by Sophie White
Did it like this book? It was enthralling, highly atmospheric and deeply, deeply disturbing.
I like books that jar me out of complacency.
This novel is rife with trigger warnings. While I’m not particularly fond of body horror, its inclusion in this book was not gratuitous. Instead, the descriptions served to enhance the theme, atmosphere, and characterization.
So, what is this gothic horror novel about?
Aoileann is a teenage girl who is trapped. She’s trapped on a remote island with her catatonic mother and her abusive grandmother. Aoileann’s entire life centres around the care of her mother, and this obligation has turned to hatred (often referring to her mother as “the bed thing”.
The hatred is caused, in part, by a family secret…what caused her mother’s state? Both her father and her grandmother refuse to give answers.
Desperate for love, familial or otherwise, Aoileann is drawn to a newcomer, Rachel, a young mother who has arrived as an artist in residence. Aoileann’s desperation for love and companionship drives her to do almost anything for attention. Soon, she begins to resent the time and attention Rachrel has towards her newborn.
Written in the first person, the reader is privy to an uncensored reading of Aoileann’s true thoughts, making her a very creepy, unsympathetic character.
This is in no way a happy book. I needed to go hug a puppy after reading it.
The author, in her forward, shares her inspiration for this story.
So, did I like this book? I have been thinking about it on and off since I read it, a sure sign that I found it impactful.
This novel lends itself to high school discussion on genre, theme, definitely atmosphere and the impact of first person point of view.
Thank you to Erewhon Books and Netgalley for the copy.
Ink And Spine 