Grey Matter Press announced today that it will publish the highly anticipated novella by John F.D. Taff that explores the controversial topic of institutional child abuse in a manner that has rarely been attempted, within the framework of dark horror fiction.
Exploring polarizing themes that seem ripped from the headlines, THE SUNKEN CATHEDRAL deals with the concepts of betrayal, loss of childhood innocence, mental and physical abuse, and redemption in a manner that is both horrendously uncomfortable and beautifully moving.
“THE SUNKEN CATHEDRAL is unlike anything I recall ever having been published by the horror industry,” said Anthony Rivera, Grey Matter Press publisher and editor. “It’s a harrowing account of a very personal tragedy that, sadly, is far too prevalent in our society. Taff masterfully tackles a topic in print that is often considered too uncomfortable to even discuss, exemplifying how deeply moving literary fiction can be when such explosive subject matter is in the most capable of hands.”
“I think readers will find THE SUNKEN CATHEDRAL to be both like and unlike my previous work,” said Taff. “It continues to expand on the themes of love, loss and pain that I’ve explored elsewhere, in addition to expanding the boundaries of what we consider horror fiction.”
The novella THE SUNKEN CATHEDRAL underscores Taff’s innate ability to communicate moments of profound, personal anguish with an intricate and highly nuanced style that allows him to effectively broach the highly charged concepts that are covered in the book.
“This piece of literature is likely to shock many readers, and it will most definitely transcend the currently accepted definition of horror,” said Rivera. “Due to John’s heartfelt portrayal of this issue, I honestly believe THE SUNKEN CATHEDRAL has the power to be a cathartic experience and, potentially, a catalyst for emotional healing for the thousands of victims and families who’ve suffered such pain at the hands of those they’ve trusted.”
Slated for release in March 2015, THE SUNKEN CATHEDRAL will be Taff’s first self-contained long-fiction novella and continues to highlight a style that seamlessly weaves together elements of personal realism, horror and suspense.
“The story is one that I’ve held off publishing until I thought the time was right,” said Taff. “Even then, I knew I had to find a publisher who I could trust to bring it to readers respectfully. Grey Matter Press is that company, and so I’m happy to see this piece finally published.”
THE SUNKEN CATHEDRAL follows the Grey Matter Press release of the author’s critically acclaimed THE END IN ALL BEGINNINGS. Published in September and called the “Best Book of 2014,” THE END IN ALL BEGINNINGS is a collection of emotional horror that has prompted many to refer to Taff as the “King of Pain.” The disturbing and deeply personal content covered in THE SUNKEN CATHEDRAL continues in this same vein of literary horror for which Taff has become known.
