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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
2.5 stars rounded down.
This is a bit stream of consciousness but here goes.
I think the ideas behind this novel had a lot of potential. You could clearly see the influence of genre horror and the horror greats, often a little too explicitly, some bits felt lifted directly out of Haunting of Hill House, both the book and the tv show (especially the tv show—from the red room to certain scares). It felt at times like reading a film studies paper, an english paper, and a fiction piece for workshop all at once (and all of them still needed to go through a couple rounds of editing).
There were many moments where the story was dropped in favour of telling the audience what was going to happen or explaining the subtext. Like trust your audience, please.
I was going to give this 3.5 stars but knocked it down a star after thinking more about how the novel represents and characterizes fascism. I felt like some of the theory there was missing or certain fascistic tendencies hadn’t been unlearned such as how martyrdom and nihilism pervade the story as if those aren’t components/friends of fascism.
Honestly, so much of the plot felt like the author had just read Conflict is Not Abuse and took it at its word? Also the Helen Oyeyemi (you know the woman who wrote Boy Snow Bird) shout out at the end was discomforting.
tl;dr: Felt unfinished, a little too referential, and needed a better basis of engagement with theory on fascism, history of fascism, and anti-fascism in general.
This is a bit stream of consciousness but here goes.
I think the ideas behind this novel had a lot of potential. You could clearly see the influence of genre horror and the horror greats, often a little too explicitly, some bits felt lifted directly out of Haunting of Hill House, both the book and the tv show (especially the tv show—from the red room to certain scares). It felt at times like reading a film studies paper, an english paper, and a fiction piece for workshop all at once (and all of them still needed to go through a couple rounds of editing).
There were many moments where the story was dropped in favour of telling the audience what was going to happen or explaining the subtext. Like trust your audience, please.
I was going to give this 3.5 stars but knocked it down a star after thinking more about how the novel represents and characterizes fascism. I felt like some of the theory there was missing or certain fascistic tendencies hadn’t been unlearned such as how martyrdom and nihilism pervade the story as if those aren’t components/friends of fascism.
Honestly, so much of the plot felt like the author had just read Conflict is Not Abuse and took it at its word? Also the Helen Oyeyemi (you know the woman who wrote Boy Snow Bird) shout out at the end was discomforting.
tl;dr: Felt unfinished, a little too referential, and needed a better basis of engagement with theory on fascism, history of fascism, and anti-fascism in general.
Wow, I seldom read horror. Parts were confusing but overall I enjoyed it.
The choice was between 4 stars or 5 stars to represent my truthful rating of 4.5, so I upsold! What a menace! This book is great!
An incredibly probing and genuinely scary look at the effects of centuries of damage that lead to the recurrence of fear and fascism, through the lens of a horror novel that is often funny, really disgusting and deeply traumatic. Rumfitt's prose bounces between characters and perspectives and feels eerily familiar to anybody that has grown into adulthood during this first part of the 21st century; from the attitudes visited through the fears that distort the truth, the book taps into a cultural distress while also never swerving from being an effective horror book.
Never subtle but always intelligent and provocative, this book is like a forest fire running through England and burning its past as it does so. A discordant text about discordant times that taps into the fear and malaise that has fallen over many of us, but especially the ever present TERF debate that has exploded in the last few years, and shows them for exactly what they are; the evolution of a fascist ideology that this country can't seem to let go of. Brilliant.
An incredibly probing and genuinely scary look at the effects of centuries of damage that lead to the recurrence of fear and fascism, through the lens of a horror novel that is often funny, really disgusting and deeply traumatic. Rumfitt's prose bounces between characters and perspectives and feels eerily familiar to anybody that has grown into adulthood during this first part of the 21st century; from the attitudes visited through the fears that distort the truth, the book taps into a cultural distress while also never swerving from being an effective horror book.
Never subtle but always intelligent and provocative, this book is like a forest fire running through England and burning its past as it does so. A discordant text about discordant times that taps into the fear and malaise that has fallen over many of us, but especially the ever present TERF debate that has exploded in the last few years, and shows them for exactly what they are; the evolution of a fascist ideology that this country can't seem to let go of. Brilliant.
In Tell Me I'm Worthless, Alison Rumfit delivers a haunting and thought-provoking debut that explores themes of identity, trauma, and the insidious effects of societal and personal disintegration. This novel combines psychological horror with a deep and unsettling exploration of self-worth, making it a gripping and memorable read.
Set against the backdrop of a decaying and dystopian society, the story follows two protagonists, who find themselves at the center of an unnerving and surreal narrative. Their journey unfolds within a dark and enigmatic landscape, marked by a series of disturbing events that challenge their understanding of reality and themselves.
Rumfit’s writing is both evocative and disturbing, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread that permeates the novel. The prose is rich with unsettling imagery and psychological insight, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and illusion are constantly blurred. The novel’s atmosphere is reminiscent of classic horror literature but with a contemporary and innovative twist that makes it feel fresh and original.
