A review by marprokup
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRocca

dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was bewildering, agonizing, thrilling, and fantastic. I read the entire book in one sitting. It will make you squirm, and (I mean this in the best way possible) I understand how and why this book has mixed reviews. It's definitely meant for a very specific audience, and thus many view this book as off-putting. However, as someone in the LGBTQ+ community who has previously engaged in a toxic, online relationship and chatrooms (I feel inclined to say it was not nearly as grotesque as the relationship explored in this book!!!)... it nevertheless hit very differently for me than it probably will for the majority of readers. If you read the trigger warnings, enjoy reading about twisted characters and grotesque imagery, identify with the LGBTQ+ community, and/or have history with online chatrooms, I highly recommend reading (especially since it's such a quick read)!

A side note for readers still on-the-fence about this book: Look up Ivan Albright and pull up images of his paintings. I feel like is artwork pretty efficiently encapsulates the tone of this book (plus he's one of my favorite artists of all time).
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