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A review by schuster_s
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke And Other Misfortunes by Eric LaRocca
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is three short stories about the "indescribable itch to connect with someone, something."
The first novella is disturbing in a good way. Two women trying to find connection online in a queer community board. One is pushing the boundaries of her dark desires, and the other one just wants to feel loved in any way possible. How badly someone wants something shows us how far they will go to get it, whether that's a human baby, or just a tapeworm.
The second novella was great. I would love to see a film adaptation of this. An estranged couple get a note from their son who commits suicide reading: "If you and dad love me as much as you say you do, you'll stay together after this...No matter what." We then travel with them to a seasonal hotel on an island off the coast of New England. ON their first night, a traveler appears. He seems to be the long lost son of the husband, and soon the wife feels as though he's not a human, but an angel with a message from their dead son.
The final story is about a man who finds a bone with his neighbor's initials on it. When he goes to ask him about it, he ends up getting caught in a series of bets. As he completes the challenges successfully, racking up more cash, the challenges get stranger. How far will he go to appease this man and be a polite gentleman?
I think this was a quick read and a nice suspenseful book. This made me uncomfortable in the best way possible, and it reminds me that being polite isn't what's always best, and that I should remember that people on the internet get to wear a mask 24/7... their intentions are not always what's best for the viewer/reader.
The first novella is disturbing in a good way. Two women trying to find connection online in a queer community board. One is pushing the boundaries of her dark desires, and the other one just wants to feel loved in any way possible. How badly someone wants something shows us how far they will go to get it, whether that's a human baby, or just a tapeworm.
The second novella was great. I would love to see a film adaptation of this. An estranged couple get a note from their son who commits suicide reading: "If you and dad love me as much as you say you do, you'll stay together after this...No matter what." We then travel with them to a seasonal hotel on an island off the coast of New England. ON their first night, a traveler appears. He seems to be the long lost son of the husband, and soon the wife feels as though he's not a human, but an angel with a message from their dead son.
The final story is about a man who finds a bone with his neighbor's initials on it. When he goes to ask him about it, he ends up getting caught in a series of bets. As he completes the challenges successfully, racking up more cash, the challenges get stranger. How far will he go to appease this man and be a polite gentleman?
I think this was a quick read and a nice suspenseful book. This made me uncomfortable in the best way possible, and it reminds me that being polite isn't what's always best, and that I should remember that people on the internet get to wear a mask 24/7... their intentions are not always what's best for the viewer/reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Self harm, and Suicide
Minor: Gore, Miscarriage, Vomit, and Pregnancy