The Human Condition
Mark Taylor
Gnome on Pig Productions
July 3rd, 2015
Reviewed by Sheri White
Take a look at “the man in the mirror.” It’s a common trope in all fiction, but especially in horror where the monsters are us, not the boogeyman under the bed.
Mark Taylor has put together a collection of stories showing that everyone is capable of being a monster, if the circumstances are right. But these tales also show that not all monsters are evil. Is a man really a monster if he is driven to extremes in order to save a loved one? Or maybe a person can be mistaken for the real monster in a situation beyond his control.
The stories in The Human Condition are not straight-forward horror, but they are dark. They are also thoughtful – nobody knows what they are capable of when cornered or out of options. And that quiet neighbor next door, or meek coworker? There is always a friend or acquaintance interviewed on the news once a murderer is revealed who thought it wasn’t possible.
It’s always possible.
The Human Condition was an interesting read with many fascinating premises throughout. If you’re looking for stories that make you think while also making you shudder, this is exactly what you’re looking for.
