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syddieff's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
heyspaghetti's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
libraryforspooky's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up - In a world where the dead can wake and walk among us, what is truly real? This question lies at the heart of Johanna van Veen's haunting and beautifully crafted novel, "My Darling Dreadful Thing." With its dark atmosphere, compelling characters, and a narrative that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural, this queer horror story captivates from the very first page.
Roos Beckman is a young woman living a life steeped in the occult, conducting sordid backroom séances orchestrated by her exploitative mother. Her only solace is Ruth, a spirit companion who has been dead for centuries yet remains Roos' steadfast friend and protector. Roos' bleak existence takes a turn when wealthy widow Agnes Knoop enters her life, inviting her to live at her crumbling estate. The manor is eerie, but the growing attraction between Roos and Agnes offers a glimmer of hope and connection. However, this budding relationship takes a dark turn when Agnes ends up dead, and Roos is found at the scene, claiming a spirit is responsible.
The novel alternates between the present, where Roos is being evaluated by Dr. Montague to determine her mental fitness to stand trial, and the past, detailing her relationship with Agnes and the events leading up to the fateful night. This structure not only heightens the suspense but also delves deeply into Roos' psyche, exploring themes of trauma, love, and the fine line between sanity and madness.
Van Veen's writing is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the decaying manor and the chilling presence of the supernatural. The relationship between Roos and Agnes is tenderly portrayed, their connection palpable and intense. The introduction of Dr. Montague adds an intriguing psychological layer to the story, as he tries to untangle the truth from Roos' potentially delusional mind.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to maintain a dreadful tone and dark atmosphere throughout. The question of whether the ghosts are real or a figment of the characters' imaginations adds a layer of ambiguity that keeps readers on edge. This ambiguity is enhanced by the interwoven interviews, which provide different perspectives on Roos' mental state and the plausibility of her supernatural claims.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be slow, and some readers might find the ambiguity frustrating rather than intriguing. Additionally, while the characters are well-developed, the secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to add depth to the narrative.
In summary, "My Darling Dreadful Thing" is a unique and compelling read that masterfully blends horror, psychological thriller, and queer romance. Johanna van Veen's ability to create a chilling atmosphere and complex characters makes this novel a standout in the genre. Despite some minor pacing issues, the story's emotional depth and haunting beauty make it a memorable read. For those who enjoy a dark, atmospheric tale that questions the nature of reality, this book is a must-read.
Roos Beckman is a young woman living a life steeped in the occult, conducting sordid backroom séances orchestrated by her exploitative mother. Her only solace is Ruth, a spirit companion who has been dead for centuries yet remains Roos' steadfast friend and protector. Roos' bleak existence takes a turn when wealthy widow Agnes Knoop enters her life, inviting her to live at her crumbling estate. The manor is eerie, but the growing attraction between Roos and Agnes offers a glimmer of hope and connection. However, this budding relationship takes a dark turn when Agnes ends up dead, and Roos is found at the scene, claiming a spirit is responsible.
The novel alternates between the present, where Roos is being evaluated by Dr. Montague to determine her mental fitness to stand trial, and the past, detailing her relationship with Agnes and the events leading up to the fateful night. This structure not only heightens the suspense but also delves deeply into Roos' psyche, exploring themes of trauma, love, and the fine line between sanity and madness.
Van Veen's writing is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the decaying manor and the chilling presence of the supernatural. The relationship between Roos and Agnes is tenderly portrayed, their connection palpable and intense. The introduction of Dr. Montague adds an intriguing psychological layer to the story, as he tries to untangle the truth from Roos' potentially delusional mind.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to maintain a dreadful tone and dark atmosphere throughout. The question of whether the ghosts are real or a figment of the characters' imaginations adds a layer of ambiguity that keeps readers on edge. This ambiguity is enhanced by the interwoven interviews, which provide different perspectives on Roos' mental state and the plausibility of her supernatural claims.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be slow, and some readers might find the ambiguity frustrating rather than intriguing. Additionally, while the characters are well-developed, the secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to add depth to the narrative.
In summary, "My Darling Dreadful Thing" is a unique and compelling read that masterfully blends horror, psychological thriller, and queer romance. Johanna van Veen's ability to create a chilling atmosphere and complex characters makes this novel a standout in the genre. Despite some minor pacing issues, the story's emotional depth and haunting beauty make it a memorable read. For those who enjoy a dark, atmospheric tale that questions the nature of reality, this book is a must-read.
books_alex_reads's review
3.5
While beautifully written, I don’t think the story moved me the same way others did. I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere and ghost companions as well ass the format of the main character telling her story interspersed with doctors notes regarding her mental state, but I think the story was just not compelling to me.
baeyle's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
thevampirereads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
djbagwell's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.0
emoses82's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
biblizo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
kylosten's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This story was a gothic horror dream. It has beautiful writing, a sapphic love story, and unsettling antagonists.
If you liked The Turn of the Screw or Our Hideous Progeny you will probably like this.
It's told by the MC, Roos Beckman, while she's talking to a psychiatric doctor after everything has unfolded so they know the ending but Roos has all the details.
This is going to be one I continue to think about.
If you go to pick this up I would be sure to check content warnings.
If you liked The Turn of the Screw or Our Hideous Progeny you will probably like this.
It's told by the MC, Roos Beckman, while she's talking to a psychiatric doctor after everything has unfolded so they know the ending but Roos has all the details.
This is going to be one I continue to think about.
If you go to pick this up I would be sure to check content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Incest, Sexual assault, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Cannibalism, and Pregnancy