Scan barcode
A review by disyarning
They Were Here Before Us by Eric LaRocca
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
For your own sake, heed the content warnings at the start of the book.
If you can stomach it: Lyrical, evocative prose combined with intensely uncomfortable, frequently disturbing, sometimes gory, imagery and themes. LaRocca uses horror to explore how love can unravel us, from unexpected perspectives. Some of the shorter stories are equal parts humour and horror, while others (particularly the final two) are viscerally horrifying with zero levity. I can't say I liked every story, but I didn't regret reading the book.
If you can stomach it: Lyrical, evocative prose combined with intensely uncomfortable, frequently disturbing, sometimes gory, imagery and themes. LaRocca uses horror to explore how love can unravel us, from unexpected perspectives. Some of the shorter stories are equal parts humour and horror, while others (particularly the final two) are viscerally horrifying with zero levity. I can't say I liked every story, but I didn't regret reading the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail