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literaryhaunt 's review for:
The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories
by Eric LaRocca
So, initial reaction: WOW. Wow wow wow!
A more clear reaction: The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories is a powerful collection of horror short stories that cover a variety of characters and circumstances. This was my introduction to LaRocca and I felt very satisfied with the impression this author made! These stories were absolutely harrowing and at times devastating, while keeping me as a reader absolutely enthralled. I was also really impressed with the queer representation offered in this collection.
I actually thought that every story had its own draw, which is unusual for a collection in my experience. LaRocca's skill as a storyteller stays consistent, however, throughout the entire book. The first story, "You Follow Wherever They Go," sets the tone for the collection with its building, ominous tone. I thought that was a perfect starting point.
"Bodies Are for Burning" was a shock with its violent and terrible internal monologue of a woman who is obsessed by thoughts of setting others on fire, but is still a relatable story for those dealing with intrusive thoughts. This one could hold up all on its own. I loved it.
"The Strange Thing We Become" and "You're Not Supposed to Be Here" offer unique perspectives on terminal illness and child abduction, respectively. These were gut wrenching and so thought provoking.
"The Trees Grew Because I Bled There" is one of the most satisfying stories in the collection and is tied for my favorite. This one explores what could be interpreted as an abusive relationship in which one partner "collects" body parts from the other. Absolutely chilling, I could have read an entire novel based on this story alone.
"Where Flames Burned Emerald as Grass" and "I'll Be Gone by Then" both explore familial relationships. Both left me aching, but they were the additions I would say I was less interested in if I had to. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed them.
The final story, "Please Leave or I'm Going to Hurt You," may be controversial due to its exploration of a relationship between a son pining for his father, but it is a beautifully tragic and compelling piece of art. While I obviously don't condone the subject matter here, I found the writing of it really unique and that was a strong pull. This one, along with "The Trees Grew Because I Bled There" were easily the stars of the collection for me. Overall, Eric LaRocca has absolutely won me over, and this collection is a must-read for horror fans. Now, I'm off to devour anything and everything else by him.
Thanks so so much to Titan Books for the opportunity to read an eGalley of this collection in ahead of its release on 03/07/2023 in exchange for my honest thoughts.
A more clear reaction: The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories is a powerful collection of horror short stories that cover a variety of characters and circumstances. This was my introduction to LaRocca and I felt very satisfied with the impression this author made! These stories were absolutely harrowing and at times devastating, while keeping me as a reader absolutely enthralled. I was also really impressed with the queer representation offered in this collection.
I actually thought that every story had its own draw, which is unusual for a collection in my experience. LaRocca's skill as a storyteller stays consistent, however, throughout the entire book. The first story, "You Follow Wherever They Go," sets the tone for the collection with its building, ominous tone. I thought that was a perfect starting point.
"Bodies Are for Burning" was a shock with its violent and terrible internal monologue of a woman who is obsessed by thoughts of setting others on fire, but is still a relatable story for those dealing with intrusive thoughts. This one could hold up all on its own. I loved it.
"The Strange Thing We Become" and "You're Not Supposed to Be Here" offer unique perspectives on terminal illness and child abduction, respectively. These were gut wrenching and so thought provoking.
"The Trees Grew Because I Bled There" is one of the most satisfying stories in the collection and is tied for my favorite. This one explores what could be interpreted as an abusive relationship in which one partner "collects" body parts from the other. Absolutely chilling, I could have read an entire novel based on this story alone.
"Where Flames Burned Emerald as Grass" and "I'll Be Gone by Then" both explore familial relationships. Both left me aching, but they were the additions I would say I was less interested in if I had to. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed them.
The final story, "Please Leave or I'm Going to Hurt You," may be controversial due to its exploration of a relationship between a son pining for his father, but it is a beautifully tragic and compelling piece of art. While I obviously don't condone the subject matter here, I found the writing of it really unique and that was a strong pull. This one, along with "The Trees Grew Because I Bled There" were easily the stars of the collection for me. Overall, Eric LaRocca has absolutely won me over, and this collection is a must-read for horror fans. Now, I'm off to devour anything and everything else by him.
Thanks so so much to Titan Books for the opportunity to read an eGalley of this collection in ahead of its release on 03/07/2023 in exchange for my honest thoughts.