A review by subbiebash
Darling Beasts: A Novel by Michelle Gable

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Siblings Talia, Gabby, and Ozzie Gunn are each living their own lives when their father, Marshton Gunn, summons them to San Diego to help with his latest project—a political campaign. Still reeling from the fallout of his brother Doug’s arrest and the collapse of their family business, Marshton is hoping this new venture will be a comeback. Talia, the responsible eldest, agrees without much protest, while Gabby and Ozzie are far more reluctant.

As the siblings work together in close quarters for the first time in years, buried resentments and long-held secrets begin to surface. The strained dynamic between them and their father adds tension and emotional weight to the story.

Complicating matters is Gabby’s condition—PBS, a rare and magical illness that causes her to manifest wild animals during emotional flares. Whether it’s flamingoes or emus, Gabby never knows what creature might appear next, or when her itching flare-ups will begin.

At its heart, Darling Beasts explores the lasting impact of family trauma and the way the past can quietly shape our present. It also considers the cost of secrecy—especially the kind kept for decades—and the ways love and resentment can coexist within the same relationships.

The book’s short, punchy chapters kept the pacing brisk and accessible, which I appreciated. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between the siblings; each had a distinct voice and perspective, and the alternating points of view helped flesh out their individual arcs.

I picked up this novel for a reading challenge prompt involving “creatures,” and while Gabby’s magical condition intrigued me, the magical realism aspect felt a bit underdeveloped. The animal manifestations were quirky and fun, but I would have loved to see that element explored more deeply or connected more symbolically to the plot and emotional themes.

Still, Darling Beasts is an enjoyable, emotionally rich story about complicated family ties, generational baggage, and the awkward beauty of reconnection. A great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven fiction with a twist of the surreal.