'Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke' - Review

by Samantha Shawking

*Reposted from my Instagram.

Last night, I finished Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRocca in one sitting. And I have a lot to say.

First, this book is unnerving, which makes it one hell of a good horror story. I will refrain from specific spoilers, but please be aware that the story is heavily seasoned with disturbing and violent imagery that may be triggering.

There were a few times I literally squirmed in my seat and had to put the book down. It's been a long time since a book crept that deep into my skin. I had to stop and catch my breath after reading about the Little Christ. If you know, you know.

Second, the prose is gorgeous. I'm a sucker for quotes and analogies that make me stop, admire, and think. I plan on flipping through the book once more and flagging my favorite lines.

Third, and on a very personal note, this book struck a chord with me and brought back some strange memories. In the MySpace and Instant Messenger days, I was a lonely, unpopular tween searching for interactions and attention. I met a lot of strangers online that I could only identify by a small, blurry picture/icon and the text conversations we had.

As I reflect on my past internet life as a 28-year-old, I know that a lot of my emotions were influenced by those strangers' words. And I'm sure many of them did not have my best interest at heart. I never truly let those strangers into my life, but I understand now how easily it could have happened.

The body horror is stomach-churning; the characters' actions are shocking, but the scariest part of this novella is how quickly and easily a vulnerable person can be manipulated. And it's terrifyingly realistic.

5/5 stars.

"What have you done today to deserve your eyes?"