Reviews

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

mtstellens's review against another edition

5.0

I am not really a big fan of memoirs, but I really loved the way that this was written. It is discombobulating and that perfectly represents how it feels to deal with abuse. There is nothing that isn't experimented with from chapter headings to adding historical research, much like her short stories. Though heartbreaking, it is important to talk about abuse in same sex relationships, and this is a really unique look at a firsthand account of that.

lilasky's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful informative sad medium-paced

4.0

the_lilypad's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

4.5

shelasher's review against another edition

4.0

4 Stars

 

What a gift to be able to interpret one’s life experience with such beautiful prose and insightful retrospect. This is a quietly touching book, raw and grounded, observant and engaging. I imagine this book is more of a cathartic experience for the author, while I relate to little in her lived experience, I can appreciate the great skill and work that went into this memoir.

pickelle's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

hsummers6's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced

4.5

sare_fenn's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

raecello's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

4.75

kpcrossy's review against another edition

4.0

4/5 ⭐️: honest and affecting- this book drew me in and then broke me! “In the Dream House” is Carmen Machado’s memoir of an emotionally and physically abusive queer relationship. It’s an inventive piece of writing, which uses a range of literary genres and approaches. The story begins with what appears to be the start of a happy relationship, but Machado slowly introduces a growing sense of dread. Her girlfriend threatens her when she doesn’t return calls, picks fights, and inflicts physical discomfort on her. As the girlfriend’s behaviour becomes more hostile, Machado stays with her, growing disoriented as she oscillates between being harmed and being love-bombed. For me, one of the most powerful parts of this book is Machado’s insistence that queer abusers should not be protected, and that queer people “deserve to have [their] wrongdoing represented.” There is so little writing on domestic abuse in queer relationships, so this an incredibly important read.

harpyd's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad tense fast-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this. I’m a big memoir fan, and I thought the way this was written was very unique and thoughtful. Some of Machado’s descriptions of her situation were heartbreakingly beautiful. A must read for everyone, but there’s a lot to unpack! Tread lightly.