A review by theelliad
Penance by Eliza Clark

5.0

This book is incredible! The use of intertextuality and mixed media really brings the story to life and leaves you questioning everything all the time- i think the presentation of it as fact is also so clever and I found myself googling references to understand what was true and what was invented! The prose is equally beautifully written and there id something of both Evelyn Hugo and In Cold Blood about this! The overarching commentary on the fictionalisation, romanticisation and even sexualisation of true crime is a powerful message, at times you are completely uncomfortable with it while also remaining introspective of your own position as reader of this text!!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Biphobia, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Death of parent, Murder, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail