Futile Efforts

Starred review from June 30, 2008
In this disturbing, often grotesque and ultimately mesmerizing collection, Piccirilli (The Cold Spot
) reprints 17 stories and 45 poems. Although the star-studded introductions are a nice bonus, Piccirilli's stories are the selling point, and all are standouts. “An Average Insanity, a Common Agony” is an emotionally devastating tale of a man trying to do the right thing for the sake of an innocent creature. “Alchemy” tells the story of five emotionally stunted people whose discovery of a dead body lets them visit their own dark places (“They weren't frightened . None of us were. It broke up the monotony”). “With an Ear for My Father's Weeping” manages to be both touching and hysterical. Piccirilli's unique mix of gore, violence and a literate style bordering on the lyrical help make this collection one that horror fans will relish.