Out There Screaming: A Journey into Black Horror
When I first caught wind of Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror, curated by the incredibly talented Jordan Peele, I felt an unmistakable pull. Peele’s films—Get Out, Us, and Nope—not only redefine horror but also challenge the very fabric of cultural narratives, and the promise of him assembling a collection of works from Black authors ignited my curiosity. What would I discover in these pages? Would I find horrors born not just from the supernatural, but also from the haunting realities of injustice? I couldn’t wait to dive in.
The anthology is a mesmerizing tapestry, woven with diverse voices that confront a broad spectrum of fears. From a police officer haunted by supernatural vision to freedom riders on a fateful Alabama bus trip, each story delves into unique yet terrifying realms. The beauty of this collection is that it’s not constrained to conventional horror tropes; it vacillates between personal and socio-political terrors, showcasing a range of experiences that reflect the complexity of Black identities. While some narratives like “Reckless Eyeballing” by N.K. Jemisin explore the chilling aspects of racial profiling, others like “The Most Strongest Obeah Woman of the World” by Nalo Hopkinson embrace folklore and elements of body horror.
What particularly struck me was the variance in writing styles; each author brought their own flair to storytelling. From gripping pacing that left me breathless to slower, haunting reflections that allowed the suspense to seep in like fog, each narrative felt distinct yet connected. I found myself gripping the edges of my seat during Cadwell Turnbull’s “Wandering Devil”, as it expertly blended existential dread with an atmosphere thick with foreboding. In contrast, “Invasion of the Baby Snatchers” by Lesley Nneka Arimah seamlessly melded sci-fi elements with cultural commentary, leaving me both entertained and thoughtful.
As I turned the pages, I often found myself mulling over quotes that lingered long after I had set the book down. A reviewer aptly noted that this anthology feels like “a season of The Twilight Zone”—a magnificent description for a compilation that defies expectations while compelling us to confront our own understanding of horror. It’s curious that these writers, while capturing traditional horrors, prompt us to also explore how they relate to personal and collective histories.
Out There Screaming is not just for avid horror fans; it’s for anyone willing to embrace a multifaceted view of storytelling. It opens a portal into experiences that can be unfamiliar yet enriching, creating a bridge to empathy and understanding. I personally felt that each story was more than just entertainment; it was a reflection, an uncomfortable revelation that expanded my perception of fear.
In a world saturated with narratives that often overlook diverse voices, this anthology stands as a testament to the power of representation in literature. If you’re keen on exploring unsettling tales that challenge you while offering a fresh perspective on the horror genre, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this collection a read. It’s an experience that lingers, inviting readers to continuously question: what truly are we afraid of?
You can find Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror here >>