The characters in Tell Me I'm Worthless are intricately drawn and deeply flawed, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The protagonist's struggle with their sense of self-worth and identity is portrayed with raw emotional intensity, making their experiences both relatable and deeply affecting. Rumfit delves into themes of societal pressure, self-loathing, and the quest for validation, crafting a narrative that resonates with profound psychological insight.
The novel's pacing is deliberate, allowing Rumfit to build tension and explore themes in a nuanced and thoughtful manner. While some readers may find the slow burn of the narrative a departure from more conventional horror pacing, it is precisely this careful approach that allows for a more immersive and reflective reading experience.
One of the strengths of Tell Me I'm Worthless is its ability to evoke a strong emotional response. The novel’s exploration of trauma and self-worth is both poignant and unsettling, leaving readers with much to ponder long after they’ve turned the final page. Rumfit’s ability to balance psychological depth with eerie and suspenseful elements makes the book a standout in the genre.
In conclusion, Tell Me I'm Worthless is a powerful and thought-provoking debut that will appeal to readers looking for a blend of psychological horror and profound emotional exploration. Alison Rumfit’s evocative writing and complex characters create a compelling narrative that is both disturbing and intellectually stimulating. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate horror with a deeper, more reflective edge.
Set against the backdrop of a decaying and dystopian society, the story follows two protagonists, who find themselves at the center of an unnerving and surreal narrative. Their journey unfolds within a dark and enigmatic landscape, marked by a series of disturbing events that challenge their understanding of reality and themselves.
Rumfit’s writing is both evocative and disturbing, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread that permeates the novel. The prose is rich with unsettling imagery and psychological insight, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and illusion are constantly blurred. The novel’s atmosphere is reminiscent of classic horror literature but with a contemporary and innovative twist that makes it feel fresh and original.
The characters in Tell Me I'm Worthless are intricately drawn and deeply flawed, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The protagonist's struggle with their sense of self-worth and identity is portrayed with raw emotional intensity, making their experiences both relatable and deeply affecting. Rumfit delves into themes of societal pressure, self-loathing, and the quest for validation, crafting a narrative that resonates with profound psychological insight.
The novel's pacing is deliberate, allowing Rumfit to build tension and explore themes in a nuanced and thoughtful manner. While some readers may find the slow burn of the narrative a departure from more conventional horror pacing, it is precisely this careful approach that allows for a more immersive and reflective reading experience.
One of the strengths of Tell Me I'm Worthless is its ability to evoke a strong emotional response. The novel’s exploration of trauma and self-worth is both poignant and unsettling, leaving readers with much to ponder long after they’ve turned the final page. Rumfit’s ability to balance psychological depth with eerie and suspenseful elements makes the book a standout in the genre.
In conclusion, Tell Me I'm Worthless is a powerful and thought-provoking debut that will appeal to readers looking for a blend of psychological horror and profound emotional exploration. Alison Rumfit’s evocative writing and complex characters create a compelling narrative that is both disturbing and intellectually stimulating. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate horror with a deeper, more reflective edge.
I really wish I liked this book more than I did. Great premise, poor execution.
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Transphobia, Suicide attempt, Murder
will be back for this one, just a tough listen at the moment
I’m very confused in regards to my thoughts about this book. Tell Me I’m worthless is the first story I have read that was able to truly scare me. The haunted descriptions of the house chilled me to my very core. The terror that these characters experienced left me feeling sick and racked with anxiety.
This book is the definition of horror.
I did have a hard time following the plot at times due to the writing style of endless paragraphs mixed with never ending monologues and sentences containing very few words. Crude language littered the book, I don’t think there was one sentence that didn’t include a derogatory term.
I truly detested the characters, being in their minds had me on edge, like I was peaking behind the curtain of a twisted mind that I did not want to see.
However, I could not put this book down. I hated it, but I kept wanting to pick it up to see how it ended. I don’t know if that was due to the horror elements that terrified me, or the fact that I was praying the main characters were able to find peace after all the trauma they experienced.
I’ve never read a book before that was able to confuse my overall thoughts so profoundly. Ultimately, the few things I liked about the book were overshadowed by the needless overuse of curse words and sexual violence.
This book is the definition of horror.
I did have a hard time following the plot at times due to the writing style of endless paragraphs mixed with never ending monologues and sentences containing very few words. Crude language littered the book, I don’t think there was one sentence that didn’t include a derogatory term.
I truly detested the characters, being in their minds had me on edge, like I was peaking behind the curtain of a twisted mind that I did not want to see.
However, I could not put this book down. I hated it, but I kept wanting to pick it up to see how it ended. I don’t know if that was due to the horror elements that terrified me, or the fact that I was praying the main characters were able to find peace after all the trauma they experienced.
I’ve never read a book before that was able to confuse my overall thoughts so profoundly. Ultimately, the few things I liked about the book were overshadowed by the needless overuse of curse words and sexual violence.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
