It’s too often the case that a collection of short stories can feel off; as if there is one solid story, followed by a weak, etc. This is most definitely not the case with Aliya Whiteley’s collection From The Neck Up. This collection is phenomenal from beginning to end. Whether it is the horrifying idea of a world where the elderly work in farming biodomes and are buried beneath the soil as they pass, or creatures that pop off the body before globbing back on and forming dark hair patches, Whiteley’s work will always leave you with something to think (and worry) about. Whiteley is no stranger to works about body horror, and she continues to thrive with that style. Her writing is thoughtful, smart, and paced perfectly. I found myself reading long into the night, flipping through pages and falling more in love with her stories with each new horrifying situation.
From the Neck Up is available from Titan Books September 14th.
