Are You Loathsome Tonight?

Are You Loathsome Tonight? is a 1998 short story collection by horror author Poppy Z. Brite, featuring 12 original tales plus an introduction by Peter Straub and closing piece by Caitlín R. Kiernan. The collection's title references both Elvis Presley's famous song and a hidden message from The Smiths. The stories span multiple subgenres including supernatural horror, psychological suspense, and dark fantasy. Several pieces were written in collaboration with other authors, and one features Brite's recurring character Dr. Brite. The collection incorporates real historical figures and events, including Elvis Presley and Benito Mussolini, while exploring themes of transformation, identity, and the intersection between beauty and decay. These interconnected motifs create a cohesive exploration of human nature's darkest and most complex aspects.

Readers describe these horror short stories as visceral and transgressive, with Brite's detailed writing style carrying through dark themes of sex, death, and violence. Positive reviews highlight: - The New Orleans settings and atmosphere - Character development within brief stories - The title story featuring Elvis - Brite's poetic language amid grotesque subjects Common criticisms: - Too much gore and shock value - Uneven quality between stories - Several stories feel unfinished - Heavy focus on body horror Ratings: Goodreads: 3.95/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (30+ ratings) Multiple reviews note "The Sixth Sentinel" and "Calcutta, Lord of Nerves" as standout stories. Some readers found "His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood" too derivative of earlier vampire fiction. Several reviews mention abandoning specific stories due to graphic content while still appreciating Brite's technical skill as a writer.

Books of Blood by Clive Barker This collection mixes supernatural horror with body transformation and visceral imagery in ways that mirror Brite's focus on physical and psychological metamorphosis.

Dark Gods by T. E. D. Klein These novellas blend psychological horror with historical elements and supernatural entities in a way that echoes Brite's mix of real-world figures with dark fantasy.

Teatro Grottesco by Thomas Ligotti The stories connect through themes of decay and transformation while exploring human nature through a similarly dark philosophical lens.

The Imago Sequence by Laird Barron This collection combines cosmic horror with noir elements and psychological transformation in ways that parallel Brite's exploration of identity and darkness.

20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill The stories mix pop culture references with horror elements while maintaining a focus on character psychology and transformation that aligns with Brite's approach.

🦇 The book's title references Elvis Presley's 1960 hit song "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" - a clever wordplay that ties into the collection's Elvis-themed story and its horror elements. 🎭 Poppy Z. Brite, who now goes by Billy Martin, began writing professionally at age 18 and became one of the first openly transgender horror authors to achieve mainstream success. 🎸 The Elvis-themed story in the collection, "His Mouth Will Taste of Wormwood," garnered particular attention for its unique blend of rock'n'roll history with gothic horror elements. 🌺 New Orleans, where many of the stories are set, was Brite's home for many years and significantly influenced the authentic Southern Gothic atmosphere present throughout the collection. 📚 Peter Straub, who wrote the introduction, was a master of horror fiction who collaborated with Stephen King on "The Talisman" and "Black House," lending additional prestige to this collection.