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Hysteria: Lolly & Lady Vanity
Hysteria is often used to describe emotionally charged behavior
that seems excessive and out of control. But life as a woman
isn't for the faint of heart. Hysteria is sometimes the only way
to go...
Can the flu, antivirals, and childhood trauma turn you into a
killer? Asking for a friend.
When Lolly gets diagnosed with the flu, she’s expecting misery
and meds. What she’s not expecting is an odd side effect from
her antiviral. She can suddenly see dirty halos around certain
people’s heads. These people have something in common—they’re
all child predators.
Lady
Peri menopause is changing Frankie’s body and messing with her
mind. Plastic surgery is too expensive and everyone has some
kind of stupid advice. When Frankie stumbles across a vintage
electric knife, the Lady Vanity, at the thrift store, her self-
improvement is suddenly a DIY project with Lady as her partner.
When your sanity is suddenly questionable, as Lady’s slogan
Cutting can be fun!
that seems excessive and out of control. But life as a woman
isn't for the faint of heart. Hysteria is sometimes the only way
to go...
Can the flu, antivirals, and childhood trauma turn you into a
killer? Asking for a friend.
When Lolly gets diagnosed with the flu, she’s expecting misery
and meds. What she’s not expecting is an odd side effect from
her antiviral. She can suddenly see dirty halos around certain
people’s heads. These people have something in common—they’re
all child predators.
Lady
Peri menopause is changing Frankie’s body and messing with her
mind. Plastic surgery is too expensive and everyone has some
kind of stupid advice. When Frankie stumbles across a vintage
electric knife, the Lady Vanity, at the thrift store, her self-
improvement is suddenly a DIY project with Lady as her partner.
When your sanity is suddenly questionable, as Lady’s slogan
Cutting can be fun!
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2023
1 person is currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Ali Seay
24 books88 followersALI SEAY lives in Baltimore with her family and the ghost of a geriatric wiener dog who once ruled the house. She’s the author of Go Down Hard, The Death Doula, and To Offer Her Pleasure, among others. Her work can be found in numerous horror and crime anthologies. When not writing, she hunts vintage goods, riffles through used bookstores, and is always down for a road trip. Visit her at aliseay.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 10, 2023
Hysteria: Lolly & Lady Vanity contains two novellas both totally different from each other and both really engaging reads.
Lolly is a 21 year old woman who looks like a young teen. When she was a kid herself her younger sister went missing after attending the pharmacy to get some medication for her when she had the flu. She has not been heard from since and suspected to be taken by a pedophile. Lolly now an adult has a 'gift' and can see halos above certain people who are known child predators. Lolly seeks revenge on these predators by manipulating them and taking them out in bloodthirsty fashion.
This novella was my favourite of the two. It's a gripping story and very violent which is described in vivid detail. It has interesting side characters who bring the story emotion such as Lollys mother and has some twists I did not see coming and really enjoyed. The ending is also magnificent and disgusting. Plus that final reveal in the final words packs a punch. A topic that I'm sure is hard to approach but this was written without any violence towards children and is all about how Lolly deals with the pain she feels for the responsibility for his sister's disappearance. I love a good revenge story and this is just that. A character who's motivations you can understand and feel for even if things do take a nasty turn at the end. 4.5 stars for this story.
Lady Vanity follows Frankie who is going through the changes of menopause. During her younger years she suffered from body dysmorphia and is an active woman always worried about her looks and weight. Once menopause hit she again struggles with the way she looks in the mirror. Her loving husband tries his best to alleviate her fears however she can see nothing but rolls of fat on her stomach. One day browsing a thrift store she comes across a 'Lady Vanity' electric knife for a bargain price. The knife starts to talk to her "cutting can be fun!" and without money for plastic surgery she resorts to drastic measures to have the body she believes she deserves.
This novella was well written and plotted well but didn't grab me like Lolly did. It's full of gore as the knife is put to use and the visual pictures I imagined reading this made me queasy. It again has great minor characters in her husband and boss at work who's character traits are developed and meaningful to the story. I did enjoy this but felt I knew where the story was heading early on and was a little repetitive. This is still a great story and happy I read it. 3 stars for this story.
I definitely look forward to future writings of Ali Seays and one that I will definitely check out in the future.
Lolly is a 21 year old woman who looks like a young teen. When she was a kid herself her younger sister went missing after attending the pharmacy to get some medication for her when she had the flu. She has not been heard from since and suspected to be taken by a pedophile. Lolly now an adult has a 'gift' and can see halos above certain people who are known child predators. Lolly seeks revenge on these predators by manipulating them and taking them out in bloodthirsty fashion.
