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theinstabookworm's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Let me preface this by saying I'm very new to the horror genre. I think this is only my second horror novel, but I loved it and devoured it. Every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up again. This was creepy as fuck, but in the best way. The author writes at the beginning of the book that he wrote this from a child's point of view and that the way it was written was intentional. I'll admit I was skeptical after I read that, and while there was some cheesy dialogue, I don't think this would have had the same effect if it hadn't been written from a child's POV. I read this with the lights on, and I recommend you do, too!
I didn't like all the trauma dumping Bela's parents did when they thought she was asleep, but I loved her grandmother standing up for her. I'll definitely be reading more of Malerman's books!
I didn't like all the trauma dumping Bela's parents did when they thought she was asleep, but I loved her grandmother standing up for her. I'll definitely be reading more of Malerman's books!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Infidelity, and Car accident