I Can Fix Her

This bizarre and often baffling sapphic horror novella from Wilde (I Do Not Apologize for My Position on Men) centers on a doomed love story. Narrated by an unknown observer who warns of a coming disaster, the plot follows Johnny as she reunites with her ex-girlfriend Alice, with whom she is unhealthily obsessed. There’s an odd feeling of déjà vu when the women run into each other at a bar, after which Alice invites Johnny back to her place, where she seems willing to reignite the relationship. Johnny is thrilled and eager to make it work this time, even if they both have to change aspects of themselves. The next day, however, strange glitches appear: Alice’s dog is a different breed, and Alice’s hair is cut in a different style. As these strange occurrences ramp up in frequency and impact, readers will struggle to understand the rules guiding this series of fantastical events—and struggle even more to understand why Johnny is so into Alice, who comes across as entirely unpleasant. Without investment in the women’s relationship to ground the surreal plot, it’s hard to care about what’s going on. Wilde’s concept has promise, but the execution leaves something to be desired. (June)