This novella was my favourite of the two. It's a gripping story and very violent which is described in vivid detail. It has interesting side characters who bring the story emotion such as Lollys mother and has some twists I did not see coming and really enjoyed. The ending is also magnificent and disgusting. Plus that final reveal in the final words packs a punch. A topic that I'm sure is hard to approach but this was written without any violence towards children and is all about how Lolly deals with the pain she feels for the responsibility for his sister's disappearance. I love a good revenge story and this is just that. A character who's motivations you can understand and feel for even if things do take a nasty turn at the end. 4.5 stars for this story.
Lady Vanity follows Frankie who is going through the changes of menopause. During her younger years she suffered from body dysmorphia and is an active woman always worried about her looks and weight. Once menopause hit she again struggles with the way she looks in the mirror. Her loving husband tries his best to alleviate her fears however she can see nothing but rolls of fat on her stomach. One day browsing a thrift store she comes across a 'Lady Vanity' electric knife for a bargain price. The knife starts to talk to her "cutting can be fun!" and without money for plastic surgery she resorts to drastic measures to have the body she believes she deserves.
This novella was well written and plotted well but didn't grab me like Lolly did. It's full of gore as the knife is put to use and the visual pictures I imagined reading this made me queasy. It again has great minor characters in her husband and boss at work who's character traits are developed and meaningful to the story. I did enjoy this but felt I knew where the story was heading early on and was a little repetitive. This is still a great story and happy I read it. 3 stars for this story.
I definitely look forward to future writings of Ali Seays and one that I will definitely check out in the future.
May 24, 2024
“ I looked like hell.
Which made sense. Because to this woman, I was going to be hell. And I liked that.”-Lolly
Could you live with the guilt of knowing your little sister was kidnapped (most likely by pedos) and never seen again all because you were too sick to go get the meds? Would you become obsessed with making it right to your sister?
Or
When you look in the mirror do you hate what you see? Do you wish you could cut yourself up into the perfect Victoria secret version of yourself? Do you obsess over looking perfect? Lady Vanity says cutting can be fun!
Trigger warning: sexual abuse/assault, self-mutilation, self-harm,murder
Ali Seay’s book Hysteria examines the themes of obsession and madness in women in the two novellas within: Lolly and Lady Vanity. In using a combination of dark humor and lots of body horrorAli creates shockingly visceral and horrific narratives with gore so well written my imagination and the sentences had my stomach turning and feeling horrified. Especially in Lady Vanity with the descriptions of self-inflicting injuries.
“She smiled. Glee and eagerness hit her in equal measure and she suddenly felt the way she had when she was little and she opened her eyes to realize it was Christmas morning.
What an adventure this would be!
"Cutting can be fun!"-Lady Vanity
I really enjoyed and somewhat cheered for Lolly and loved her sarcastic sense of humour as she took on the neighborhood pedos. I almost felt like she was a human vigilante hero in a way. Protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves well avenging her sisters death. Her superpower, seeing halo’s was comedic and fitting as they stole innocence and were monsters masked as normal people. I also liked the open ended question of her sanity at the end of narrative.
Now Lady vanity did its job in HORRIFYING me on the most basic level. True, visceral body horror. I want to read more of Ali’s work and her anti-hero female protagonists.
Which made sense. Because to this woman, I was going to be hell. And I liked that.”-Lolly
Could you live with the guilt of knowing your little sister was kidnapped (most likely by pedos) and never seen again all because you were too sick to go get the meds? Would you become obsessed with making it right to your sister?
Or
When you look in the mirror do you hate what you see? Do you wish you could cut yourself up into the perfect Victoria secret version of yourself? Do you obsess over looking perfect? Lady Vanity says cutting can be fun!
Trigger warning: sexual abuse/assault, self-mutilation, self-harm,murder
Ali Seay’s book Hysteria examines the themes of obsession and madness in women in the two novellas within: Lolly and Lady Vanity. In using a combination of dark humor and lots of body horrorAli creates shockingly visceral and horrific narratives with gore so well written my imagination and the sentences had my stomach turning and feeling horrified. Especially in Lady Vanity with the descriptions of self-inflicting injuries.
“She smiled. Glee and eagerness hit her in equal measure and she suddenly felt the way she had when she was little and she opened her eyes to realize it was Christmas morning.
What an adventure this would be!
