Early enigmatic Vollman showcases his profuse and prodigious proficiency. The "rainbow" of 1989 lacks the baggage of subsequent idiom. Therefore, within it, you'll encounter a diverse spectrum of stories.

The Visible Spectrum: Traces the colored lines in a hospital's corridors.

The White Knights: Presents a skinhead dystopia.

Red Hands: Compares an IRA assassin and a lab researcher euthanizing mice.

Ladies and Red Lights: Documents the author's research in San Francisco.

Scintillant Orange: Features Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Yellow Rose: Focuses on a girl named Jenny and includes a Korean glossary of Hanja ideograms.

The Yellow Sugar: Involves Jhora Naek and the Multan Thugs, with a Hindustani/Ramasee glossary (e.g., Bhutote - Strangler).

The Green Dress: Details the act of burglarizing a neighbor's clothing.

The Blue Wallet: Revisits Jenny (from Yellow Rose) and Marisa (from The White Knights).

The Blue Yonder: Tells of a serial killer using Drano on victims.

The Indigo Engineers: Deals with robotics.

Violet Hair: Somehow incorporates Martin Heidegger, with a glossary including Dasein, Ontic, etc.

X-Ray Visions: Presents patient histories along with trauma X-rays, like bullets in a boy's back.

February 20, 2024.

The little vanities of those whom the human race has excreted are so sinister because we know by them that there must be consciousness in those skulls. - from the Blue Yonder

Indeed, this statement holds a certain truth. It makes us ponder about the hidden aspects of human nature.

Rainbow Stories is the best portrait I've yet encountered of my adopted city. It vividly描绘s the unique charm and characteristics of the place. Reading it, I am filled with a sense of curiosity and a desire to get to know my neighbors better.

Mr. Vollmann is truly a great writer. His works are not only literary masterpieces but also a reflection of his ferocious humanism. He has a deep understanding and compassion for the human condition, which is evident in his writing.

Overall, these words and works have left a profound impact on me, making me think more deeply about the world around me and the people in it.

Years ago, after reading this, I couldn't help but wish that someone else had read it too. There is truly great potential for making interesting observations within its pages. However, Vollmann seems to be overly self-absorbed and extremely proud of himself for taking所谓的“risks.” As time has passed, he has indeed proven to be the pseudo-intellectual that was hinted at here. In a sense, reading this was somewhat entertaining, especially since I was familiar with the places and a number of the people involved. But it really could have been so much more. It had the makings of a truly remarkable piece, yet it fell short due to Vollmann's excessive self-focus. It's a pity that such potential was not fully realized.

Some stories were truly remarkable, while others were a real struggle to endure.

Certainly, some of them have not withstood the test of time well. However, for the most part, the prose is distinct and captivating.

The stories that I relished the most were "The Indigo Engineers", "The Green Dress", "Xray-Visions" and the tales about Bootwoman Marissa.

"The Indigo Engineers" presented a fascinating world with its unique concept and engaging narrative.

"The Green Dress" had an air of mystery and charm that kept me hooked from start to finish.

"Xray-Visions" offered a thought-provoking exploration of a particular theme.

And the stories about Bootwoman Marissa were filled with vivid characters and exciting adventures.

Together, these stories made the collection a worthwhile read, despite the few that didn't quite measure up.