You can’t say you don’t know what you’re getting with Nine Drawings by Crystal Peel (though one is technically a watercolour). This is a nicely designed little booklet that features some of Peel’s sinister yet lovely artwork, along with interpretations of the pieces by a medley cast of writers. The writing–mostly poetry and flash fiction–is okay if flawed. I felt Erica Mawson’s dark narrative poem had the most potential, but unfortunately the disjointed rhythm really killed the piece. As for the art, Peel’s simpler ink drawings are probably her best (Plates 4 and 6) though everything here is a pleasure to look at –provided you aren’t scared off by the dark, gothic undertones. (Michael Tau)
art/litzine, Crystal Peel, [email protected]