"Cutting can be fun!"-Lady Vanity
I really enjoyed and somewhat cheered for Lolly and loved her sarcastic sense of humour as she took on the neighborhood pedos. I almost felt like she was a human vigilante hero in a way. Protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves well avenging her sisters death. Her superpower, seeing halo’s was comedic and fitting as they stole innocence and were monsters masked as normal people. I also liked the open ended question of her sanity at the end of narrative.
Now Lady vanity did its job in HORRIFYING me on the most basic level. True, visceral body horror. I want to read more of Ali’s work and her anti-hero female protagonists.
November 30, 2023
‘Brilliant!’
Lolly: fantastic!
Lolly is determined to eliminate as many predators, molesters and abusers of children as she possibly can after the disappearance of her younger sister when running an errand for her mother. And to help identify them, she can see dirty halos around their heads.
Lady Vanity: absolutely fantastic!
A young woman decides to take drastic action to make herself slimmer, and it ain’t gonna be pretty.
For all lovers of ‘Female Noir’ very much in the style of Elizabeth Bedlam or a darker version of Gail Honeyman’s ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’.
Couldn’t get enough of these very clever stories, and plan to read much more from this highly talented new author in future. Bravo!
Rating: 4.9 glowing stars of full-on psychological disorder.
Lolly: fantastic!
Lolly is determined to eliminate as many predators, molesters and abusers of children as she possibly can after the disappearance of her younger sister when running an errand for her mother. And to help identify them, she can see dirty halos around their heads.
Lady Vanity: absolutely fantastic!
A young woman decides to take drastic action to make herself slimmer, and it ain’t gonna be pretty.
For all lovers of ‘Female Noir’ very much in the style of Elizabeth Bedlam or a darker version of Gail Honeyman’s ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’.
Couldn’t get enough of these very clever stories, and plan to read much more from this highly talented new author in future. Bravo!
Rating: 4.9 glowing stars of full-on psychological disorder.
Read
July 7, 2023HYSTERIA LOLLY & LADY VANITY by Ali Seay is a ferocious, powerful pair of tales. One darkly pleasurable read about true justice; the other a horrifyingly relatable struggle of unhealthy obsession. Emotion, gore, gratification, catharsis, horror- it's all here and it's GREAT.
October 7, 2023
Thank you to the author for a review copy. My rating is my personal opinion. This book is a 4.5 for me. I have never read anything by Ali Seay before but I am a fan of her work now. I enjoyed both stories in this book immensely. Beginning with the Lolly story, which was my personal favorite. Lolly is nearing the anniversary of the death of her sister and dealing with a crazy flu. Suddenly she finds herself seeing dirty halos hanging over heads. What causes it and does it really matter? Molesters beware Lolly is on the streets hopped up on flu meds and a need for vengeance. Loved this story.
The second story felt more personal to me but came in second for me. Unable to gain the body Frankie desperately wants she finds herself loathing her body and in need of a change. She finds herself wandering a local thrift store and is hit with inspiration when she find Lady Vanity, an electric craving knife. Cutting can be fun.
Story two was hard for me to read. It made me squirm and I felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin. The descriptions were incredible but very graphic. As a person who has never liked the way they looked this story really hit me.
A interesting collection of two dark tales with visceral violence.
The second story felt more personal to me but came in second for me. Unable to gain the body Frankie desperately wants she finds herself loathing her body and in need of a change. She finds herself wandering a local thrift store and is hit with inspiration when she find Lady Vanity, an electric craving knife. Cutting can be fun.
Story two was hard for me to read. It made me squirm and I felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin. The descriptions were incredible but very graphic. As a person who has never liked the way they looked this story really hit me.
A interesting collection of two dark tales with visceral violence.
July 14, 2023
Stories that go deeper than the horror
There is so much pain and truth in these two stories. They both center around a woman who is ill, the first with the flu and the second with dysmorphia. And they both let the symptoms of their illnesses “talk” them into doing unspeakable things.
There’s a lot of body horror in both the stories, but there’s more horror underlying both.
The first is a justice seeking fantasy when, in our world, justice doesn’t often get served.
The second story was absolutely painful as it describes a pretty extreme measure a woman goes through to fit an expectation of the perfect body. When you think about all the pain and other extreme measures women have put themselves through to fit society’s version of the ideal body (removing ribs, for example), it’s not hard to see someone becoming obsessed with looking a certain way and going too far to do it. It was hard to read but a really stark reminder that we must teach our daughters they are perfect as they are.
