda meh? 
but overall it was SOOO good and if u haven't read it yet then u need to like ASAP 
. I mean, who wouldn't be creeped out by a mysterious research facility that's basically a character in itself? 
. Still, I'd highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good fright 
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And the fact that she's using horror to comment on capitalism and precarity? Mind blown 
Can't wait to dive deeper into this haunted world! 
This new short story collection by Bora Chung is like that - it's a twisted web of horrors and social commentary that'll keep you on edge. While some stories shine brighter than others, the atmosphere in "The Midnight Timetable" feels somewhat familiar, but that just adds to its creepy charm. The way Chung explores the darker corners of modern life will have you sleeping with the lights on, but that's what makes it so fascinating! 
I'm still not sure if I love or hate this collection... it's like Chung is holding up a mirror to our darker selves, and it's kinda uncomfortable but also fascinating 
Either way, "The Midnight Timetable" is definitely on my radar for 2025 
. but, gotta say, some stories felt a bit disconnected from each other... like, where did that bodysnatching sheep come from again? 
but sometimes feels a bit generic 
️ still, the stories are so good 
especially "the blue bird" and "bodysnatching sheep" 
overall, it's like trying to contain a monster in a box 
but if you're up for it, i'd totally read it 
. It's like she takes all these dark corners of modern life and shines a light on them, even if it's just to make you feel uncomfortable 
. But omg, the stories that feel like standalone cases kinda break the vibe of the whole collection 
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. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on 
I gotta say, Bora Chung's "The Midnight Timetable" is giving me major vibes of existential dread 
. Still, if you're looking for a thought-provoking and unsettling read, "The Midnight Timetable" is definitely worth checking out 
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! But if I had to pick a quibble, it'd be that the Institute's atmosphere kinda feels like a generic horror trope