Claire Fuller's 'Hunger and Thirst' masterfully combines social realism with elements of gothic horror, centering on the life of Ursula, a 16-year-old girl grappling with her traumatic past. After the death of her mother, who died while they were in Morocco, Ursula is shuffled through various children's homes, ultimately landing in a halfway house where she befriends the exuberant Sue. Their friendship quickly spirals into a dark realm as they engage in increasingly dangerous activities, including a recreation of a notorious murder at their derelict residence, The Underwood. The narrative is punctuated by scenes from a documentary titled 'Dark Descent', which foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold. As Ursula discovers her creative voice through art, she also confronts the horrors of betrayal and the haunting presence of death that pervades her life. Fuller's exploration of the effects of Thatcher's under-resourced care system adds a layer of social critique, suggesting that horror reflects deeper societal truths. The novel ultimately reveals how ordinary experiences can transform into nightmares, leaving lasting scars on those who endure them.