There is so much pain and truth in these two stories. They both center around a woman who is ill, the first with the flu and the second with dysmorphia. And they both let the symptoms of their illnesses “talk” them into doing unspeakable things.
There’s a lot of body horror in both the stories, but there’s more horror underlying both.
The first is a justice seeking fantasy when, in our world, justice doesn’t often get served.
The second story was absolutely painful as it describes a pretty extreme measure a woman goes through to fit an expectation of the perfect body. When you think about all the pain and other extreme measures women have put themselves through to fit society’s version of the ideal body (removing ribs, for example), it’s not hard to see someone becoming obsessed with looking a certain way and going too far to do it. It was hard to read but a really stark reminder that we must teach our daughters they are perfect as they are.
July 8, 2023
Hysteria-behavior exhibiting excessive or uncontrolled emotions
I didn’t realize the title was going to describe me while I read these two stories.I had such conflicting feelings, my heart was crushed for these two women but my brain was failing at stifling a laugh. The topics are filled with guilt and self-hatred yet written oxymoronically causing your brain to go on a roller coaster ride.
“‘Murder, cat sitting, cleaning. I do it all,’ I whispered.”
The stories mentally and physically sting yet I would find myself giggling and cheering on the main characters.
You know exactly how they feel but hopefully you haven’t taken it to the level they have reached.
“I was too tired to shower the death off.”
These main characters shoulder heavy burdens and these are not subjects to be made light of. Ali Seay respectfully pulls this off brilliantly.
I didn’t realize the title was going to describe me while I read these two stories.I had such conflicting feelings, my heart was crushed for these two women but my brain was failing at stifling a laugh. The topics are filled with guilt and self-hatred yet written oxymoronically causing your brain to go on a roller coaster ride.
“‘Murder, cat sitting, cleaning. I do it all,’ I whispered.”
The stories mentally and physically sting yet I would find myself giggling and cheering on the main characters.
You know exactly how they feel but hopefully you haven’t taken it to the level they have reached.
“I was too tired to shower the death off.”
These main characters shoulder heavy burdens and these are not subjects to be made light of. Ali Seay respectfully pulls this off brilliantly.
January 13, 2023
Special thanks to the author for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Hysteria: Lolly & Lady Vanity is made up of two short stories. The first one follows a young woman named Lolly who decides to take it upon herself to kill some terrible people when an anti viral medicine gives her the ability to identify those who have hurt children. Overall I really liked this story, but was left wanting more. Seay has such a talent for writing truly disturbing scenes, and while that alone managed to grab me as a reader I would’ve loved to see more of Lolly’s past to help establish her as a character. The second story follows Frankie who with the help of Lady Vanity (a carving knife) decides to “modify” her body as a way of dealing with her struggles with body image. This story truly had me wincing which is something that rarely happens to me when reading, and I give Seay a ton of credit for provoking this type of reaction. I do consider this extreme horror, and Seay’s descriptions within this story reaffirm that. She does not hold back, and as a result will have you wanting to both put the book down and read it in one sitting. Out of the two stories I did prefer the first one as it gave a Dexter sort of feel which I absolutely loved. There was also a particular scene that had me absolutely shocked.
If it’s not already obvious I would suggest picking this one up when it releases in July!
Hysteria: Lolly & Lady Vanity is made up of two short stories. The first one follows a young woman named Lolly who decides to take it upon herself to kill some terrible people when an anti viral medicine gives her the ability to identify those who have hurt children. Overall I really liked this story, but was left wanting more. Seay has such a talent for writing truly disturbing scenes, and while that alone managed to grab me as a reader I would’ve loved to see more of Lolly’s past to help establish her as a character. The second story follows Frankie who with the help of Lady Vanity (a carving knife) decides to “modify” her body as a way of dealing with her struggles with body image. This story truly had me wincing which is something that rarely happens to me when reading, and I give Seay a ton of credit for provoking this type of reaction. I do consider this extreme horror, and Seay’s descriptions within this story reaffirm that. She does not hold back, and as a result will have you wanting to both put the book down and read it in one sitting. Out of the two stories I did prefer the first one as it gave a Dexter sort of feel which I absolutely loved. There was also a particular scene that had me absolutely shocked.
If it’s not already obvious I would suggest picking this one up when it releases in July!
