Reviews tagging 'Child death'

Eynhallow by Tim McGregor

8 reviews

kier__'s review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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sidekicksam's review

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Eynhallow is a small island, part of the Orkney islands, off the coast of Scotland. It is inhabited by only a few families, so life is uneventful. Until a stranger comes to rent one of the empty houses. His presence is enough to stir things up on the island, but no one knows his true intentions… 
 
This retelling of Frankenstein, or a continuation of his story in a different setting, was such a fun trip! I loved the backdrop of the story, the seclusion of the island and the reclusiveness of its inhabitants, and how the arrival of a stranger slowly unhinges everything. I loved getting into Agnes’ world and her troubles, how her encounter with Victor Frankenstein changes her life and how it all unfolds. 
 
Perhaps it’s about time I finally read Frankenstein now I’m loving the retellings so much… 
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henrygravesprince's review

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dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

In the interest of full disclosure, this review is specifically regarding a DRC copy of the book from Net Galley, so while I imagine this eBook was pretty close to finalized, some details may have been changed between my copy and the official release.

I feel like this book is best matched to someone interested in literary horror and modern interpretations of the historical gothic—frankly, it feels very A24 “elevated folk horror” to me, very “the VVitch” in its effect. The strongest aspect of this book was the characterization of everyone but
Victor and the Creature
; the different relationships between the characters are lively and genuine, and the cast felt incredibly real. I think the weakest element is the underdevelopment of
the characters lifted from Frankenstein, which feel more archetypal and less raw than they did the original novel.
I also think the cover blurb describing it as a gift to monster lovers everywhere is a little misleading, and I would recommend people not take that comment into account when building expectation for what this book “is”. I think more development of the latter end of the book would have done this a lot of good. I don’t think I would pick up another book by this author, but I’m willing to be swayed to by a compelling premise if it comes.

When it comes to stories that adapt or retell aspects of Frankenstein, I consume it with one particular question in mind: what would Mary think of it? Of course, there is no way I can guarantee how she would or wouldn’t react to something—because of that, the guiding concept in this thought process for me is how much the work understands the original (this is not synonymous with accuracy: adaptation is more complicated than that), and how well-incorporated the author’s personal, unique perspective is into the piece. Mary saw one adaptation of Frankenstein in her lifetime, and by all accounts, she seemed delighted by it: even when critiquing the poor structure of the adaptation in a letter, she showered it with praise. In that regard, I try to follow her lead.

All that being said, what does this mean for my thoughts on Eynhallow? Frankly, this
is an adaptation that
isn’t so much “for me”, but I do think it is incredibly well-written
, and most importantly, I do think it preserves the core of the original novel in a unique way
.
I think Mary would enjoy this, and I think she would respect the clear critiques of the mistreatment of women, especially in the way it seems to be influenced by the political commentary of her mother, proto-feminist Mary Wollstonecraft.
The angle this tale takes is one centered on the mistreatment of women in the domestic sphere, the invisibilization of reproductive labor, and the difficulty for women (and particularly mothers) to escape abusive family situations without the resource of capital.

The reason it doesn’t work perfectly for me, I think, is because when I go to Frankenstein and associated works, what I’m looking for is the theme of othering in the sphere of marginalization of queerness and stigmatized bodies.
This book has a very specific lense on the struggles of an 18th century housewife in the British Isles, and so, while it explores the domestic dimension of gender roles and a bit of gendered othering due to Agnes’s height, it just didn’t hit for me
the way I want, and expect, respectfully adapted Frankenstein-adjacent works to
. I think I’d have liked it more if it weren’t
directly invoking the characters of Frankenstein,
because I’d not have set expectations, but that’s very specific to my personal reading experience.
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free_the_bookshelf's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 As if life isn’t hard enough, caring for four children and a husband who hates her on an isolated island, Agnes is forced to work for the mysterious stranger who moves into the haunted abode on Eynhallow.

This book is masterfully written for the perfect gloomy vibe; picture a rainy beach day. This is the perfect book for the salty feminists out there. The strong female protagonist has you rooting for her to have one easy day. I will say, this is the kind of book you read when you’re in a certain mood.

As always, check the triggers. There is a lot of pregnancy/baby stuff that’s hard to handle, but it’s set in the 1800s so it’s not exactly like medical science was up to snuff. 
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ogik's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

(will add proper review)
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ericarobyn's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

4.5

Eynhallow by Tim McGregor is a tale of domestic struggles, curiosity, and monsters set in the isolated and windy Orkney Islands.

Content Warnings:
Domestic abuse, pregnancy, stillbirth, death of a child, blood, suicide, medical trauma, and murder.

With only four families residing on the island of Eynhallow, this tiny community gets by, but just barely. Agnes, our main character, is living what she tries to convince herself is a good life; she has a husband, a roof over her head, and children to watch over while she cares for their home. However, readers will very quickly see the darkness that hides behind closed doors.

One day, a boat is spotted approaching the island. The islanders are curious to learn that a man is coming to live in one of the abandoned cottages for the season. Immediately perturbing the residents with his appearance and personality, the newcomer isn’t welcomed at all, let alone welcomed with open arms. When Agnes’ husband volunteers her to take food to and clean for this man, she is beyond angry that her husband made another decision for her. But over time, she gets to know the strange man and her time with him changes everything.

