Reviews tagging 'Suicide'

It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror by Joe Vallese

4 reviews

jayisreading's review

dark informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

The affinity that a number of queer people have with the monstrous is one that is explored in depth in this essay collection. I was invested in what each contributor had to say about their thoughts on their queer identity in relation to a horror film of their choice, which ranged from classic slashers to non-US horror films. Furthermore, this is an incredibly diverse collection of essays, not only in terms of how queerness is defined, but many of these authors also consider their race and/or disability. The contributors’ respective reflections really revealed the complexities of how the monster has been defined by culture and society, some taking a more academic tone when discussing this, while others had a more conversational tone.

Like any edited collection, I found some essays stronger than others. Overall, though, I’d say that it’s rather difficult to call any of them weak. Well worth picking up if you’re interested in horror (and a number of these essays don’t shy away from it, fair warning) and queerness. Relatedly, I recommend picking up Queer Little Nightmares: An Anthology of Monstrous Fiction and Poetry edited by David Ly and Daniel Zomparelli, if you’re looking for more queer monstrosity.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Blood, Body horror, Gore, Violence, Ableism, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Medical content, Racism, and Transphobia

Moderate: Biphobia, Death, Miscarriage, Murder, Pregnancy, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Alcoholism, Deportation, Forced institutionalization, Pandemic/Epidemic, Pedophilia, and Suicide

theyellowbrickreader's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide

voxlunae's review against another edition

informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.5

I really liked this book! As an essay collection, it is remarkable how evenly good it is. There were very few essays that I liked less than others, and only a few that were notably better. I especially liked "Loving Annie Hayworth," though. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide, Murder, and Sexual assault

dragongirl271's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Miscarriage

Moderate: Body horror

Minor: Self harm, Suicide, and Child abuse