In her debut short story collection, She’s Always Hungry, Eliza Clark serves up a banquet of unsettling tales that probe the depths of human desire, consumption, and transformation. Following her acclaimed novels Boy Parts and Penance, Clark demonstrates her mastery of the short form with ten stories that range from body horror to post-apocalyptic fiction, each examining different facets of hunger – both literal and metaphorical.
Strengths and Style
Clark’s greatest strength lies in her ability to blend the mundane with the monstrous. Her prose is sharp and unflinching, often laced with dark humor that makes the horror more palatable while simultaneously heightening its impact. The collection showcases her talent for creating distinctive voices and atmosphere, particularly evident in stories like “She’s Always Hungry” and “The Shadow Over Little Chitaly.”
Notable Stories and Themes
The Title Story: “She’s Always Hungry”
The collection’s namesake piece presents a haunting tale of a matriarchal fishing village where men are subjugated and mysterious creatures lurk beneath the surface. Clark’s writing here is particularly atmospheric, combining folk horror elements with a compelling exploration of gender dynamics and power structures.
“Build a Body Like Mine”
Perhaps the collection’s most disturbing entry, this story tackles disordered eating through a supernatural lens. Clark’s unflinching portrayal of body image issues and the desperate measures people might take to achieve their ideal form is both timely and terrifying.
“The Shadow Over Little Chitaly”
Written in the form of online reviews, this story demonstrates Clark’s versatility and understanding of contemporary narrative formats. The tale builds horror through seemingly innocent takeout food reviews, creating an effectively creepy slow burn that pays homage to Lovecraftian cosmic horror while remaining distinctly modern.
Thematic Analysis
The Body as Battleground
Throughout the collection, Clark returns to the body as a site of conflict, transformation, and rebellion. From parasitic infections to skin-deep transformations, the stories explore how our physical forms can betray us, change us, or become weapons of resistance.
Power Dynamics and Control
Many stories examine relationships of power and control, whether between individuals or within larger societal structures. Clark’s characters often find themselves navigating complex power dynamics, with their hunger – for food, love, or power itself – driving them to extreme actions.
Technology and Alienation
Several stories incorporate modern technology and social media, exploring how these tools can both connect and isolate us. Clark effectively uses contemporary elements without letting them overwhelm the fundamental human elements of her stories.
Critical Assessment
Strengths
- Distinctive voice and style
- Strong character development within short form constraints
- Effective use of body horror and psychological tension
- Innovative narrative structures
- Dark humor that enhances rather than undermines the horror
Areas for Improvement
- Some stories feel thematically repetitive
- A few endings come across as abrupt or unsatisfying
- The collection’s intense focus on body horror might limit its appeal
- Occasional heavy-handedness in messaging
Target Audience and Appeal
This collection will particularly resonate with readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary horror with psychological depth
- Body horror in the tradition of Cronenberg
- Literary fiction that pushes boundaries
- Stories exploring gender and power dynamics
- Dark humor mixed with genuine scares
Comparison to Contemporary Works
Clark’s collection shares DNA with works like Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties and Ottessa Moshfegh’s Homesick for Another World, though Clark’s voice remains distinctly her own. Fans of these authors will likely appreciate Clark’s similar ability to blend literary fiction with genre elements while maintaining a sharp, contemporary edge.
Impact and Significance
She’s Always Hungry represents an important addition to the contemporary horror landscape, particularly in its exploration of body horror through a feminist lens. Clark’s willingness to engage with difficult themes while maintaining narrative momentum and horror elements marks her as a significant voice in the genre.
Technical Execution
Prose and Style
Clark’s writing is precise and evocative, with a particular talent for visceral descriptions that make the horror elements land with impact. Her dialogue feels natural and helps establish distinct character voices quickly.
Structure and Pacing
Most stories maintain excellent momentum, though some suffer from pacing issues in their final acts. The collection’s arrangement creates an effective emotional arc, with intensity building and receding in a way that prevents reader fatigue.
Summary
She’s Always Hungry is an ambitious and largely successful collection that showcases Clark’s considerable talents while also revealing some areas for growth. While not every story hits its mark with equal success, the collection’s strongest pieces demonstrate Clark’s ability to craft compelling, contemporary horror that resonates on both visceral and intellectual levels.
Recommended for:
- Fans of contemporary horror
- Readers interested in body horror and psychological tension
- Those who appreciate dark humor and social commentary
- Admirers of experimental narrative structures
May not appeal to:
- Readers sensitive to body horror
- Those seeking traditional horror narratives
- Readers who prefer uplifting or lighter content
- Those uncomfortable with explicit content
Final Thoughts
Despite its occasional missteps, She’s Always Hungry marks Clark as a significant voice in contemporary horror fiction. Her ability to blend social commentary with genuine scares, while maintaining a distinct voice and style, suggests even greater works to come. While not every story will resonate with every reader, the collection’s strongest pieces are truly memorable and worth the price of admission.