Reviews with content warning for Dysphoria - Bound in Flesh: An Anthology of Trans Body Horror

I always seem to find anthologies hit or miss and this book fits that pattern. A lot of the stories leaned into the weird transgressive space body horror offers as a playground in a way that was really interesting even if I couldn't say I enjoyed it, and the trans lens in many of the stories was really compelling. However there were a few that were stretching the limits (heh) of what I would consider body horror and one story I outright hated, so I'm rounding the average at 3/5.

Top faves: Long Fingers by Layne Van Rensberg, Lady Davelina's Last Pet by Charles-Elizabeth Boyles, Man of the House by Lillian Boyd.

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schomj's review

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adventurous challenging dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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mythian's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I had never considered how the trans experience could be related to body horror before, but having read this book, I think it was a brilliant idea to put this collection together. The horror elements put the reader at unease with the main character's situation and their body, encouraging empathetic connections with someone of a different gender or lived experience than yours. Many of these characters have a strong sense of identity-- they know what is right for them, and when something is wrong, you can feel how disturbing the situation is. The characters also often very driven; they go for what they want, even if it may seem horrific to others.

I found several stories empowering, but there are just as many that I found really gross and disturbing. That all comes down to personal preference, but this is a reminder to be in the right headspace when reading this book, as there is frequently quite vitriolic imagery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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enchantressreads's review

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challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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sdsmith80's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Usually collections and anthologies take me longer to read, but I whipped through this one in less than a day. The stories range from gross to heartbreaking, with a wide range in-between.

The first story does a great job of setting the tone and greatly reminded me of a certain Soska Sisters film that's a personal favorite of mine, and it's definitely the entry I enjoyed the most, for that reason.

Other tales I would love to see adapted, especially Mama Was a Butcher, and Man of the House. I could picture them vividly and it would be great to see what they become onscreen.

In the Garden of Horn, The Naked Magic Thrives is another beautiful story from Hailey Piper, and oh, I want to know more! I want to see what happens next!

I don't think I can say much more without giving spoilers, which I really don't want to do. What I can say is if you're a fan of body horror, you need to check this out!

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