Friday, Jan 23, 2026

Review by Mark Ziesing

I read Julia Elliott’s earlier collection, THE WILDS and loved it. I read her novel THE NEW AND IMPROVED ROMIE FUTCH and thoroughly enjoyed it too. This new collection. . . it’s different. . it’s nothing short of incredible. Heretofore, my favorite living writer was Karen Russell. I still think the world of her writing. However, I have a new favorite living writer and her name is Julia Elliott. Hellions is the kind of book you can give to a teenager who doesn’t like to read and make them a lifelong reader. Hellions is the kind of book you can give to a stuffy academic who only reads classics to unstuffify them. It’s the kind of book you can give to a recovering substance abuser to show them that there’s an alternative way to get to that surreal landscape that doesn’t involve mind-altering substances. I’m trying to think of adjectives that work. All of these: bitchin’, kooky, surreal, outre. . . they just don’t work. Literary, inventive, wacky, wild, goofy, thoughtful, emotional, heartfelt. . . nothing works. At the end of the day, I’ll just say that I loved these stories, each and every one. . and I’ve never read anything like them before. There is something new on the literary landscape. There is something new on the weird fiction channel. There is a way to reinvigorate your love for reading, even if you already love to read. Please, give yourself a treat and try this book on for size. I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed.