My Name isn't Paul 

by, 

This book was definitely a wild and unconventional ride, and I’m still not sure if it was weird in a good way or just… weird. That said, it absolutely stands out as a unique reading experience.

At its best, the story explores fascinating themes of identity, existence, and what it means to be (or not be) human. The protagonist, Paul, who isn’t quite Paul, was compelling, especially early on, and I really appreciated the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device. It gave Paul’s inner experience a raw, surreal quality that felt well-matched to the story’s offbeat horror tone.

The first part of the novella had me hooked: it was original, unsettling, and strangely funny. The writing was vivid and confidently bizarre. However, as the story progressed, the pacing began to feel rushed. A lot of things started happening in a short span, and the plot began to lose clarity for me. The lore, particularly surrounding the alien-like “mirror people”, was intriguing but underexplored. I found myself wishing the author had taken more time to flesh out the world and its strange rules.

Also, while I appreciate weird horror and absurdism, the frequent focus on the...let’s say, insectoid horniness of the characters began to wear thin. It often overshadowed the deeper themes the story introduced early on, which was disappointing because those moments of philosophical reflection were where the novella really shined.

Still, I admire the boldness of this story. It’s strange, risky, and unlike anything I’ve read recently. I think it would have benefitted from a longer format to fully develop its ideas, but it left me curious enough to want to explore more of the author's work.

Recommended for fans of surreal, experimental horror who don’t mind a little bug-lust mixed into their existential dread.