In Absence

Name: In Absence
Price: 21.49 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9784824148308

✍️ Laura Diaz de Arce

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$21.49

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A horror short story collection exploring grief through supernatural and body horror tales.

Diaz de Arce crafts a series of unsettling narratives that merge emotional resonance with physical terror. The stories utilize diverse formats, from ancient Greek drama on public transit to encounters with mythical creatures like giant squids and were-goats. Each tale approaches the subject of grief from a different angle, using horror tropes to examine human sorrow. The inclusion of a Sinatra-loving goat and a Hell museum highlights the eclectic nature of the work. This variety ensures that no two stories feel identical, yet they share a common thematic core. The book is organized as a collection rather than a novel, allowing for sharp tonal shifts between entries. It offers a blend of heart-wrenching emotion and graphic bodily transformation. Readers interested in the intersection of myth and modern anxiety will find much to consider here.

Key Themes

grief body horror shape-shifting

Literary Context

Published by Next Chapter in 2022, this work sits within the tradition of literary horror that prioritizes emotional depth alongside visceral impact. It draws on ancient Greek drama and mythological creatures to explore contemporary themes of loss.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Carmen Maria Machado · Jeff VanderMeer · Poppy Z. Brite

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Next Chapter 📅 2022 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9784824148308

📝 Description: In Absence

Laura Diaz de Arce presents a collection of short stories that examine grief through supernatural lenses. The work features shape-shifting nature beasts and an affectionate giant squid alongside more traditional horror elements. Readers encounter a were-goat who loves Sinatra and take a trip to a museum in Hell. The narrative also includes an ancient Greek drama set on the subway. These varied tales span multiple genres, tones, and voices while remaining united by their exploration of sorrow. The collection delivers gore and body horror that pulls at heartstrings. It appeals to fans of transformation narratives like Monstrosity who enjoy eclectic storytelling. Those seeking straightforward linear plots may find the shifting styles disorienting. The book suits readers who appreciate literary horror that blends emotional depth with visceral imagery. It does not cater to those who prefer pure jump scares without thematic weight. Arce’s background in diverse narrative forms allows her to weave these disparate elements into a cohesive whole. The stories range from the mythological to the mundane, all filtered through a lens of loss. This approach creates a unique reading experience that challenges genre boundaries. The collection stands as a distinct entry in contemporary horror literature.

💎 Our verdict on In Absence

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Diaz de Arce delivers a potent anthology that successfully merges emotional resonance with physical terror. The work excels in its variety, utilizing diverse formats from ancient Greek drama on public transit to encounters with mythical creatures like giant squids. Each tale approaches grief from a distinct angle, ensuring no two stories feel identical while maintaining a cohesive thematic core. The inclusion of eclectic elements, such as a Sinatra-loving goat and a Hell museum, highlights the book’s imaginative scope. While the shifting styles may disorient readers seeking straightforward linear plots, those who appreciate literary horror blending emotional depth with visceral imagery will find this collection deeply rewarding and intellectually stimulating.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a visceral yet emotionally resonant experience will find this collection compelling. It appeals to those who appreciate horror as a vehicle for exploring complex human emotions like grief and sorrow. Fans of eclectic storytelling, body horror, and mythological reinterpretations will enjoy the diverse formats and tonal shifts. The book offers a unique blend of heart-wrenching emotion and graphic bodily transformation, making it ideal for literary horror enthusiasts who value thematic weight over simple jump scares. Those interested in the intersection of myth and modern anxiety will find much to consider here.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Diaz de Arce delivers a potent anthology that successfully merges emotional resonance with physical terror. The work excels in its variety, utilizing diverse formats from ancient Greek drama on public transit to encounters with mythical creatures like giant squids. Each tale approaches grief from a distinct angle, ensuring no two stories feel identical while maintaining a cohesive thematic core. The inclusion of eclectic elements, such as a Sinatra-loving goat and a Hell museum, highlights the book’s imaginative scope. While the shifting styles may disorient readers seeking straightforward linear plots, those who appreciate literary horror blending emotional depth with visceral imagery will find this collection deeply rewarding and intellectually stimulating.