Some links lead to Amazon and Waterstones, where you can view the product. I earn no commission off of these.
Everyone should do their own thorough research to determine if the chosen media is suitable for consumption (either for you or someone in your care). This includes topics and themes covered in the media (book in this case). I take no responsibility for determining the suitability of any media for anyone but myself.
How To Cook And Eat The Rich by Sunyi Dean is a dystopian short horror story released by Tor.com on February 15th, 2023.
We’ve all been in that situation where someone is on the phone, so you can only hear their side of the conversation, but you know exactly what the person on the other side of the phone is saying and oh, my, the gossip is so good!
Well, that’s basically How To Cook And Eat The Rich, but it’s a post-apocalyptic London transcript of a salesman. And it’s wild!
EVALUATION
How To Cook And Eat The Rich is a horror, post-apocalyptic short story that does so well! It encapsulates each genre so well despite only being from a single point of view. The horror aspect bleeds through the premise and insight into what is being sold. For such a short story, the world and situation were established so quickly.
Prose
OMG! THE PROSE!
So, this was so good that I’m incorporating the style/idea into my dissertation! Yeah!
What I loved most was how the whole story was dialogue from one person. However, when that person spoke, you knew when they were listening to another person and what the other person said.
Characters
There was really only one character that you got to know since it’s entirely his dialogue. He was amazing, though. Despite the whole story coming from one-sided dialogue, the depth you understand of the character is brilliant. He is rich with history but with little tells. Honestly, he was brilliantly written! I find myself thinking about how he was built, constructed and conveyed so well. I wish to emulate this style and quality someday.
Worldbuilding
Very similar to Nothing But Blackened Teeth, How To Cook And Eat The Rich quickly established the world and, over time, introduced the type of post-apocalyptic-ness that has happened.
It had a rich enough world to satisfy my hunger in the story but had a strong enough foundation that if Dean wanted to expand, she could. Very well done!
Pacing
The story kept bouncing along like eavesdropping on someone’s juicy gossip conversation from another table or room.
The story never really dragged at any point. Every point carried something new and interesting. It could have been the fascination with how I magically knew or understood what other characters–whose voices were never heard–were saying.
Plot & Theme
The story was gripping! It might have just been my eyes full of awe at the writing style, but I was instantly immersed. The story also took a more interesting perspective on the post-apocalyptic genre. Like most genres, vibes along with Hunger Games, Maze Runner and Divergent, but How To Cook And Eat The Rich took it from a different angle. However, this angle was much more realistic–like it could happen–but also not overly dramatic or life or death type of thing.
Impact Of Story
Upon finishing the book, I was left with sheer awe and amazement. I couldn’t believe what I just read and how good it was. I wanted more, but at the same time, I was happy with what I had but I could have read more in different scenarios. Basically, like the Dr Harper Therapy books, only a How To Cook And Eat The Rich version.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend this to everyone. Especially those who are studying English/Creative Writing. It’s such a fascinating short story that sparing time to read it could be so easy, and it’s so unique and interesting that I think it is an interesting style to read and see how the reader gathers all the relevant information through a bizarre fill-in-the-blanks game.
Information & Rating
Rating: 7/7
5-Star Rating: 5/5
Book: How To Cook And Eat The Rich
Author(s): Sunyi Dean
Series Name: Standalone | Short Story
Pages: 9
Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Dystopia, Fantasy, Fiction, Sci-Fi, Adult, Humour, Thriller, Speculative Fiction,
Format: Kindle
ISBN/ASIN: B0BTX5TR57
Publication Date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Tor
Reading Speeds
(Based on Kindle/How Long To Read)
Average Estimated Reading Speed: 8 minutes
Based on the average of 300WPM
My Estimated Reading Speed: 11 minutes
Based on my calculated speed of 228WPM
Calculated by How Long To Read’s test
Goodreads Blurb
A man is offered the opportunity to partake in an exclusive, subscription-based eating club for those who wish to dine on human flesh. But he may have bitten off a little more than he can chew.
