Eat the Ones You Love: A Journey through Eco-Horror and Unexpected Camaraderie
As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to stories that offer a unique blend of the bizarre and the relatable. That’s exactly what I stumbled upon with “Eat the Ones You Love” by James W. Ziskin. On the surface, the book’s stunning cover art captivated me, but it was the intriguing plot of a murderous, alien plant named “Baby” thriving inside a dilapidated shopping mall that sealed the deal. Little did I know, this read would offer more than just thrills—it would dive into the depths of the human experience against a backdrop of eco-horror. Coincidentally, I found myself writing this review on World Carnivorous Plant Day, which feels delightfully appropriate!
The story introduces us to Shell, an unemployed graphic designer grappling with the heaviness of recent life changes, including a breakup. Her visit to the shopping mall is initially a mundane errand for her mother, but it quickly morphs into an enchanting twist of fate when she encounters Neve, the bohemian florist needing help. The chemistry between them is palpable, and before she knows it, Shell has landed a job and a captivating bouquet that holds a fragment of Baby. From this point forward, we see the world through Baby’s hungry eyes, which provides both a fresh perspective and a tonal shift that took a while to get used to.
While I appreciated the narrative’s inventive approach—offering Baby’s perspective—I wished for a more chilling portrayal of its sinister nature. Baby’s desire to consume Neve is clear, but the sense of impending dread felt muted. The looming threat of the mall’s closing should have served as a catalyst for building suspense, but for me, it fell short of creating that nail-biting tension one expects in a horror narrative. Instead, much of the story revolves around mundane details that, although relatable, don’t add substantial weight to the horror element.
Listening to the audiobook version, however, was a redemption of sorts. The narrators brought life to the varying points of view, infusing emotions that the text may not have fully captured. When Baby and Neve confront their destinies, the chilling atmosphere unmistakably permeated the air.
One of the elements I truly enjoyed was the subtext exploring the crushing realities of adulthood. Themes surrounding the impossible housing market and our deep-seated need for community make the story relatable on a level that felt both comforting and claustrophobic. Yet, I recognized that these layers never quite reached a boiling point for me—perhaps a missed opportunity for the narrative to amplify its terrifying undercurrents.
On a lighter note, the surprising inclusion of Garth Brooks’ music in an Irish pub was an absolute delight, especially for this Okie. It made me smile and wonder if it was “Friends in Low Places”—a fitting soundtrack for the camaraderie forming amidst the chaos.
In conclusion, “Eat the Ones You Love” is perfect for readers who enjoy stories that weave character-driven plots with an eerie, eco-horror twist. It captures the existential struggles of adulthood while giving readers a unique perspective on human relationships through Baby’s eyes. While the story didn’t quite reach the heights of dread I expected, it certainly made me reflect on the tenuous connections we build—much like those with our very own carnivorous plants. If you’re looking for a book that combines intrigue with introspection, this one might just be a fascinating addition to your TBR pile!