BOOK REVIEW: THE STRANGE THINGS WE BECOME AND OTHER DARK TALES BY ERIC LAROCCA

18/1/2022

The Strange Thing We Become and Other Dark Tales by Eric LaRocca

A horror fiction review by Astrid Addams

First thing of note about this anthology is that as I read on, the stories got better and felt less fantastical and extreme. But more heartbreakingly plausible. And for me, frighteningly more relatable, yes we all have dark fantasies like the narrator in Bodies are for Burning, but I find it hard to believe that myself or the majority of people would suffer such illusions strongly enough that acting on them is inevitable. I do, however find the concepts of child snatching, parental abandonment and forbidden love far more relatable. You’re Not Supposed to Be Here and I’ll Be Gone By Then were the stories that tugged the most at my heart, especially I’ll Be Gone By Then which was particularly heartbreakingly tragic for me and I dare say will be for others.

As well as heartbreakingly human horror, this anthology features a fair amount of body and more extreme horror, the suspenseful tale of You’re Not Supposed to be here fits into this category somewhat. But for me the stand out most extreme body horror story in the anthology was The Trees Grew Because I Bled There, a surreal and monstrous story of giving everything to the person you love and it not being returned.

All in all, this is an eclectic mixture of disturbing stories, and there is probably a story for everyone. There are a few recurring themes throughout the anthology including mutilation, homosexuality, failing relationships, unrequited love and making highly questionable decisions.

There are a couple of stories that I felt were below the standard of the others but most of the stories were complex, entertaining and well written.

The Strange Thing We Become and Other Dark Tales collects eight stories of literary dark fiction. Tense and terrifying, these masterful stories by Eric LaRocca explore the shadow side of love.

You Follow Wherever They Go
Bodies Are for Burning
The Strange Thing We Become
The Trees Grew Because I Bled There
You're Not Supposed to Be Here
Where Flames Burned Emerald as Grass
I'll Be Gone by Then
Please Leave or I'm Going to Hurt You