Feeding the Monster

An absolutely enthralling exploration of everything horror; the one huge downside is that it has given me far too many films to add to my watchlist. Alas, I foresee some sleepless nights ahead of me! The breadth of horror that the author has explored, along with the succinct, analytical approach is really impressive, I found the arguments moving from post to post seamlessly creating a fluid read in almost forgot was supposed to be quite reference-heavy nonfiction. I can see this book being of great use to all those studying film, tropes, horror, but is also an easy enough approach for those who just love the genre and want to feel like they’re talking to one of their fellow nerdy friends for a while. One I will revisit for sure (once I’ve made my way through my film list!)

This is a fresh and well-researched discussion of the contemporary horror film. Bogutskaya attempts to answer (which she does successfully) why fans enjoy horror, while also calling for it to be recognised as the serious art form it is.

The book is broken down thematically by the emotions experienced by both character and audience, examples being pain, hunger, anxiety, and fear. Bogutskaya discusses a wide range of topics explored throughout horror cinema, from vampirism to cannibalism to Black and hag horror.

It primarily focuses on films, particularly those made in the last two decades, while also making references and links to much older works and some literature. A true horror movie buff will be familiar with most, if not all, of the films mentioned here, but those new to the genre will find a wealth of recommendations to go and seek out. But, in saying that, if you haven’t watched many horror films from the last decade you’ll find yourself in a web of spoilers! Beware!

Overall, though, this was an incredibly interesting read that kept me turning pages.

If you don’t just want to watch horror films but truly understand them and what they’re trying to communicate, this is a great place to start.

Thank you to @netgalley and @FaberBooks for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my thoughts.

I asked for this book just because it was about Horror Movies but as soon as I started reading I instantly heard Anna’s voice in my head - and thought wait a minute - of course it’s one of my favourite podcasts! I liked the different sections - and of course all the recommended watching! I think even if you weren’t an extreme horror fan that you would find this book interesting - so much information is held between these pages plus also Anna’s love for the genre is so prevalent. Have already recommended to a few friends that love horror films too.

This was such an interesting and fun read. It was fun learning about so many different tropes and themes to popular horror movies, and learning more about other lesser know films. I would recommend this book to horror fans who want a little more information and are interested in learning about different themes and common ideas that often feature throughout horror movies. The section on Pain was my favourite as it focused on ideas and notions that I had never before thought about and added a whole different element and purpose to horror movies than the simple ‘being scared’ element.

As someone who works in the making and teaching side of film and TV, I can attest to the challenges the striking of a balance between a critical/scholarly and enjoyable read.
Bogutskaya’s approach to horror genre (mainly films) allows the readers to easily engage with the text and its discussions.
This book is structured into different themes (emotions/thoughts) that the horror genre evokes in us, and Bogutskaya masterfully discusses these.
I often get the questions, ‘why do we watch horror? is there something wrong with us?” from my audiences and loved ones, and I was glad to see that these were answered here. The wide range of examples discussed were also appreciated.
This is a good collection of essays for horror film fans, overall.

"Horror is not about simple voyeurism, about looking at someone being butchered or haunted; it's about feeling what they're feeling. Our fears are constantly in flux, and horror is uniquely positioned to extract and transform them into something fantastical and awesome, but also something that ultimately, potentially, we can conquer. Horror keeps us safe."

As a devoted horror fan, I was thrilled to read this. I enjoyed the analysis of the more recent horror movies, especially through an intersectional lens and with a view to understanding the appeal of horror to fans. As I recently had someone in my office lament fans and creators of horror films as having 'something wrong with them' this book was very validating!

I did find that, for me, this was kind of preaching to the choir, so while it was a quick and interesting read, it didn't necessarily tell me anything super revelatory. However it did contextualise recent horror films in a clear and interesting way that was great fun to read.

This would definitely be good for newer horror fans or those who would like an introduction to the genre - some great film recommendations, as well as other film analysis/criticism sources.

Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Having first discovered Anna through the Evolution of Horror podcast several years ago, I was incredibly excited to be able to read this!

