Book Review
She’s Always Hungry
reviewed by Warner Holme
Eliza Clark’s She’s Always Hungry is a striking collection of short stories by an author whose talent is already well-established. Known for her award-winning novels like Boy Parts, Clark brings an assortment of dark, disturbing, and grotesque tales together in this anthology. Beneath the unsettling surface of her stories lies a wealth of thought-provoking themes and clever insights.
The titular story begins with a whimsical nursery rhyme about fish before taking a sharp turn into a gritty bar scene, brimming with tension and conflict. The narrative delivers sharp observations, such as the line, “The covenant of men was fickle,” which flips the script, allowing a woman to take on the role of “othering” often seen in crime stories. The interplay between fairy tale-like language and pulpy, raw prose is a testament to Clark’s skill, reminiscent of her longer works. This blending of genres and tones is especially fitting as the story reimagines fairy tale elements through a horrific and unsettling lens, deftly incorporating themes of gender and power dynamics.
In contrast, “Shake Well” ventures into gross-out territory. Beginning with a narrator reflecting on an abusive parental relationship, the story moves into a vividly grotesque exploration of pimple-popping, a detail that is both viscerally off-putting and thematically rich. As the protagonist engages in a troubling relationship with an older drug dealer and stumbles upon an illicit acne treatment, the story delves into profound ideas about self-image and the pressures that lead to self-destruction. While the narrative focuses on women and girls, its exploration of acne-related insecurities also broadens to encompass a more universal critique of societal beauty standards. The result is both unsettling and brilliant.
In addition to the stories, the collection features a thoughtful afterword in which Clark acknowledges her influences and collaborators. While it’s not an in-depth exploration of the individual pieces, it offers a welcome glimpse into her creative process.
For readers already familiar with Clark’s work, She’s Always Hungry is a must-read addition that showcases her range and versatility. Newcomers will find this collection an excellent entry point into her unique and compelling voice. The stories span multiple genres—thriller, horror, literary fiction—each bringing a fresh perspective and inventive twist. While not every story will resonate with every reader, the anthology as a whole is highly recommended for its originality, craft, and emotional depth.
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