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A review by patchworkbunny
Other Words for Smoke by Sarah Maria Griffin
5.0
Other Words for Smoke is the most beautifully written creepy tale, set over several Irish summers. The owl that lives in the wallpaper of Bevan's room has her twisted round his wing, demanding bones in exchange for glimpses into the other rooms. He is named Sweet James, which seems even more sinister and he teaches Bevan to be manipulative. Bobby is more than a cat who warns them all away from the owl, knowing just how much damage he can do.
The pages contain the awkwardness of coming of age, adolescent feelings, first loves and period pains, mingling with the wrongness of the house. Bevan's chapters are told in second person, something I'm getting more used to, and it helps get across the idea that there's something getting into her head. It is one of those occasions where second person just works, adding to the atmosphere.
I loved the intertwining of a dark piece of Ireland's past, the wrongs done to girls in the name of religion coalescing into something other. The ending was fitting and it was the perfect standalone. It's as gorgeous on the inside as it is on the outside.
The pages contain the awkwardness of coming of age, adolescent feelings, first loves and period pains, mingling with the wrongness of the house. Bevan's chapters are told in second person, something I'm getting more used to, and it helps get across the idea that there's something getting into her head. It is one of those occasions where second person just works, adding to the atmosphere.
I loved the intertwining of a dark piece of Ireland's past, the wrongs done to girls in the name of religion coalescing into something other. The ending was fitting and it was the perfect standalone. It's as gorgeous on the inside as it is on the outside.