Epeolatry Book Review: The Horror Aesthetic: Essays From The Dark Corners Of The Genre by L. Marie Wood

Every horror writer has a unique journey. Along the way, you can pick up tools such as how-to-guides and software etc. The motivation to learn, to write, and to improve leads you down this journey. And my fellow horror writers, if, like me, you take your craft seriously, there will be times along your journey where you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone. Well, I took that step by reading L. Marie Wood’s The Horror Aesthetic: Essays from the Dark Corners of the Genre. 

These essays have been gathered together from the past decade, sharing a deep study on horror. Wood explores how horror is defined, its place in modern times, its popularity, as well as an in depth look into its classic monsters such as vampires. You may think all of this has already been done before, so why would it interest you? Wood’s perspective is the difference. Her input is valuable, pointing out basic information you may have forgotten and illuminating subjects of which you may have only scratched the surface. 

To give you a taste, her essays include: ‘African American Horror Authors and Their Craft: The Evolution of Horror Fiction from African Folklore’, ‘Is Horror Fiction Obsolete?’, ‘Horror and Romance: Doppelgangers in Need’, ‘Opposite Ends of the Spectrum: Quiet Vs. Visceral Horror’, ‘Why Not Female Horror Authors?’, and many more. The placement structure of each essay inside The Horror Aesthetic: Essays from the Dark Corners of the Genre is a bit odd, but it doesn’t detract too much from the importance of what Wood is exploring.  

I’d say my favourite is ‘The Horror of Hair’. The subject matter is something I’d never considered in too much detail before, and Wood focuses the essay on diversity from African American to Japanese and how hair is shown in horror literature and film industry. ‘The Horror of Hair’ captured my attention by its structure as it began with brisk short sentences and ended with thought-provoking imagery using short sentences. But of course, Wood keeps me reading with the power of her words as if she is communicating directly to me, as if I am a student in one of her lectures. 

Overall, The Horror Aesthetic: Essays from the Dark Corners of the Genre represents Wood’s extensive academic horror knowledge. There’s a range for horror writers who are beginners to the more experienced. Her voice holds you enthralled, and I imagine it would be amazing as an audiobook. Be aware that her essays can often repeat themselves on various sub-topics, especially when giving examples, but I think repetition is a good way for reader-recall. 

Lastly, Wood is unafraid to tackle hard subjects such as sexism and racism. She is upfront about her identity and is willing to point out the flaws and issues the horror writing industry has that needs changing. With recent events that occurred in the horror indie community, I do believe Wood is right about the fight for equality and acceptance as a horror writer—it remains an uphill battle and all of us need to be brave, and we need to face it together. Horror is for everyone, no matter who you are.  

/5

Available from Amazon and Bookshop.