A Few Interesting Notes, But Mostly Off-Key

I picked up Jim Stein's Strange Tidings hoping for an intriguing and perhaps unsettling dive into the unknown, drawn by the promise of peculiar events and unfolding mysteries. Unfortunately, while the book had a few moments that hinted at its potential, it largely left me feeling disconnected and underwhelmed.

The concept itself has a certain appeal, touching on the bizarre and the unexplained. There were brief flashes where the narrative hinted at something genuinely creepy or thought-provoking, and a few of the "strange tidings" themselves were initially interesting to ponder. For readers who enjoy very abstract or unconventional storytelling, there might be a sliver of intrigue in the book's less straightforward approach.

However, the primary issue I encountered was the execution. The narrative felt incredibly disjointed, often jumping between ideas or scenes without clear transitions or a cohesive through-line. This made it very difficult to follow the plot, if one could truly call it that, or to understand the connections between the various "strange tidings." The pacing was inconsistent, sometimes moving too slowly through mundane details, and at other times rushing past potentially significant events without proper development.

The characters, if they can be called such, were largely undeveloped and served more as conduits for events than as relatable individuals. I found it impossible to connect with them or care about their experiences, as their motivations and reactions often felt obscure. The "mystery" or the underlying purpose of the strange occurrences remained frustratingly vague, leading to a sense of confusion rather than curiosity. The emotional impact was virtually nonexistent, and the overall impression was one of a collection of oddities that never quite formed a meaningful whole.

Ultimately, Strange Tidings felt like an experimental piece that didn't quite land. While it has a unique premise, its fragmented narrative, underdeveloped characters, and lack of clear direction made it a challenging and ultimately unrewarding read. It might appeal to a very niche audience looking for something truly unconventional, but for me, it simply didn't resonate.