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dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Could you back the fuck off for two seconds? I am monologuing!”
Beautiful. Haunting. Raw.
This book was a masterpiece, pure art in its finest form, and I started this at the same time as a hot spell swept the UK which felt both fitting and slightly terrifying at the same time.
I was transported to Italy, visiting all these beautiful places but always returning to the dreaded Villa Taccola, just like the Pace’s. And despite by immediate distaste for some of them, I kept wanting them to leave the villa, money and belongings be damned!
The writing was just incredible and the atmosphere fluctuated between family holiday to pure malice so excellently. When I picked this up I knew I’d enjoy it, but never to the extent that I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Stalking, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Alcohol
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Car accident
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
When I picked up this book, I (for some reason) anticipated more of a gothic horror vibe, but this was truly straight HORROR at its best. Lots of bits that made me go “agh no!” out loud, a very atmospheric (and wonderfully Italian) setting, and a really interesting family dynamic all worked together to create a rich, creepy tapestry. I loved that Anna and her black sheep relationship to her family directly impacted and influenced the ghost story. I loved that she got a bit snarky with the ghost, it became a relationship in its own right and made for some funny moments (which were definitely welcome when I was freaking out thinking about a ghost licking her foot). I also appreciated that she never reconciles with her terrible family and let the “rot” do its thing, truly awful people lol All in all, I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this read, would definitely recommend for a scary summer read (maybe even on a family vacation just to keep it interesting!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Murder
Moderate: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gore, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder
Minor: Abortion
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Vomit, Alcohol
Moderate: Body horror, Violence
Minor: Animal death
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a real gem of what I think of when I say "Feminist Horror." The author takes a common trope of
"disastrous family vacation" and turns it into a story about belonging, alienation, and turning into the person you actually want to be. I found the main character to be shallow and annoying even when I sympathized with her, but I'm glad I stuck with her because the end made it worth it. More would spoil it. I'll be reading more of this author.
"disastrous family vacation" and turns it into a story about belonging, alienation, and turning into the person you actually want to be. I found the main character to be shallow and annoying even when I sympathized with her, but I'm glad I stuck with her because the end made it worth it. More would spoil it. I'll be reading more of this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Animal death
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a stay up until 2am to finish read. A haunted house in Tuscany set to ruin the “perfect” family vacation? This was a masterfully written build beginning with your typical haunted villa moments; door slams and temperature changes, escalating into lost days and two women scorned who just won’t quit. Anna’s life experiences contribute to every well thought out move from beginning to end, and I’ll be thinking about La Dama Bianca for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Alcohol
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Gore, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Blood, Abortion
Minor: Animal death
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Perfect for fans of the twisted heroines of Ottessa Moshfegh and Mona Awad as well as hardcore horror readers, Diavola is what it says on the cover: devilish but also darkly funny.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, Blood