Clay McLeod Chapman is not here to mess around, but he is here to mess up your mind. How insane is he trying to make you? Oh friend, you are not prepared. The short story collection Acquired Taste starts with the story of a man fantasizing about roasting his baby on an open fire, moves into a story about someone’s mom turning into mushrooms in a nursing home, and even has a story about a man who uses a breast pump to draw the very essence of the uniform from his own body.
Clay McLeod Chapman’s collection is dark, twisted and original. It’s also relentless. Each story gives you an unsettled feeling, even if you’re pretty sure you know where it’s going to end up. The author writes in a way that is accessible without talking down to the reader, meaning you get to the point quickly, although not always directly. I found myself delightfully uncomfortable and enjoying every minute of this collection. As the title implies, this collection absolutely isn’t for everyone. If you like your short stories unsettling, twisted, and dark, this is a must read.
Acquired Taste is now available from Titan Books.
