Reviews

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

accidentalra's review against another edition

5.0

Set in 1950 Jim Crow Florida, where the brutal realities of systemic racism have literally contaminated the soil, The Reformatory is both haunting and compelling. This is historical horror at its most effective, where the history—and its legacy—is more terrifying, more disturbing than the horror, and every choice, every action, every decision is fraught.

If you've wondered if this book lives up to the hype—and I know there's been quite a bit of hype—then stop wondering and start reading. This is the kind of fiction that leaves its readers changed.

[I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

nereeque's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sandygandy's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

3.5

lori_reed's review against another edition

challenging sad tense

4.5

hannahpm's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

tee_tee_tee's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Started: 09/15/24
Finished: 09/18/24
Format: physical book
Genre: horror
5.0⭐️

Like woaaah from beginning to end. 

laceybananareads's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

6 ⭐️ if I could. This was so heartbreaking in some parts that I have a hard time saying I love this book, our history is horrifying. But this was an incredible read. The way I was immersed in these characters was something I have not experienced in some time. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come. 

jo89's review against another edition

dark emotional sad slow-paced

3.5

aarws22's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense slow-paced

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

3.75

prettohoran's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5