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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Wow ok I really loved this book. It’s one of those where I wanted to get back to it to check in on the main character all the time, see how she was doing. Basically, she escapes a Black-power cult (or is it?) and gives birth in the woods. But there’s a lot going on that I wouldn’t want to spoil. This book has everything: survivalism, parenting, queer relationships, the supernatural, body horror, racism and colonialism…. I really got sucked into it and loved it. It ain’t gonna be for everyone. It was for me.
Life in a religious cult is all Vern has ever known. Now 15 and pregnant with twins by the abusive cult leader, Vern escapes to the woods to raise her babies off the grid. But when the cult refuses to let them go, she learns she has more strength to protect them than seems humanly possible.
This is a dark, twisty, terrifying horror novel. It's also beautifully written, with flowing prose and complex characters that won't get out of my head. I think it's best to go into this novel without a lot of context and let Vern quietly tell you what you need to know. It builds to an earthshaking crescendo you can't forget.
This is a dark, twisty, terrifying horror novel. It's also beautifully written, with flowing prose and complex characters that won't get out of my head. I think it's best to go into this novel without a lot of context and let Vern quietly tell you what you need to know. It builds to an earthshaking crescendo you can't forget.
As always I would like to start out by saying I am not own voices in this subject so please go check out those reviews first.
I loved this book! I knew I was going to like it since I liked Rivers' other books so much especially the Deep. That being said this is a really hard book to review. This book covers a lot and most of it I have no authority to speak on.
I can say I really enjoyed the plot Rivers constructed. I couldn't put this book down because I just had to know what was going to happen. The mystery they created was so good and spooky in a way I was not expecting. Honestly over all the plot of this book was just amazing.
I also really enjoyed the characters. I especially loved Howling and Feral. The two were so distinctly different and unique from any other characters I have read. They were one of the most fascinating parts of the story for me and I honestly they had been in the story a bit more.
If you are looking for a unique fantasy/horror this id the book for you. This book also deals with some amazing and tough subject in a unique way. (Again check out own voices reviews for thought on those subjects.) This definitely a book I can not wait to read again and show off and recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for an early review copy.
I loved this book! I knew I was going to like it since I liked Rivers' other books so much especially the Deep. That being said this is a really hard book to review. This book covers a lot and most of it I have no authority to speak on.
I can say I really enjoyed the plot Rivers constructed. I couldn't put this book down because I just had to know what was going to happen. The mystery they created was so good and spooky in a way I was not expecting. Honestly over all the plot of this book was just amazing.
I also really enjoyed the characters. I especially loved Howling and Feral. The two were so distinctly different and unique from any other characters I have read. They were one of the most fascinating parts of the story for me and I honestly they had been in the story a bit more.
If you are looking for a unique fantasy/horror this id the book for you. This book also deals with some amazing and tough subject in a unique way. (Again check out own voices reviews for thought on those subjects.) This definitely a book I can not wait to read again and show off and recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for an early review copy.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is like, a high-end 4 star for me and there's a chance I may nudge the rating up later. I think I'll always love the monsterous transformation as allegory thing, and this book did it well AND gave Vern room to be messy but loved reasonably and I think that'll be the part that'll keep me thinking of the book.
The only reason it's really ticked down a star is the ending didn't seem to wrap anything up for me, but the book in general was great.
The only reason it's really ticked down a star is the ending didn't seem to wrap anything up for me, but the book in general was great.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Thanks to Netgalley for a proof
Sorrowland follows the story of Vern Fields as she fights for a life outside the religious compound in which she was raised.
"Vern's realm was that of the purely physical. Bone. Water. Dirt. Viscera."
The first part of the book is all survivalist; Vern must learn to negotiate the wilderness whilst raising her two newborn children. The nature writing is heady and visceral, choked with descriptions that somehow manage to be florid and concise.
The story soon takes on more of a thriller tone, but maintains Vern's brutal perspective and survivalist attitude. Amongst the chases and horrors, there are moments of real wisdom which are all the more appreciated amongst the carnage.
The exploration of queerness/otherness is at once subtle and unabashed. Vern's figuring of her own sexuality outside the condemnation of the compound in which she was raised is beautifully rendered.
Occasionally the writing lent towards heavy-handedness, but this petered out as the story progressed and seemed to work with Vern's voice.
"In the woods, it doesn't matter than there is no patch of earth that has not known bone, known blood, known rot. It feeds from that. It grows the trees. The mushrooms. It turns sorrows into flowers."
A strange and enjoyable balance of pacy scifi horror and bracing, incisive thoughtfulness.
7/10
Sorrowland follows the story of Vern Fields as she fights for a life outside the religious compound in which she was raised.
"Vern's realm was that of the purely physical. Bone. Water. Dirt. Viscera."
The first part of the book is all survivalist; Vern must learn to negotiate the wilderness whilst raising her two newborn children. The nature writing is heady and visceral, choked with descriptions that somehow manage to be florid and concise.
The story soon takes on more of a thriller tone, but maintains Vern's brutal perspective and survivalist attitude. Amongst the chases and horrors, there are moments of real wisdom which are all the more appreciated amongst the carnage.
The exploration of queerness/otherness is at once subtle and unabashed. Vern's figuring of her own sexuality outside the condemnation of the compound in which she was raised is beautifully rendered.
Occasionally the writing lent towards heavy-handedness, but this petered out as the story progressed and seemed to work with Vern's voice.
"In the woods, it doesn't matter than there is no patch of earth that has not known bone, known blood, known rot. It feeds from that. It grows the trees. The mushrooms. It turns sorrows into flowers."
A strange and enjoyable balance of pacy scifi horror and bracing, incisive thoughtfulness.
7/10
You cannot tell me that Solomon is not the voice of a generation. Solid 5/5, holy shit.
I was inspired to write this review in memory of Jenny (Reading Envy) Colvin.
Vern's story is very traumatic but she is worth your time. Some of the book was difficult to read but keep on it.
#JennyGuyColvin
Vern's story is very traumatic but she is worth your time. Some of the book was difficult to read but keep on it.
#JennyGuyColvin
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated