What would you do to save a loved one?
Robert’s mother, Helen, is ravaged by cancer. Every day could be her last, and Robert dreads losing
the last member of his family. Robert’s friend and Holocaust survivor, Josef, tell him an unholy story
and leaves him a way to save his dying mother. But, as with everything in life, salvation comes with a
steep price.
Will Robert accept what’s left to him and save his mother? Or will the cost be too high, weighing
Robert’s soul down to the depths of Hell? 

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Volpe proved to be a talented extreme horror writer with novels like Talia and Billy Silver. Yet, he also proved his talents far exceed the extreme side of horror with Left To You. This novel introduces you to Robert, Robert works at his local supermarket attempting to make ends meet to afford his home as his mom slowly dies from cancer. One day, while Robert is working a customer, named Josef enters the store befriending the young man. Robert soon finds himself hearing Josef’s life story in Auschwitz, the loss of his family and learns of a devilish secret Josef holds. Josef leaves Robert a blessing and a curse, something that could cure his mom of cancer. Every great gift comes with a deadly price, leaving Robert facing choices that could save his mother while ending another. What would you do to save a loved one?

You guys, this novel made me cry and say “what the fuck” simultaneously throughout the whole time I was reading it. Having lost my Dad and grandparents to cancer it was a heartbreaking experience to read about Robert going through it as well. The Holocaust is one of history’s most horrific and tragic events known to this world. So anything to do about that will bring me to tears almost immediately, as I could never imagine the pain and fear people were subjected to. Nor will I ever understand how one human could do such things to another human being. Despite the tough topics, which Volpe handled beautifully, he also brought the graphic horror he is so well known for. Mixing historical fiction and horror in such a divine way this easily became a new favorite of mine. Volpe has proven himself to be an epically talented horror author, yet, with this novel, he has proved his talents have no limits.

I was captivated by his stunning writing style from the first page as I learned about Robert and his life. Never falling short with impeccable character depth or development as the story progressed into learning about Josef as well. Filled with graphic depictions of deaths at Auschwitz to pussy demon dick, there were no details left untouched. You as a reader got a front-row seat to all the gory and tear-jerking details in this small but mighty read. Volpe has more than earned a spot as one of my favorite authors. The attention to detail, character depth & development, combined with easy flowing writing makes a perfect book combination. The writing keeps me wanting to read until the wee hours of the morning as well as the suspense leading up to the next “O My God” scene. Tragic and gory, this novel was exactly what I needed to get over the book hangover that I’ve been holding on to since Yanagihara’s People In The Trees (I have not written my review yet as I am still processing all the emotions attached to that one).

I can not recommend this novel enough to any horror, historical horror, or historical fiction reader enough. This novel is not as extreme as some of Volpe’s other novels such as Talia or Billy Silver but it does pack a punch. You will cry, you will cringe, you will want to finish your meal beforehand at some parts, but most of all you will enjoy it! Happy Reading fellow Book Nerds!

Pages: 259

Published: November 10th, 2021

Genre: Horror – Historical Horror – Historical Fiction – Adult Fiction

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