I definitely want to read more books by this author.Ĭontent warnings include mention of child abuse, death by suicide, death of animals, homophobia, miscarriage, racism and suicidal ideation.

The story that’s going to stay with me the longest is Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, especially the scene describing Agnes’ dinner. The son’s manner of death in The Enchantment didn’t seem physically possible but, because it fit with one of the themes of the story, I wasn’t overly concerned about the question marks that popped up over my head when I read about it. There’s a common theme of connection and some very memorable scenes of body horror. While I wish there were more stories included, I enjoyed all three. His discovery leads him to his neighbour’s home, where the stakes are raised. Fowler finds something in his backyard that shouldn’t be there. Parents grieving the loss of their son become winter caretakers on an island. “What have you done today to deserve your eyes?”

And to think, this all happened because of an apple peeler. It’s compelling and cringey and unsettling, and I couldn’t look away. This redacted communication give you unprecedented access to their relationship, which continually ups the ante in its toxicity.

Over the course of three months, Agnes and Zoe exchanged a series of emails and instant messages. Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke Julia Lloyd’s cover art might have been what brought me here in the first place but I was sucked in by each of the three stories included in this collection.

It's gotten worse since we last spoke