By Angie E.

Machado’s narratives delve into the emotional and physical vulnerabilities of characters, challenging traditional notions of strength and weakness. Her stories often blur the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a space where vulnerability is not a flaw, but a powerful force in its own right.

“Especially Heinous: 272 Views of Law & Order SVU” is a novella written by Carmen Maria Machado in 2013. It unfolds through 272 synopses, each encapsulating a distinct perspective from the initial 12 seasons of the police procedural series of the same name. Originally published in The American Reader in May 2013, “Especially Heinous” features parallel universe versions of Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson and is included in Machado’s 2017 short story compilation, Her Body and Other Parties.

Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties dissects power imbalances in various forms. Through a series of surreal and haunting tales, Machado explores the ways in which power is wielded, misused, and resisted, often using the female body as a focal point for her narratives. The stories challenge societal norms, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of power and its implications. Despite the unusual nature of “Especially Heinous” (and how it deviates from the actual SVU), the story fits perfectly within the anthology. Law and Order: SVU itself and Her Body and Other Parties may exist in different realms of storytelling, but their thematic resonance is undeniable.

Moving from short story collection to memoir, Machado has also written In The Dream House, which takes readers on an intimate journey through the author’s experiences. She opens up about her past relationship with an abusive partner, exploring the complexities of domestic abuse within the LGBTQ+ community. Structured as a series of interconnected essays, In The Dream House defies traditional memoir conventions. Machado employs various literary forms, from folklore to lesbian pulp fiction, to recount her harrowing experiences. The result is a poignant and powerful narrative that sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of abuse within queer relationships.

Machado’s exposed and raw honesty are palpable in every page, inviting readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of abuse. In The Dream House not only serves as a personal catharsis for Machado, but also as a vital contribution to the ongoing conversation about abuse within the marginalized.

In The Dream House is available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.