TL;DR
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke is a chilling collection of short stories that delve into the darkest corners of human psychology and explore themes of obsession, isolation, and the macabre. LaRocca’s unsettling narratives are characterized by their epistolary format, often using emails, chat logs, and other forms of online communication to create a sense of voyeuristic intimacy and escalating dread.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Eric LaRocca is a writer of horror and dark fiction known for his unsettling and atmospheric storytelling. His works often explore themes of obsession, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships. LaRocca’s writing style is characterized by its epistolary format and its ability to evoke a sense of unease and psychological horror. “Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke” is his most well-known work, gaining significant attention and acclaim in the horror community.
Key Takeaways
Epistolary Format
The stories are primarily told through emails, online chats, and other forms of digital communication, creating a sense of immediacy and voyeurism as readers witness the characters’ descent into darkness.
Obsession and Isolation
The collection explores the destructive nature of obsession and the psychological effects of isolation, often depicting characters who become increasingly withdrawn from reality and consumed by their own dark desires.
Body Horror and the Macabre
LaRocca doesn’t shy away from graphic and disturbing imagery, incorporating elements of body horror and the macabre to evoke a visceral sense of fear and revulsion in the reader.
Psychological Horror
The stories focus on the psychological torment and inner turmoil of the characters, creating a sense of unease and dread that lingers long after reading.
Technology and Modern Communication
The use of online platforms and digital communication highlights the role of technology in facilitating both connection and isolation, and its potential to amplify the darkest aspects of human nature.
Unreliable Narrators
Many of the stories feature unreliable narrators, leaving readers to question the truth of events and the motivations of the characters.
Exploration of Taboos
LaRocca’s narratives often delve into taboo subjects and explore the boundaries of human morality, challenging readers’ expectations and comfort levels.
Dark Humor and Irony
Despite the disturbing nature of the stories, LaRocca incorporates elements of dark humor and irony, creating a sense of the absurd and highlighting the grotesque aspects of human behavior.
FAQ about Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke
What is the scariest story in the collection?
The perception of fear is subjective, but many readers find “Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke” and “The Enchantment” to be particularly disturbing due to their graphic content and psychological horror elements.
Is this book suitable for all readers?
Due to its graphic content and disturbing themes, this book is not recommended for readers who are sensitive to horror, violence, or psychological distress.
Are the stories interconnected?
The stories in the collection are standalone pieces with unique characters and narratives, but they share similar themes and stylistic elements.
What is the significance of the epistolary format?
The epistolary format allows readers to experience the events through the characters’ own words and perspectives, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy while also highlighting the unreliability of their narratives.
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke Quotes
- ”I have become a connoisseur of pain, and I find that yours is the most exquisite vintage."
- "The internet is a breeding ground for obsession. It allows us to connect with others who share our darkest desires, to indulge in fantasies that would otherwise remain hidden."
- "There is a darkness within us all, a hunger that can never be satisfied. And sometimes, it consumes us entirely.”