Monica J. O'Rourke

I would almost rather use emojis to review this book, it is that difficult to find the words. With that in mind, I offer the following:

Suffer the Flesh is extreme horror fiction.
Extreme Horror.
That means that the subject matter is extreme to the point that it may offend some readers. That means that the descriptions are graphic. The sequences are graphic. The sex, violence, and language are graphic. The story is graphic to the extreme.

But it is not a senseless gore fest.

Suffer the Flesh is a show more harrowing and brutal story about self-image on both ends of the spectrum: the self-conscious and the narcissistic. The graphic torture and violence illustrate a dramatization of the internal turmoil and victimization that people who have low self-esteem struggle with on a daily basis. The horrifying scenes of abuse and rape alternated with moments of mercy and pleasure is a testament to the ugly treatment of people who struggle at the hands of the privileged and the “beautiful” people in society. The graphic brutality of the telling is only fitting considering the subject matter.

In addition to the violence, is, of course, the psychological impact of the abuse and torture upon the victims. As the reader waits in anticipation of what horror comes next right alongside the characters, we feel an inkling of their tension and terror, sure in the knowledge that people are indeed capable of inflicting such cruelties upon one another in the real world. It’s in the news every day. This aspect of the story lends it the features of both suspense and psychological thriller.

Nonetheless, this is horror.

There are a few places where the exaggeration of things is evident. Some things are portrayed larger, more extreme than an experienced individual may find believable. But this is fiction after all, and straying into the realm of the fantastic keeps the reader grounded just enough to stay sane throughout the experience.

This book can be enjoyed as a graphic extreme horror story by those into such things or appreciated for its insightful depth and symbolism by those so inclined or both. But I believe that those who cannot enjoy it at all either don’t like extreme horror to begin with or find the underlying symbolism strikes an uncomfortable nerve of familiarity. This book is definitely not for everyone, though, so check your intestinal fortitude before entering. show less

So I've been reading Wrath James White books now for several years and this one has always been on the 'to read' list as I've never been able to get an affordable copy. But that has now changed.

This book follows Gloria, an aging porn star who's career has taken a turn for the worse as she finds herself having to do more extreme films in order to pay for her drug addiction. However she's going to have to go through hell and back if you wants to turn her life around and right her wrongs.

I've show more purposely not given too much about the start away, the book is designed to shock and disgust it's reader and be as extreme as possible. So I wanted to leave as much of the story intact and a surprise as possible. If your a fan of Wrath's more extreme works then you'll find this is something you'll enjoy. If your after something more story-driven and less gory then you might want to give this one a miss.

It's a hard book to rate, the story is the weaker part of the book, however I did enjoy reading it and it was well worth the time. Fans of WJW will enjoy.

The novel was received in exchange for an honest review show less

Not a bad book at all, certainly extreme and not for the faint of heart. This book is filled with rape and torture, and nothing but. It's important that you know before going into it that this is chapter after chapter of the most brutal and graphic rape and torture.

The premise asks how much of this one person could take, how they would survive (if they could). I can say that the conclusion (and answer) is expected for the rest of the world, but unexpected for the genre.

Well written, although topic not my cup of tea.

Writing style 5 stars, subject matter 0.1 star.