Book Review | Human Tenderloin by Craig Wallwork

Human Tenderloin is a strong collection of sixteen horror stories by an author I’m reading for the first time – and definitely not the last! The horrors in this book range from the supernatural to cannibalism to environmental destruction. It made for an interesting reading experience. I especially liked how each of them has a satisfying ending or closure, which is not often the case for short stories.

All things can be explained, she reminded herself.

(from Dollhouse)

I loved the dystopian theme present in the stories. I felt as if I was reading someone’s nightmares! Bird Girl is about a special girl and her parents surviving in a world where gravity no longer has a hold. Night Holds A Scythe features a father and daughter trying their best to stay awake on a plane. They Were Born Without Faces sees the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, with severe consequences for one man. Farewell Valencia is a wicked take on euthanasia and capitalism. The title story, Human Tenderloin, features characters with a darkly humorous approach to cannibalism.

Another running theme is parenthood and grief, specifically the loss of children. The stories are unexpectedly tender and heavy with emotions, that I couldn’t help but feel affected. Time’s Flies portrays the way a child’s death can haunt the parents, with unforgettable images. The Ballad of Windsong House is a haunted house story featuring a grieving mother. Murder Song is a twisty tale of fate and future, where a man sees the vision of a woman’s death. The Hole sees a curious man watching his neighbour digging a hole, culminating in a surprising end.

Human Tenderloin is a grisly, devastating collection that promises strong feelings for the reader. Tread carefully!

CW: child death, cannibalism, suicide

I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes. 

About the author: Craig Wallwork

Photo by Emerson Vieira