pixelbath 's review for:

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

5.0

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

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Such a beautiful, psychological tale of Machado’s life. Often times I forgot I was reading a memoir, its pacing was so unique and story-like. I’ve never quite read a non-fiction book like this. 

This is the second book I’ve read of Machado’s and I felt a similar way both times after reading her work— like I was being flung back into reality. She creates a world so effortlessly that you can’t help but envelop yourself in, even if it’s supposed to be tortuous. It feels so warm, so inviting, and I always wish the book was longer. But I love that feeling from a book, I feel, personally, as though it’s a good thing to leave the reader wanting more. 

The queer talk in this book was amazing. It had me questioning things and ways I speak and handle my community, made me aware of how imperfect queerness is and that it is sometimes what makes it beautiful, but can also be what makes you want to rear your head at it. 

And this book had plenty of both. This book feels horrible, sticky, wet, while also beautiful, airy, and lush. 

And while yes, this book is contemporary, she has such a way of blending old with new that I forgot at times that this is a newer book! I applaud her for that. I wish more authors would take the jump like she has. I think she could write anything and I would give it a five star review. Everything that I have read of hers so far, feels timeless.

Really exceptional, beautifully twisted memoir. I’m not sure if I’ll ever read a memoir so beautiful and intriguing. 

5/5⭐️