July 15, 2023
Sometimes, when I want to read something from an author unfamiliar to me, I jump on the offer to review something by them because it forces me to put their work ahead of everything else on my TBR. Perhaps ‘forces’ is the wrong word to use because it implies I’m doing something I don’t want to do when in fact it’s the opposite of that. Instead of re-reading an old favorite book or diving into something new by an author I’m familiar with, I choose to take on something completely new. Because of the self-imposed obligation of the review, I go out of my comfort zone. I love doing this, and this is exactly what I did when I saw Ali Seay was looking for reviewers for Hysteria: Lolly & Lady Vanity. I immediately reached out to her, as I’ve been wanting to read her work for a while now because I’ve heard good things. And, boy, those things I heard weren’t hype.
You can read Steve's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Steve's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
July 15, 2023
Sometimes, when I want to read something from an author unfamiliar to me, I jump on the offer to review something by them because it forces me to put their work ahead of everything else on my TBR. Perhaps ‘forces’ is the wrong word to use because it implies I’m doing something I don’t want to do when in fact it’s the opposite of that. Instead of re-reading an old favorite book or diving into something new by an author I’m familiar with, I choose to take on something completely new. Because of the self-imposed obligation of the review, I go out of my comfort zone. I love doing this, and this is exactly what I did when I saw Ali Seay was looking for reviewers for Hysteria: Lolly & Lady Vanity. I immediately reached out to her, as I’ve been wanting to read her work for a while now because I’ve heard good things. And, boy, those things I heard weren’t hype.
You can read my full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read my full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
October 1, 2023
This was an INTENSE read. I love Ali Seay's writing, and I know she isn't afraid to dive into some truly dark depths with her stories. There is heartbreak in both Lolly's story and Frankie's (in Lady Vanity). I had a harder time with Lolly's story just because the subject matter isn't one I like to read all that much, but Seay's writing is so compelling that it's impossible to put down. The build-up to the final scene is so well done, and the thought behind the pacing and character development really show how much time and effort Seay puts into her craft.
Lady Vanity included scenes that are forever seared into my brain (and I'm not generally a squeamish reader, but GAH!). Frankie's frustration and depression were heartbreaking, and I think the raw honesty of her story made such an impact. This story should end up being a staple in the horror canon of body horror. Brutal and poignant all at once.
Lady Vanity included scenes that are forever seared into my brain (and I'm not generally a squeamish reader, but GAH!). Frankie's frustration and depression were heartbreaking, and I think the raw honesty of her story made such an impact. This story should end up being a staple in the horror canon of body horror. Brutal and poignant all at once.
February 3, 2023
Another 5-star book from Grindhouse.
This is the first Ali Seay title I have had the pleasure of reading, but I will be on the lookout for more of her work after this.
There are two stories in this strange little collection, and I would honestly struggle to say which one I liked more. Lolly is everything that I look for in my horror fiction; personal, disturbing, morally complex and beautifully written. I was devastated to see that half of the book come to an end, but my spirits were instantly lifted by Lady Vanity. Though it was a very different mood than the first piece, it turned out to be exactly what I needed as a follow up.
I consumed this entire thing in one, delightfully disturbing sitting, and I can't think of a better way to have started my day.
This is the first Ali Seay title I have had the pleasure of reading, but I will be on the lookout for more of her work after this.
There are two stories in this strange little collection, and I would honestly struggle to say which one I liked more. Lolly is everything that I look for in my horror fiction; personal, disturbing, morally complex and beautifully written. I was devastated to see that half of the book come to an end, but my spirits were instantly lifted by Lady Vanity. Though it was a very different mood than the first piece, it turned out to be exactly what I needed as a follow up.
I consumed this entire thing in one, delightfully disturbing sitting, and I can't think of a better way to have started my day.
September 10, 2023
4.5 stars.
As always, Seay’s writing is visceral and pulls no punches. She can be as brutal as anyone writing today.
I loved Lolly - just freaking brilliant and driven by a great concept. And it’s funny as heck too. Seay’s voice as an author is so *clear* in this read. 5⭐️
I was not quite as big of a fan of Lady Vanity, but that’s because of the subject matter (body dysmorphia) that almost touches home for me. This descent into madness and destruction is utterly unflinching and I hade to take several breaks during the read. 4⭐️
4.5 ⭐️ overall for these two gritty novellas.
As always, Seay’s writing is visceral and pulls no punches. She can be as brutal as anyone writing today.
I loved Lolly - just freaking brilliant and driven by a great concept. And it’s funny as heck too. Seay’s voice as an author is so *clear* in this read. 5⭐️
I was not quite as big of a fan of Lady Vanity, but that’s because of the subject matter (body dysmorphia) that almost touches home for me. This descent into madness and destruction is utterly unflinching and I hade to take several breaks during the read. 4⭐️
4.5 ⭐️ overall for these two gritty novellas.
