Skin
Kathe Koja
Meerkat Press (April 22, 2025)
Reviewed by Nora B. Peevy
When I sat down to read this book I had no idea the ride I was in for. The only thing I knew was that it was a book from Meerkat Press, it was originally published thirty years ago, and it was body horror. My eyes practically popped out of my head by the end of this story. If you are afraid of extreme body mutilation or cutting, this is not the book for you. But I have to confess, I kind of dug it. Partly because it was a love story about two strong women and partly because it was a journey to find what art and spirituality really are for each individual.
Tess is a kickass welder who makes awesome sculpture and BiBi is a performance artist. When the two meet, the world ignites. And it doesn’t stop. They take their performance art further and further, pushing themselves so far that Tess isn’t even sure BiBi can come back from the edge.
If you’re looking for a book about two strong women characters who take on the meaning of difficult questions, this book is for you. Oh, and there’s enough blood and gore for other enthusiasts too.
