So it’s been a little while since I’ve read anything by Clive Barker since “Weaveworld”. But now I’ve finished another of his short story collections, first one since “Books of Blood Volumes 1-3”, titled “The Inhuman Condition”.
Of course this is the fourth book in that series published in 1985. The original series, as it was published in the 80s, were published individually. Some of the volumes contain at least five stories, like “The Inhuman Condition”, and one containing four and the other, the first one, contained six. Some containing at least one short story, while the remaining stories are novelettes and novellas.
But now back to this volume. The first three are novelettes beginning with the title story about a knotted piece of string that, when unraveled, releases dark and hungry forces. The second revolving around hand that begin to rip themselves from the bodies of their masters in a bloody revolt.
The third story is set in a haunted motel room where both the living and the dead make. The fourth, a short story, is about a palace that is built with the intention of bringing back the devil to earth. The fifth, and final story, concerns a very powerful aphrodisiac that ends up creating some very disturbing sexual urges.
This here is Barker doing what he does best. Writing stories that are both beautiful and grotesque at the same time. Supernatural and body horror at its finest. My favorite pick from this collection would obviously be the beginning title story. Again great stuff from Clive Barker!
by i-the-muso-1968