August 29, 2023
Two short stories put together to make this novella. Both stories were excellent and both deal with obsession in a way. I really enjoyed Lolly and Lady Vanity was squirm inducing. Highly recommended.
August 22, 2023
These two stories were so good! The first was just a mind-altered fury, while the second made me cringe so hard that I almost felt as sick as the character. Both were a pleasure to go along with.
April 10, 2024
oh wow that was fucked up! 😀
July 9, 2024
I really liked both of these stories!
February 23, 2025
I loved her writing. 5⭐️
December 30, 2023
Oh how I enjoy Ali's stories. She always does a great job at revenge stories and adding graphic scenes with splashes of humor. These two stories are about unhinged women (my favorite troupe) and the characters pretty much embracing their unhealthy beliefs and actions. Out of the two, I think I enjoyed the first story.
LOLLY is about a woman whose younger sister disappears after going to a pharmacy by herself. A story about obsession, taking back power and bits of "mystical" moments--this had a fun way of having a vigilante woman fighting back in some really horrific ways. Even though she is absolutely "in the wrong", you can't help but root for her.
The second story, LADY VANITY, is brutal in the sense of how a woman character suffers from body dysmorphia and her obsession with appearance. It was hard for me to read her thoughts and actions because I also have bouts of feeling the same exact way. This shows an example of how sometimes it's difficult to get older and feeling like you've lost control of your body. With history of disordered eating, this can be extremely troubling plus self harm on top of it. Ali did a good job at not making Frankie a complete caricature and showing how human she is with real fears.
Both stories are about women trying to take control of their lives, their stories and in turn actually letting their obsessions take over. Again, I thought this was done really well. LOLLY was more of a "fun" gory, good for her type of story that I will always enjoy and be entertained by. LADY VANITY was more serious and heartbreaking for me, but with the two together in this book--I think Ali Seay did a great job at balancing it out with the light hearted moments to the hard hitting realities of womanhood in our current society.
This author continues to blow me away and just shows that women can write brutal stories that will gross you out and hit you in the gut all at the same time.
I recommend this to people who like The Boondock Saints and May.
*STRONG CONTENT WARNINGS FOR EVERYTHING!!
Thank you to the author for a e-arc in exchange of my honest review.
*I'm currently not giving star ratings and just focusing on reviews.
LOLLY is about a woman whose younger sister disappears after going to a pharmacy by herself. A story about obsession, taking back power and bits of "mystical" moments--this had a fun way of having a vigilante woman fighting back in some really horrific ways. Even though she is absolutely "in the wrong", you can't help but root for her.
The second story, LADY VANITY, is brutal in the sense of how a woman character suffers from body dysmorphia and her obsession with appearance. It was hard for me to read her thoughts and actions because I also have bouts of feeling the same exact way. This shows an example of how sometimes it's difficult to get older and feeling like you've lost control of your body. With history of disordered eating, this can be extremely troubling plus self harm on top of it. Ali did a good job at not making Frankie a complete caricature and showing how human she is with real fears.
Both stories are about women trying to take control of their lives, their stories and in turn actually letting their obsessions take over. Again, I thought this was done really well. LOLLY was more of a "fun" gory, good for her type of story that I will always enjoy and be entertained by. LADY VANITY was more serious and heartbreaking for me, but with the two together in this book--I think Ali Seay did a great job at balancing it out with the light hearted moments to the hard hitting realities of womanhood in our current society.
This author continues to blow me away and just shows that women can write brutal stories that will gross you out and hit you in the gut all at the same time.
I recommend this to people who like The Boondock Saints and May.
*STRONG CONTENT WARNINGS FOR EVERYTHING!!
Thank you to the author for a e-arc in exchange of my honest review.
*I'm currently not giving star ratings and just focusing on reviews.
July 5, 2023
I'm a big fan of Ali Seay's "Go Down Hard" and look forward to her output. "Hysteria: Lolly & Lady Vanity" doesn't disappoint. The first story "Lolly" was my favorite because it was more conventional hack 'n slash, gory horror. "Lady Vanity" was graphic and disturbing, but focuses more on body horror/dysmorphia. Both stories are captivating and well-paced; the subject matter of "Lady Vanity" just didn't interest me as much as Lolly's story. It was a strong, very warped character study and "Lolly" was a little more balls to the wall. Seay does a great job of making her characters feel real and putting us inside their depraved heads. Highly recommend and will definitely be checking out more of Ali Seay's work in the future!
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews