The Things Have Gotten Worse book is a fiction horror queer novella written by Eric LaRocca. It was published in June 2021 and was a nominee for the highly coveted Bram Stroker Award for Best Long Fiction. It is composed of five riveting parts and is available in paperback or Kindle versions.

Regarded as a gripping and unsettling literary work, the Things Have Gotten Worse book is presented as a true crime story, with emails and chat transcriptions between two women in an internet chat room. In the early 2000s, Agnes Petrella was attempting to sell a family heirloom which is an antique apple peeler when she met Zoe Cross online. As they exchange e-mails and instant messages, their relationship takes an intriguing turn, leading to a Master/Slave relationship.

Author Information

Eric LaRocca is a Splatterpunk Award-winning contemporary author from Boston, MA. He has published ten books with the Things Have Gotten Worse book being the most popular. During his leisure time, LaRocca likes to indulge in luxury fashion and European Musical Theatre. Additionally, he is fond of roaming the street of his home city to get new inspiration for his next books.

For more information about LaRocca, you may check his Twitter account @hystericteeth or visit his website, ericlarocca.com.

Novel Key Factors

The Things Have Gotten Worse book has got to be one of the most controversial queer books there are. Readers all over the world have also had mixed reviews about this novel.

If you are craving a unique book and have come across the Things Have Gotten Worse book but are still not sure if it suits your taste, these novel key factors got you covered. Read on as we dissect the elements of the story and discuss them one by one.

Theme

There are various impactful themes we can observe in this novel that may trigger distress in some readers. These themes include abuse, obsession, and sadomasochism. It also delves into themes of emotional vulnerability and self-exploration. These themes intertwine in the book narrative and challenge societal norms, push boundaries, and dive into human's deepest emotions and desires.

Characters

The Things Have Gotten Worse book features two leading characters namely Agnes and Zoe. Below we discuss their character traits in further detail.

Agnes

Agnes is a young woman exiled from her own family. Her character was naive and easily manipulated. She is the slave in the Master/Slave agreement between her and Zoe.

Zoe

Zoe is dominant in the Master/Slave agreement between her and Agnes. She is well-off and she is stern in giving rules and punishments.

Point of View

The book is written in the first-person point of view. The book is narrated as a series of email exchanges between Agnes and Zoe. The sender of the letter, either Agnes or Zoe, acts as the narrator.

Plot

There is an ongoing police investigation. In order to uncover the truth behind Agnes Petrella's death, the police presented emails and chat transcriptions between her and Zoe Cross.

Agnes, a young woman who has estranged from her family, resorts to selling her grandmother's antique peeler on an online board for the queer community. Her apple peeler post catches the attention of Zoe, leading to exchanges of emails. Their initial interactions centered around the transaction and the sentimental value of the peeler.

A couple of emails later, Zoe decides to cover Agnes' monthly rent. Following this, Zoe offers a Master/Slave agreement, with her being the master. Agnes consented to the agreement and Zoe assumed complete control over Agne's existence, dictating her clothing choices and even manipulating her physical appearance.

Establishing rigid rules and administering punishments, it becomes evident that Zoe is not new to being a master. However, Zoe is unprepared for the extreme devotion and willingness of Agnes to serve her at all costs.

Most Notable Parts

The book is packed with unforgettable parts that create a lasting impact on readers' minds and emotions. Below we share two of the most meaningful parts we've encountered.

From: Agnes Petrella

To: Zoe Cross

I know you're probably busy at work, but I wanted to send you a quick note and let you know that you've been on my mind all morning.

Is that weird?

I hope it's not weird.

I once read somewhere that if your mind continuously returns to the same person over and over again, it means that they're thinking of you as well. - Things Have Gotten Worse book

Following their conversation about Agnes' apple peeler post, Agnes sends Zoe this email which shows her budding interest in her.

Contract Agreement Between Zoe Cross and Agnes Petrella

Zoe Cross, hereinafter referred to as "Sponsor", hereby binds this contract with Agnes Petrella, hereinafter referred to as "Drudge" in this Contract of Sponsorship. Said contract refers to total dominance and control of Owner in this relationship with said "Drudge" in regard to the stipulations contained herein. It is to be noted that the official agreement was reached on the day of June 7th, 2000. This contract is to be a written declaration of this fact. - Things Have Gotten Worse book

This is the Master/Slave relationship contract between Zoe and Agnes. This is the beginning of the frightening interactions between the two characters.

Writing Styles

Eric Larocca exhibits a unique and captivating writing style. His writing is descriptive providing evocative and detailed depictions of scenes. LaRocca also wrote with unsettling and memorable imagery that stays in the readers' minds.

Final Part

In the final parts of the novel. we see Agnes' emails addressed to Zoe but no response from her. In her last email, she mentioned her apple peeler and their child.

Conclusion

The Things Have Gotten Worse book is nowhere close to most of the mainstream books today. This intriguing book has a unique storytelling style and unsettling themes that may not be for everyone. Readers may experience discomfort or overwhelming emotions in this book that may trigger traumas.

While the Things Have Gotten Worse book may not be for everyone, readers who seek darker and more challenging subject matters will certainly find this book a compelling and rewarding read. If you are the reader we just described, then there is no reason why you shouldn't add this book to your reading list. Start reading the Things Have Gotten Worse book today and get hooked on the twisted world of Agnes and Zoe.

FAQs

Q: Is Things Have Gotten Worse Book Based on a True Story?

A: While the book's story is presented as a true crime story, with emails and transcripts, there is no confirmation whether it is based on a true story or not.

Q: Is Things Have Gotten Worse Book a Good Book?

A: The realistic answer to this is that it depends on the reader's standards and taste. Ultimately, the Things Have Gotten Worse book offers a thought-provoking and thrilling reading experience for people who are interested in unsettling narratives and psychological thrillers.