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theremightbecupcakes's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Vomit, Alcohol, Confinement, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Body horror, Death, Gore, Death of parent, Self harm, Alcoholism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Trafficking, and Violence
Moderate: Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, and Kidnapping
nataly_thevelveteenpage's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
As a race, we humans are paradoxically and often uncontrollably drawn to that which is morbid and fear inducing, despite it going against the fibres of our being. Certainty is much more manageable and palatable than the unknown, so we rubber neck road side accidents, pore over negative news and digest hours worth of horror and true crime. Books are one of the several mediums that allow you to consume bitesize pieces of monstrosity, at your personal pace and convenience, in the comfort of your own home.
Burner is such a book. It unfolds through two voices via differing circumstance. By flitting between two powerful female led narratives, a whole host of very real and macabre human depravity is unveiled. The heartbreaking element of the jarring and alarming themes throughout, is that they are still frightfully prevalent within some sordid societal corners today.
Ford has an interesting voice in that it varies greatly in timbre. Lulling you into a pleasant sense of security prior to invading your mental landscape in a most horrific assault. The story bursts forth through his words and lays itself bare before you, and because curiosity and certainty compel us to discover the truth, you cannot look away. You read on. You need to know. No matter how uncomfortable it may make you, and trust me- this story lacks significantly in traditional comfort.
It is a raw and unabridged glimpse into the human experience, how it shapes and changes the minds psychology, how certain life stains will seep and bleed, spreading until they permeate the soul, rotting the very core.
Interestingly for me, I found myself only able to relate to one of the main characters after the catalyst within the plot. I noted that a strength and resilience can come with trauma, even sometimes hope, no matter how warped or desperate that may be. Comparison is so often considered the thief of joy, but I think in some situations it can strengthen your resolve-- when you catch that glimmer of recognition. And then the slightest, knowing curve of a smile.
Burner is such a book. It unfolds through two voices via differing circumstance. By flitting between two powerful female led narratives, a whole host of very real and macabre human depravity is unveiled. The heartbreaking element of the jarring and alarming themes throughout, is that they are still frightfully prevalent within some sordid societal corners today.
Ford has an interesting voice in that it varies greatly in timbre. Lulling you into a pleasant sense of security prior to invading your mental landscape in a most horrific assault. The story bursts forth through his words and lays itself bare before you, and because curiosity and certainty compel us to discover the truth, you cannot look away. You read on. You need to know. No matter how uncomfortable it may make you, and trust me- this story lacks significantly in traditional comfort.
It is a raw and unabridged glimpse into the human experience, how it shapes and changes the minds psychology, how certain life stains will seep and bleed, spreading until they permeate the soul, rotting the very core.
Interestingly for me, I found myself only able to relate to one of the main characters after the catalyst within the plot. I noted that a strength and resilience can come with trauma, even sometimes hope, no matter how warped or desperate that may be. Comparison is so often considered the thief of joy, but I think in some situations it can strengthen your resolve-- when you catch that glimmer of recognition. And then the slightest, knowing curve of a smile.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Confinement, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Trafficking, and Violence
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