Megan Mostyn-Brown, author of the compelling novel *The Need*, admits that her enthrallment with the darker sides of life started at a young age. Her fascination with horror, monsters, and particularly the concept of cannibalism, can be traced back to childhood experiences watching horror films and reading the works of authors like Stephen King. Mostyn-Brown describes herself as a child obsessed with the macabre, a blend of Wednesday Addams and Peppermint Patty, drawn to the more sinister aspects of human nature.
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Her long-standing interest in cannibalism took an unexpected turn when she embarked on a health journey that would ultimately inspire her debut novel. Mostyn-Brown’s engagement with this unsettling subject matter, it seems, was propelled not just by curiosity but by personal experience. Following a routine medical check-up, alarming liver test results sent her to a specialist, where a string of diagnostic tests revealed she had hereditary Hemochromatosis. This genetic condition leads to excessive iron accumulation in the body, often going undetected until significant damage has occurred.
Despite being a genetic anomaly in her family, with neither of her parents affected, Mostyn-Brown grapples with a diagnosis that lacks a straightforward solution. The management of Hemochromatosis involves dietary changes and regular health monitoring. For Mostyn-Brown, the experience of navigating her health challenges sparked deep reflection on the nature of genetic disorders, particularly questions surrounding identity and the nuances of living with an undisclosed condition.
In her exploration of these themes, Mostyn-Brown contemplated the possibility of cannibalism manifesting as a genetic disorder. This thought experiment framed her novel: What if such a perilous craving were part of one’s DNA? How would one navigate life with an unquenchable need for human flesh? The questions she wrestled with became the framework for her characters, who mirror her own experiences of doubt and confusion regarding their health.
Throughout the writing process, Mostyn-Brown became increasingly attuned to her body’s signals, prompting a shift in how she views her condition and its implications. Her characters resonate with her personal symptoms of Hemochromatosis, such as fatigue and mental haziness, encapsulating the struggle to understand and confront hidden health issues. The journey of her characters paralleled her real-life reflections on having a condition that had long gone unrecognised.
Being deeply entrenched in her narrative allowed Mostyn-Brown to advocate for herself in ways she previously hadn’t. The act of writing, amid her explorations of cannibalism and hereditary disorders, became a cathartic means of realising the importance of recognising one’s own bodily signals. It prompted a sense of gratitude that her condition, while complex, is manageable, particularly when contrasted with the dire implications of the themes presented in her book.
Ultimately, *The Need* skillfully intertwines the notions of identity and the human experience of grappling with undiscovered illnesses. It delves into the psychological and emotional ramifications of carrying such heavy burdens, all while offering a thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged. Mostyn-Brown encapsulates the essence of living with something unsettling within oneself, reflected through both her personal experiences and her fictional characters’ plights.
For those intrigued by the darker aspects of humanity, Mostyn-Brown’s novel is a timely addition to the literature surrounding genetic complexities and the horror genre. It invites readers to confront their own understandings of what lurks beneath the surface and how our bodies can sometimes carry secrets we fail to acknowledge. *The Need* is currently available for purchase, providing an absorbing reading experience that is both thought-provoking and terrifying.
In a world where health narratives often remain untold, Megan Mostyn-Brown’s reflective journey encourages us to strive for awareness and agency in our own lives. Her work stands as a reminder of the intricate connection between our experiences and the stories we weave, revealing not only the human condition but also the darker corners of existence that continue to fascinate and terrify us.