Book Review: Consumption by Michael Patrick Hicks
On a remote estate in a Swiss valley, six guests partake in a twelve-course meal prepared for them by reclusive chef Heinrich Schauer. But Schauer has other plans for the diners, involving the mysterious creature he prepares beneath the dining room.
Consumption is an intriguing tale that grabs you and doesn’t let you go for the duration. Each short chapter pulls you deeper into the mystery surrounding the feast and its creator. The story is short, but the horror is evident, building up throughout as the guests slowly change over the course of the meal.
They chatter among each other, warned not to share anything of their personal lives. Their faces hidden behind demonic masks, they try to work out what it is exactly they’re eating.
The descriptions used for the food are delicious, contrasted with the behind-the-scenes glimpses of the preparation, the insights into the chef as his guests remain blissfully unaware. Tension is used well, and for my particular experience, this was all aided by the narration of the audiobook.
The audiobook itself is only an hour and twenty, not a lengthy experience and definitely one that can be listened to in a single sitting, perhaps over a fine three-course meal. From the length, I would think the print version can be devoured in one, if someone was so inclined. But my suggestion would be to savour it, whether you read it all at once or space it out. It’s one of those stories where the more attention you pay, the greater the enjoyment.
There were a few little details in here that made me almost squeal with glee, and they’re definitely worth the build-up. For such a short story, Consumption doesn’t hold anything back, and each word feels chosen with care. I would have liked to have seen it extended, especially when it came to the chef, but this slice is filling enough all the same.
Author Website: michaelpatrickhicks.com
Grade: B
Review by Elle Turpitt
I received this book for free on Audible.