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flightyzeus 's review for:
The September House
by Carissa Orlando
Off to a good start for the year, with this fresh take on the haunted house theme. Tonally it was reminiscent of [b:A House with Good Bones|60784409|A House with Good Bones|T. Kingfisher|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664972416l/60784409._SY75_.jpg|95849240]. I only had a vague sense of what The September House was about before diving in, which made it all the more refreshing to read. This isn't the typical story of someone who slowly discovers and ultimately tries to escape their haunted house, this is someone who both acknowledges and willingly lives with the haunting. There was a lot of quirk and heart to this, from the nonchalant mention of "I could sort Elias by reuniting him with his mothers bones" to the endearing nature of Frederickas 'help' around the house. Margaret's relationship with her husband added another layer to the story, her ruminations of how by all accounts her life should be unrecognisable as her own was relatable and poignant. The only character I found difficult was Katherine who spent a lot of the book in a tantrum esque state of being. I think it is explored and resolved by the end, but she could be a bit grating at times. Overall it was a very solid read, leaving me excited to see what Carissa Orlando brings out next.