Absolutely boiling over with drama and tension, this story focuses on both real-world horror and sci-fi horror, blending them perfectly together. The author is very skilled at creating a killer atmospheric setting! You’ll feel like you’re sitting right there with the main character whether that’s near the warm fire, out shivering in the cold, or getting hit by the wind and mist from the sea.

Speaking of what this book makes you feel – my gosh, SO many scenes here had my blood boiling. I’ve never hated a character so quickly! I won’t say who, so readers can find that out for themselves. But let me tell you, I was so ready for something unfortunate to happen to that character immediately.

On the flip side of that, I was so ready to rage on behalf of Agnes! The author does such an amazing job getting readers into this character’s head. You can’t help but feel close to her while also feeling protective of her very early on. That feeling only grows watching what happens to her throughout the rest of the tale.

There was also a focus on pregnancy and birth had me ready to throw up. I just had a baby just shy of four months ago and I am very thankful I didn’t read this before then! The author doesn’t shy away from the horrific things that can happen, as he writes so perfectly; “Every woman skates the razor’s edge when she brings life into this world.”

Then there’s the sci-fi elements that were so mysterious! I enjoyed not knowing what was really going on. Of course, with the names of the characters, you can guess at what’s happening, but the answers are kept hidden until the perfect time!

My Favorite Passages from Eynhallow –

The storm has left the island wet and sopping, but the morning is bright and blue. The wind, which normally blows brisk, is reduced to a gentle waft. There is no escape from the wind on Eynhallow. It never ceases, even on gentle summer days.

Eynhallow is awash in mystery, and the legends often contradict one another.

A public flaying is in the air, so I slip out of the conversation before blood is spilt. The foreign gent and his audacious absence from Sunday worship is like cream to hungry cats. The islanders will dine on this subject for days to come. I have no desire to participate in the bloodbath, having been on the receiving end of it in the past. What confounds me is this need to cut someone to ribbons for their faults and sins, believing the contrast will highlight the cutter’s own superior nature. Making oneself taller by standing on another is an ugly play in my opinion.

I probe her belly with my fingers. It is hard, the skin stretched firm, but I feel nothing irregular. “Anything out of the usual?”
“Oh, I don’t know. What’s usual when comes to this?”

Cradled in his arms were the bones of his dead wife. A ghastly scene, to be sure. Out in the yard lay a massive hole under the marble headstone. Had the man gone mad and exhumed his dead wife or did the bride claw her way out of the grave to plant the kiss of death on her husband?

The doors to both inner rooms are closed. The first opens to a completely barren space save for a pile of books in the corner. I snoop through each book but not one volume is written in English. How vexing. I could murder someone for a new book to read.

Death is a promise that cannot be made pretty.

Sundown bruises the clouds purple and the last of the gulls call out over the sound of the surf. The sliver of moon is even thinner tonight, but it provides enough light for my pilgrimage to the burial ground.

My thoughts shatter like eggs dropped to the floor, and I cannot decide on a course of action. Do I flee or stay?

My Final Thoughts on Eynhallow –

Horror fans, this read is such an intense and bleak one! Covering so much ground while we follow a character just trying to survive her day-to-day life, readers will never know what terror or tragedy is coming next.

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biblio_creep's review

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

4 stars

Read if you're looking for:
  • A cold, wind swept, gothic setting in Scotland
  • A new twist on a well known horror story, from a woman’s POV
  • Characters you can empathize with
  • A lot of body horror
  • Incorporation of the real-life legends of the island of Eynhallow

This is a gothic, horror story set in the Orkney Islands of Scotland in 1797. Agnes lives on the island with her four children, and her unpleasant and abusive husband, scratching out a meager living from the sea. The island is  desolate, with only four families living there. One day, a mysterious outsider arrives to rent a croft that has long been abandoned and rumors spread regarding his intentions. Agnes' husband volunteers her to cook and clean for this new renter, much to her chagrin. As she gets to know this new man, strange and terrifying events begin to unfold.

<<<[I don't consider the following a spoiler because it happens early on, and it is in the publisher's synopsis. But don't read this paragraph if you want to go in completely blind] It is soon revealed that this man is Victor Frankenstein, who fled to this remote island in an attempt to complete his work, as he is hounded by something dangerous and vile. Agnes soon gets wrapped up into his unpleasant doings, and ends up paying an awful price. >>>

I really enjoyed the reading experience of this book. There are great descriptions of the stark setting that really give you the feeling of the cold and windswept island. I also enjoyed the characterization of the main character, Agnes, and the journey that she goes on to lose herself, and find herself. I definitely had empathy for her situation, and how much of POS her husband was. There was a good amount of body horror, and gruesome yet beautiful descriptions of decay and disintegration. The ending also gives a certain sense of catharsis, as well. There is a decent amount of trauma that occurs in this book, so make sure to check the content warnings before reading.

The main criticism I have, is that the pacing seemed a little bit off for me at the end. There are several chapters after the main climax, which I did appreciate having the information they provided, but it seemed to throw off the flow a little bit. It's a little bit of a slow build at the beginning, but the action really kicks off in the second half of the book, which worked fine for me.

Overall, I would say that this is a solid, gothic horror story with great body horror, and I would recommend picking it up if those are things you enjoy.

CW:  Body horror, Child death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Birth trauma

DISCLAIMER: I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
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aedoran08's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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