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A review by isaiahh
Exquisite Corpse by Poppy Z. Brite
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Horror is not my preferred genre of literature (or of anything, for that matter), and gore makes me feel like my bones and organs are too big for my body. But when a book promises me unhinged gay serial killers and cannibalism, what can I do but give in?
When I say Exquisite Corpse is unhinged, please know I mean it with all my heart. It has got all the Trigger Warnings, Content Warnings—it is full of disgusting things... And I adored it.
Before writing this review, I was asking myself how to possibly do so without seeming weird myself for saying I truly, deeply enjoyed a book that deals with such dark themes. Then I reminded myself fiction is exactly that, fiction. And if reading about a gay serial killer faking his death to get out of prison and kill more boys is what floats my boat, then so be it. Reminder for everyone: what we like to read is not necessarily a reflection of our values and morals! This was my PSA!
Now, I'm obligated to tell you, ask you, BEG you, to please check TWs for this crazy little gem because it truly is full of disgusting, gruesome, vile things, some described in ghastly details.
When I say Exquisite Corpse is unhinged, please know I mean it with all my heart. It has got all the Trigger Warnings, Content Warnings—it is full of disgusting things... And I adored it.
Before writing this review, I was asking myself how to possibly do so without seeming weird myself for saying I truly, deeply enjoyed a book that deals with such dark themes. Then I reminded myself fiction is exactly that, fiction. And if reading about a gay serial killer faking his death to get out of prison and kill more boys is what floats my boat, then so be it. Reminder for everyone: what we like to read is not necessarily a reflection of our values and morals! This was my PSA!
Now, I'm obligated to tell you, ask you, BEG you, to please check TWs for this crazy little gem because it truly is full of disgusting, gruesome, vile things, some described in ghastly details.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Cannibalism, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Rape, Self harm, and Suicide
Minor: Alcoholism, Xenophobia, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Vomit, Animal death, and Incest