Anna Bogutskaya is a regular contributor on one of my favourite podcasts, The Evolution of Horror, and I loved her last book, Unlikable Female Characters. I love horror so I knew I would love this.

I was very late to the horror game. Even 10 years ago I’d hardly seen any horror films, thinking it was all gore and jump scares, bur thanks to both my horror-loving husband and the resurgence of great horror (not the torture porn of the 00s I grew up with) it’s now one of my favourite genres and by far my favourite to read about.

What I loved most about this book is the feminist angle. As a woman and a feminist, as Anna is too, I loved the way she responded to claims of misogyny in horror and what it’s like to be a female horror fan.

I loved all the films listed - I’d seen quite a lot, particularly the modern ones, but I have a long reading list after this.

I didn’t love it quite as much as Unlikable Female characters but I still had a great time.

Really recommend this to all your horror-loving friends.

Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Bogutskaya, and Faber for a Galley of this in exchange for an honest review.

I. Loved. This. Book.

I am not really a non-fiction person, generally, but the description of Feeding the Monster really caught my attention. I am so glad I gave it a shot! Bogutskaya is a fount of horror knowledge and weaves together film criticism, a love of horror, a few personal details, and a whole lot of feminist and social commentary, into a deeply readable and utterly un-put-down-able book.

I have an MA in English Studies, and my favourite part of reading literary criticism (I can sense I am losing some people at this point in the review, please stay with me) was when you hit a point where it all sings. The ideas just work, the information flows from the page. Those are the ideas you never forget, the things that stay with you forever, and impact how you read everything forever. I have experienced that most often with works surrounding supernatural fiction, and feminist and / or queer reading, so I was hopeful I would get that with this book. What I wasn't expecting, was for Bogutskaya to have distilled that sensation, and somehow written and entire book that sings off the page.

If you have any interest in film, horror, women, women's experiences of the world, true crime, or, honestly, if you just have 3- 4 hours to spare, read this book. Now, if you'll excuse me I am off to watch several dozen horror movies!

5 stars. No notes.

Feeding the Monster is a series of non-fiction essays discussing the horror genre over the last decade. With a heavy focus on horror movies and TV shows, Bogutskaya examines the personal, societal and cultural experiences that feed into the creation of this 'taboo' genre.

The writing was clear and engaging, with some genuinely interesting discussion points that ranged from the modification of the haunted house to the queer undertones portrayed in recent cannibalistic characters. One of my favourite takeaways was that fear is not felt equally, it's more circumstantial than the universal experience of cold sweats and an increased heart-rate. The author included numerous and detailed examples to support her arguments, her diverse knowledge of horror something to behold. Having said this, the often extensive listing of titles and synopses diluted some of the essay arguments to their detriment.

Whether you love horror or are just trying to understand the genre in a new light, this is well worth the read. Thank you to Faber Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

I love horror movies, books and games so I was immediately intrigued by this book, I have so many recommendations now that I cannot wait to watch and I feel like I learned a lot even as an avid fan of horror.

This was a genuinely fantastic read. The author embodies exactly the attitude she is posing we take to horror films, curiosity and analysis without pretension or moralising.

The four segments (Hunger, Anxiety, Pain and Power) made for an approachable structure that was easy to follow. I also enjoyed Bogutskaya’s tone of voice, her personal interjections left me feeling like this whole book was a friendly discussion.

I couldn’t recommend this enough to fellow horror fans whether veteran or novice.

I.'ve just finished feeding the monster and I feel well and truly satiated.

I was gripped from first chapter as it was as if I was reading my own childhood. Reading Stephen king's from the age of 11 and watching Steven king's IT at an age that was way too early. Freddy Krueger was the only monster that scared me as a child.

The book then delves into the main using horror themes to explore more. My favourite chapter had to me hunger.

I really liked the way the book was set out and how many films are discussed. I now have a huge watch list PS thank you for putting the watch list at the back of the book this is so useful.

My only gripe is through exploring the topics of horror sometimes the author gives away too much about the film or series which means it spoiled for some things for me, sigh, yellow jackets.