I’m not usually a fan of short stories because they cut off right when you’re invested but for Eliza Clark, you make the exception, right?

Well, reader, it happened again, I got fully invested in the story and it ended, the excerpt ended and I wanted to continue reading the rest of the book. Except this time I’m not upset, I’m very excited for November 7th, when this releases so that I can devour this in its entirety!

Thank you so much to Faber & Faber for the chance to read this excerpt before the book is released! 🩷❤️ #NetGalley #ShesAlwaysHungry

Eliza Clark's debut short story collection promises to "plumb the depths of that most basic human feeling: hunger", and I think it's kind of genius that the first and only story granted to us lucky few successful ARC applicants is this short and sweet little nugget, composed entirely of increasingly surreal online reviews for a Chinese-Italian fusion restaurant which may or may not exist, and which is almost certainly run by white/tan/blonde and beachy Australian cultists if it does. It's not as overtly dark as either of Clark's previous novels - both of which I've loved - but its absurdism and its ambiguity hint at darker things to come.

This short story was a collection of several justeat reviews for a mysterious restaurant offering a clash of Chinese and Italian food. It was gripping, unique, and has left me even more intrigued for the full book.

Clark showcased her talent in making it genuinely seem like there were so many different people writing their reviews. ( I also very much respect Hannah for her commitment to the cause.)

I would definitely order from little Chitaly and I do wonder about the ominous apples…

An amazing excerpt of Eliza Clark's next title - the short story is funny in its portrayal of the different characters' confused reviews, yet has an unsettling undertone and fantastical elements. Can't wait to read the rest!

I really enjoyed the short story excerpted from this book that was included in the download. It was masterfully written with a sense of mystery and unease, and the characters’ voices felt so real! I’m a big fan of this author and can’t wait to read the whole book!

The short story 'The Shadow Over Little Chitaly' is absolutely hilarious. Told through the form of confused and bewildered reviews it made me laugh out loud on the train. Cannot wait to read the full collection.

Disappointed this isn’t the full book, but I loved the short story about Little Chitaly. It was weird, humorous, and so so strange. I actually read it twice it was so good. Parts had me laughing out loud whilst others gave me uncanny valley vibes. I want to read the whole collection now; this has definitely put Eliza Clark on my list of authors to buy from.

5 stars but i genuinely don't think it could be anything less. if this is indicative of the full book i am so excited for it. SOOOO disappointed though that this is not the full book...

Would have loved to review the whole book.
Ingenious and eerie, this story captivates with its originality. Told through a series of reviews—some by recurring reviewers—it unveils the enigma of a takeaway place that fuses Italian and Chinese cuisine. The dark humor and sharp wit are strong. If the rest of the collection matches this quality, it promises to be a masterpiece.

Creative and entertaining, this story uses reviews to craft a unique narrative. The unusual combination of Italian and Chinese dishes adds a fascinating element, while the dark humor is expertly woven. The subtle hints of a more sinister plot make it both engaging and thought-provoking. If the entire collection sustains this level of innovation and charm, it’s bound to be outstanding.

This was an excellent short story, bizarre and eerie, compelling and moreish. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the full collection!

Weird, charming and intriguing. Everything I love about Eliza Clark. Can’t wait to read the full thing!

IM READY FOR THE WHOLE BOOK NOW. ELIZA CLARK NEVER FAILS!!!

Covers game = 100%
Title game = 100%
Writing game = 1000000%

Autobuy author who always lives up to my expectations

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for a sneak peak of this story collection.

My short trip to the review page of Little Chitaly has already made me want to place an order just to see what I get! A very strange way to introduce us to the book, I expect it will only get more creepy and eery. A different direction from Eliza Clark’s previous work but also has her signature feel.

This has very much piqued my interest in getting to read the rest of these stories.

Eliza Clark just knows how to write. It's dark and weird. I'm looking forward to the rest of this book as I've been left unsatisfied lol which is my own fault, I didn't read all the description.

Excellent, original, very clever and very creepy. The story presents itself through a series of reviews (and some people review more than twice), throwing hints right and left about a mysterious takeaway place which combines Italian and Chinese cuisine. It's brimming with dark humor and cruel intelligence. I really hope this is inciative of the whole collection's quality - if so, we' ll have a masterpiece on our hands!

A fantastic short story excerpt that has left me ravenous for more but pretty please put the full ARC on netgalley Faber, or I'd happily take a physical proof either 😂

Okay like everyone else it seems I did not think this was only one story I thought it was the whole book. Faber please put the whole thing on NetGalley because after reading this I am gagging for the rest of it! I loved this!

The Shadow Over Little Chitaly is basically a bunch of reviews of a takeaway place that, beyond being a Chinese and Italian food hybrid, just appears to be unusual. This is truly so funny! It has something very weird lurking under the surface but for the most part I was giggling. Out loud! Eliza Clark is so good at capturing what people are like on the internet. The tone, the typos... it could not be more spot on.

I cannot WAIT for the whole book.

it’s Eliza Clark, so I must read it

This short story excerpt definitely got my attention. I’m intrigued. Can’t wait to read the full collection!

Ok I will take some responsibility , I am reader, I did not read the description and did not realise this was just one short ( very short) story and not the entire collection. However, much when you go to a much loved restaurant, you don't always read the menu before booking. This experience was like going to said restaurant and instead of devouring the several courses you were looking forward to, you get a taste off someone else's plate and then have to leave.
I was genuinely really disappointed when I found out this was not the entire book. Sure reading the one short story whetted my appetite but it also left a sour aftertaste.
The one story entertained but its close to impossible to rate it as a standalone. I would not read an entire book in this format and I am sure it works well in between stories, in isolation, it was entertaining but hard to form an opinion on. I will stay neutral. I will read descriptions in more detail , in future.

Hadn’t realised this was just one chapter but it wasn’t bad at all. Not much I can say as it was about 10 pages long but it played into my love of weird reviews online wonderfully.