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A review by jjenreads
She's Always Hungry by Eliza Clark
5.0
Eliza Clark's debut short story collection is a masterclass in dark humor, visceral storytelling, and unflinching explorations of human hunger. This bold and visionary work cements Clark's status as a fearless and innovative writer.
Each story in the collection is a razor-sharp examination of our most primal desires, from the literal (a woman hosting a parasite) to the metaphorical (a teenager's quest for flawless skin). Clark's prose is both lyrical and unsettling, conjuring an atmosphere of creeping unease that lingers long after the final page is turned.
The collection's strength lies in its versatility, effortlessly shifting between genres and tones while maintaining a cohesive narrative thread. Clark's characters are multidimensional and relatable, their struggles and triumphs rendered with unflinching honesty.
Standouts include the opening story, which sets the tone for the collection's exploration of bodily autonomy and the blurring of boundaries, and the haunting tale of the scientist tending to alien flora, which raises poignant questions about our responsibility to the natural world.
Throughout, Clark's signature dark humor adds a layer of complexity, making even the most uncomfortable themes palatable. This is a collection that will appeal to fans of Carmen Maria Machado, Ottessa Moshfegh, and anyone who revels in the unconventional.
Recommendation: For readers who crave bold, genre-pushing fiction that lingers in the psyche long after the final page is turned. Be prepared for a wild ride into the depths of human hunger.
Each story in the collection is a razor-sharp examination of our most primal desires, from the literal (a woman hosting a parasite) to the metaphorical (a teenager's quest for flawless skin). Clark's prose is both lyrical and unsettling, conjuring an atmosphere of creeping unease that lingers long after the final page is turned.
The collection's strength lies in its versatility, effortlessly shifting between genres and tones while maintaining a cohesive narrative thread. Clark's characters are multidimensional and relatable, their struggles and triumphs rendered with unflinching honesty.
Standouts include the opening story, which sets the tone for the collection's exploration of bodily autonomy and the blurring of boundaries, and the haunting tale of the scientist tending to alien flora, which raises poignant questions about our responsibility to the natural world.
Throughout, Clark's signature dark humor adds a layer of complexity, making even the most uncomfortable themes palatable. This is a collection that will appeal to fans of Carmen Maria Machado, Ottessa Moshfegh, and anyone who revels in the unconventional.
Recommendation: For readers who crave bold, genre-pushing fiction that lingers in the psyche long after the final page is turned. Be prepared for a wild ride into the depths of human hunger.