A review by justreaditalreadypod
Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
 
If you were to throw a Grady Hendrix novel, Jordon Peele's movie, "Us," and a few episodes of "Stranger Things" into a blender, you would get this novel. I spent just as much time laughing as I did, being creeped out and wondering WTF was happening to this family of siblings. It's the perfect blend of psychological horror, social commentary, and familial drama. I'm still thinking about it.
 
The story centers on the three Williams siblings. Calla is the oldest. She's a 25-year-old woman burdened with the responsibility of caring for her 16-year-old brother Jamie after becoming his legal guardian. Dre, the middle child, has shirked much of his promise to help, leaving Calla to carry the load. But Calla is tired of making sacrifices and being the glue that holds her family together. She's also tired of the recurring nightmares that haunt her sleep. These dreams, which she calls The Nightmare, show her brothers dying in terrifying, inexplicable ways, and she feels powerless to stop them. The nightmare comes to a terrifying high one evening when Jamie is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and someone ends up dead. Calla and Dre pack up Jamie and drive from Seattle to Southern Oregon to wait for things to die down, but the cabin they picked from Airbnb is creepy AF. While they thought they were leaving the danger behind, they may have run toward a bigger evil waiting for them in the woods - something that will blur the lines between reality and nightmare.
 
What I loved most about this book was how it seamlessly intertwines its supernatural and psychological elements with important social issues. Viel doesn't shy away from addressing systemic racism or the immense burdens placed on Black women. Through Calla's perspective, we see the emotional and physical toll of constantly having to hold everything together, of being the family's protector, and of being denied the space to prioritize her own needs while trying to hold her space in a white world. The book also highlights how societal expectations and systemic inequities force Black women into roles of perpetual self-sacrifice - a theme that resonates deeply throughout the narrative.
 
The sibling dynamics are another highlight of the novel. Calla, Jamie, and Dre are vividly drawn characters, each with their own complexities, flaws, and strengths. Their interactions feel real, capturing the mix of love, frustration, and loyalty that defines many sibling relationships. Calla's resentment toward Dre's lack of involvement is palpable, as is her fierce protectiveness over Jamie (and, to an extent, Dr, even though he's grown and living on his own). Viel's nuanced portrayal of these relationships makes the stakes feel deeply personal, intensifying my investment in the siblings' survival.
 
The prose is sharp and evocative, balancing humor with horror in a way that feels both effortless and deliberate. The pacing of the story is another strength. Viel builds tension masterfully, alternating between moments of heart-pounding suspense and quieter, character-driven scenes that deepen our understanding of the siblings' bond. The transitions between these moments are seamless, ensuring the story never feels rushed or uneven. As I said earlier, I found myself laughing at something someone said and then suddenly terrified by what was happening on the page.
 
I both read an ARC and listened to an ALC of this one, and all three narrators did an outstanding job. They captured each of the siblings perfectly. If you prefer audiobooks, I would recommend this one.
 
This is a rare gem and one I'll be thinking about for a while. I'll likely buy a physical copy when it's released just to have it on my shelf so I can revisit it down the line. For anyone who loves a story that's equal parts chilling, thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and has something important to say - this is a must-read. Neena Viel has crafted something truly special, and I, for one, can't wait to see what she writes next.