Dead Inside

Where do I start? Jesus, where can I start?

This one isn't for everyone, that should be obvious, its reputation precedes it. The subject matter is grim to say the least. To. Say. The. Least. But the pitch dark theme is counterbalanced by Chandler Morrison's stunning, at times almost poetic prose. Morrison is clearly a gifted author, crafting a story that, despite its bleak, nihilistic tone, flows in a way that will make you want to endure it, to keep with it to the bitter end. A story that will linger on after you've reached that end, provided that you have the stomach for it.

So a necrophiliac and a cannibal walk into a bar...well actually it was a restaurant but whatever.

I bought this book because just about everyone was talking about it last year. Now that I've read it I'm not sure what to do with it. It's not a book that I will display proudly on my shelves. It's not a book I would feel comfortable donating, it's not even a book that I would want anyone to find in my belongings after I'm gone. I'm barely willing to admit that I've read it. The writing is mediocre and the plot if you could call it that is gross just for the sake of shock value. I like my horror to be scary, and this is not it. I guess I would recommend it to readers who like gross out horror. I would not recommend it for anyone who expects it to be as claimed in the synopsis "disturbingly erotic" or a "dark exploration of the nature of death"

I figured I could handle it since I've read a lot of Edward Lee, the author who holds the distinction of writing the only book that ever literally made me gag, I was right, I made it to the end without throwing up, but I prefer to get more out of a book than just not vomiting.