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A review by kastygian
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRocca
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The beginning of the book was very intriguing, and I was excited to see where it went. However, it kind of fell short of my expectations.
Short stories are great, but only when they can effectively fit a fully fledged story in a small amount of pages. This book could have been, and should have been longer. I wish the relationship between Zoe and Agnes was more developed.
Plot spoilers:
There could have been a great opportunity to really revel in the depraved, codependent nature of their relationship and build up to the more shocking moments with more instances of weird and horrific acts to prove Agnes’ commitment to Zoe and Zoe’s deranged and manipulative motives. It would have made it a little more believable and shocking that Agnes would eventually go to the lengths she did, and would’ve made Zoe’s revelation more devastating.
Also, Agnes’ overwhelming need to have a baby and making that such an important part of her relationship with Zoe almost immediately kind felt like it came out of nowhere.
I just feel like developing the relationship between the two characters would’ve reinforced the categorization of a “queer horror story” rather than a horror story where the characters happen to be queer.
All that said, I enjoyed the writing style, the premise, and I think the ending would’ve been perfect if the rest of the book was more fleshed out.
Short stories are great, but only when they can effectively fit a fully fledged story in a small amount of pages. This book could have been, and should have been longer. I wish the relationship between Zoe and Agnes was more developed.
Plot spoilers:
There could have been a great opportunity to really revel in the depraved, codependent nature of their relationship and build up to the more shocking moments with more instances of weird and horrific acts to prove Agnes’ commitment to Zoe and Zoe’s deranged and manipulative motives. It would have made it a little more believable and shocking that Agnes would eventually go to the lengths she did, and would’ve made Zoe’s revelation more devastating.
Also, Agnes’ overwhelming need to have a baby and making that such an important part of her relationship with Zoe almost immediately kind felt like it came out of nowhere.
I just feel like developing the relationship between the two characters would’ve reinforced the categorization of a “queer horror story” rather than a horror story where the characters happen to be queer.
All that said, I enjoyed the writing style, the premise, and I think the ending would’ve been perfect if the rest of the book was more fleshed out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Gore, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts