A review by kimothay
Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor

dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is my first Brandon Taylor read! Short story collections are usually not my favorite because I very much need detailed, direct character development to thoroughly get invested in a story. However, I enjoyed many of the stories in this collection and I’m interested to read more of Taylor’s work. This is definitely a dark read with lots of content/trigger warnings; however, since the main theme of the book is how humans seek connection but resort to violence, it was to be expected. I would have liked to see more character development or addressing of core problems, but overall, I enjoyed the collection. The standout for me was Anne of Cleves. 

Potluck: 4/5
Little Beast: 4/5
Flesh: 3.5/5
As Though That Were Love: 3.5/5
Proctoring: 4/5
Filthy Animals: 3/5
Mass: 2.5/5 
Anne of Cleves: 4.5/5 
Apartment: 3/5 
What Made Them Made You: 4/5
Meat: 3/5 
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