She's Always Hungry

Eliza Clark’s writing is phenomenal, and this collection was no different. I love how she writes and how she’s able to spin a story, and I loved how this collection came together, with just the right level of unsettling. I cannot recommend this enough and can’t wait to get a physical copy when it’s out

Clark’s first short story collection didn’t disappoint; I absolutely devoured this collection (lol) over the course of a weekend – I normally read short stories over a few weeks, one or two stories a day, but I could not put this down. It is a really inventive and genre-bending collection of stories, filled with Clark’s signature black humour and razor-sharp, satirical observations on the world from the get-go. Clark helpfully provides a list of content warnings with this one, which is a great shout – she doesn’t shy away from a lot of tough stuff here.
As I mentioned, She’s Always Hungry doesn’t fit neatly into any genre category: the stories range from 1970s sun-soaked slice-of-life to sci-fi flavoured horror. There’s a lot of absurdism, and a lot of cultural critique, filtered through Clark’s delightfully internet-poisoned lens. So much of what makes this collection work is how singular a writer Clark is; she effortlessly blends hilarity and devastation, terror and joy, so the experience of reading it is as fulfilling as is it disquieting.
Though genre is gleefully thrown off the table here, the stories do have a through-line; they all contend with hunger of some sort; from a hunger for bodily perfection, to a hunger to save the world. The collection isn’t massively about food, funnily enough, with the exception of a couple of stories, but the different facets of hunger that Clark explores are fascinating anyway.
Highlights include The Shadow Over Little Chitaly, written entirely through Google reviews of a very strange takeaway; Hollow Bones, a deeply unsettling sci-fi horror story, and Extinction Event, a speculative fiction story that made me cry about plants. I was always going to love this collection as I think Clark is one of the best writers of our time; however, She’s Always Hungry still managed to surpass my very high expectations for it. Fantastic stuff!

This book was enticing, disturbing and unput-downable.

Perfect for a those looking for a quick read that still delivers on every page.

There were short stories in this that had me wanting more and stories that had me wishing it was over.

This is a must read for those who enjoy anthologies and has actually made me keen to delve into them more.

I think this could be the perfect introduction to those wanting to stark reading horror or more specifically Clark’s books.

She's Always Hungry is a truly exceptional collection of stories. There was no standout story for me, because they are all incredible. Covering a range of topics such as body image, feminism, space exploration, cannibalism and climate change, Clark somehow creates complex and believable world's and characters, many villainous and others simply troubled, but all unnervingly complex, I was completely absorbed throughout.

This isn't a collection for the faint of heart, featuring a lot of graphic depiction of injury, illness and violence. But if you're a fan of the dark, weird and the outright horrifying, I highly recommend this book. Somehow it delights and terrifies simultaneously, leaving the reader blown away at each conclusion.

I loved the sample story and I was eagerly awaiting the full release to see what else was in this book. What I received was even better than expected! Loved almost every story. Super visceral and gross, which I love, and even the sci fi (which I wouldn't normally gravitate towards at all) worked really well for me.

Thanks to the publisher for the full ARC!

PSA - do not attempt to read when eating

An absolutely scrumptious short story collection from Eliza Clark. Penance and Boy Parts are so different (everyone has a favourite and mine is the second child) and that’s what makes this collection so great - there’s range!

Centred around hunger, if you like dark humour and female rage, there will be something in here for you. Body horror, folklore, satire, speculative fic, romance(?), eco-thriller - is there a genre she cannot write?? It’s great to see Clark trying something new with dystopian/sci-fi stories - these ended up being some of my faves!

Clark writes in such a way that images wiggle into your brain and linger there for days. A couple of these stories were gross (shake well of all the stories made me feel physically sick) but they’re digestible in small chunks (if you’ll pardon the pun).

My favourites were The King and The Shadow Over Little Chitaly.

I didn’t want to rate the stories individually and if you haven’t read them yet it doesn’t mean much - so here are some thoughts in the form of emojis:

build a body like mine - 🪱😊
the problem solver - 😒
she’s always hungry - 👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️🎣
the shadow over little chitaly - 🍕⭐️🥡 (more pls)
hollow bones - 👽🍖🦑
goth gf - 🙇‍♂️🥺👉👈
extinction event -🌵🌍☄️ ???
nightstalker - 🧍‍♂️🧍‍♂️ also ???
shake well - 🤮🤢
the king - 👑🧛🎢 this !!!!
company man - 🎪🔒

thank you netgalley / faber & faber for providing me an e-arc

Having read Boy Parts and Penance, I was super excited to read this next book from Eliza Clark. A varied mix of short stories that showcase the style and voice we've come to expect, as well as some welcome narrative surprises. These stories are moving, uncomfortable, grotesque and hilarious, The King in particular was so funny. Enjoyed every single story and am so excited for whatever Clark has planned next!

WOW. this selection of short stories by Eliza Clark was incredible. i completely devoured the collection and found it difficult to put down!

the stories span across genres, and some have you questioning what you just read…these stories aren’t for the feint of heart, and some are disturbing and deeply unnerving but Clark’s writing has a way to keep you coming back and wanting more, even when you want to look away.

Clark’s signature dark humour shines through, and is definitely a must read for lovers of penance and boy parts. however, in this collection more genres are explored and although im not usually a sci-fi or horror fan i found myself absorbed in every single story.

i would definitely check content warnings before digging in - but there’s a very helpful and detailed content warning list included! will definitely be recommending (and picking myself up the gorgeous hardback edition!)