‘The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories’ By Eric LaRocca – Book Review

I have been hearing much praise for Eric LaRocca throughout the horror book community. He is a two time Bram Stoker Award Finalist and a Splatterpunk Award winner. LaRocca’s notable works include Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, Everything the Darkness Eats, You’ve Lost a Lot of Blood, and The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories,

I’ve heard so many good things about his works, but what was holding me back from reading was other readers give the warning his books are “extreme” and “graphic” horror.  I am sort of a horror wuss when it comes to anything labeled “extreme” or “graphic.” However, when the opportunity to read The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories arose I was ecstatic, but also apprehensive, because I wasn’t sure how extreme and graphic this book would be. Would I be able to finish it or would I tap out?

What did I think? Read on to find out!

Synopsis

Eight stories of literary dark fiction from a master storyteller. Exploring the shadow side of love, these are tales of grief, obsession, control. Intricate examinations of trauma and tragedy in raw, poetic prose. In these narratives, a woman imagines horrific scenarios whilst caring for her infant niece; on-line posts chronicle a cancer diagnosis; a couple in the park with their small child encounter a stranger with horrific consequences; a toxic relationship reaches a terrifying resolution…

My Thoughts

I received the paperback version from Titan Books for review. It is a gorgeous cover and the size of the paperback is perfect. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a paperback and not a Kindle edition. What a refreshing change!

This book changed how I view extreme and graphic horror. I am glad that I took the chance and read this book. Every story in here is just beautifully written. Even the title is captivating and intrigued me to read this book.

This book invited me on a dark journey and I accepted. The characters, the story telling, the voice of these characters just zapped me right in. There is also a nice introduction to the book by Chuck Wendig.

This enthralling collection of eight short stories is quick paced read. Each story is exquisitely written. Some have much more gore and horrifying moments, yet they are written with such heartfelt emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed each story.

My favorite in this collection is ‘Bodies are for Burning’. This story just sent my emotions off the chart. I kept saying to myself, “is he actually going to go there?” You will have to read this story to understand what I am talking about.

The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories is very much worth the read, whether you are an extreme horror junkie or a extreme horror fraidy cat like me. I am looking forward to checking out other Eric LaRocca works, hopefully in the near future.