When Victor LaValle speaks about his experience as a young horror fiction enthusiast at age thirteen, he reflects on a notable gap within the genre he loved: cities were rarely featured. The stories and settings predominantly centered around small towns, rural areas, or suburban neighborhoods, which left urban landscapes underrepresented in his beloved literature.
The deeper meaning of this observation reveals much about how different environments can shape narratives and thematic elements within horror fiction. LaValle's comment suggests that the genre often uses smaller, more isolated communities to create a sense of claustrophobia, isolation, and fear stemming from unknown forces lurking just beyond the familiar surroundings. By highlighting the scarcity of city-based horror stories, LaValle invites readers to consider how urban settings might offer unique opportunities for exploring themes such as anonymity, surveillance, and the overwhelming presence of technology in modern life. These elements can add fresh perspectives and complexities to the genre.
Victor LaValle is an accomplished American novelist and essayist known for his work that blends horror, fantasy, and realism. Born in 1973 in Queens, New York, LaValle has earned critical acclaim for novels such as "The Ballad of Black Tom" and "The Changeling," which explore the intersection of the supernatural with social issues like racism and inequality. His insightful commentary on horror literature reflects his broad understanding of storytelling across various cultural contexts.
